The holiday season is an exciting time in the Smokies, with all types of festive events throughout November and December! Whether you are planning Thanksgiving in the Smokies or a Christmas vacation to enjoy the holiday light displays, there is always something fun going on in Gatlinburg! All the action takes place just steps away from the Sidney James Mountain Lodge! Here are a few fun events to experience during the Gatlinburg Winterfest celebration:
1. Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is the perfect way to experience the magic of the holiday season and get yourself into the Christmas spirit! This event takes place during the Thanksgiving weekend and features a room filled with ornately decorated Christmas trees you have to see to believe! While admission to the event is free, donations to the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains are greatly appreciated! The Festival of Trees takes place at the W. L. Mills Conference Center, which is located at stoplight #8 at the Historic Nature Trail.
2. Winter Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales
December in Gatlinburg also means it's time for the winter edition of Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales! This is another fun event to experience during the Gatlinburg Winterfest celebration, where you can meet characters, storytellers, and carolers all along the Gatlinburg Parkway! Just follow your ears as the holiday music fills the air with a sacred-secular mixture of Appalachia, Bluegrass, and Country! This interactive program is a holiday favorite and takes place on select Friday and Saturday evenings in December. This is your chance to learn some history about the Smokies and meet Santa’s Elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, and other beloved characters!
3. Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
One of the highlights of the Gatlinburg Winterfest is undoubtedly the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade! This delightful parade kicks off during the evening on the first Friday in December and rolls through downtown Gatlinburg with nearly a dozen marching bands playing your favorite holiday tunes! The parade also features a spectacular line-up of balloons and floats decorated by local businesses and groups! The parade starts at the Baskins Creek Bypass and spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Be sure to arrive early to get a great viewing spot along the Parkway!
4. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Start your New Year with a bang by attending the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show in Gatlinburg! This event takes place at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, so you will find plenty of viewing areas all throughout the downtown area. Gatlinburg SkyPark's NYE Lights of Wonder is one of the best ways to kick off the New Year in the Smokies! We also suggest that you still arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials taking place at many of the local Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses!
Are you ready to plan your visit to experience one of these exciting Gatlinburg Winterfest events? Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg today to enjoy our fabulous location near all the fun things to do in Gatlinburg in December! We look forward to seeing you soon at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge!
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