Thinking about spending Thanksgiving in the Smokies? There are so many fun things to do in Gatlinburg in November, as the holiday season is in full swing, with festive activities, delicious food, and more! Here are just a few options if you need help deciding what to do during Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg:
1. Ober Mountain
Gatlinburg in November marks the beginning of the winter sports season, and Ober Mountain offers the only snow tubing in Gatlinburg, as well as skiing and snowboarding; plus, year-round indoor ice skating! You can bring your own gear, or rent anything you need onsite. Ober creates their own snow and offers a Snow Zone play area for smaller children, so everyone can have a great time!
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Whether you want to build an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner or work off some of that turkey from the night before, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers scenic hiking trails that are easy for families of all ages! One of our favorites is The Gatlinburg Trail, since you can access the trailhead just down the road from our hotel. This flat path meanders through the woods and ends at Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you’ll find several more family-friendly hiking trails!
3. Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
A Gatlinburg Thanksgiving weekend isn’t complete without a visit to the Convention Center for the annual Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show! The local arts and crafts community features a diverse collection of artisans, and even more men and women from the surrounding area come to showcase their impressive skills and handiwork. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about local heritage from the Smoky Mountain area and find a few unique souvenirs and Christmas gifts!
4. Holiday Shopping
Speaking of Christmas presents, why not wrap up your holiday shopping early and support small businesses in the Smokies? Instead of fighting traffic and other shoppers at a mall, enjoy a walk through Gatlinburg’s Village Shops and other one-of-a-kind stores. Read more about the best places to go holiday shopping!
5. Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is a local event that features kids’ crafts, twinkling Christmas trees, entertainment each day, and visits from Santa Claus himself. Admission is free, but any collected proceeds from the festival go to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. The Festival of Trees is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and support a good cause.
Can’t get enough of the Christmas celebrations? Check out our Winterfest event guide for more events and ways to enjoy the holiday light displays during your Thanksgiving weekend in Gatlinburg!
6. A Thanksgiving Feast
We can’t forget about the main event: Thanksgiving dinner! There are many Gatlinburg restaurants open for Thanksgiving, including traditional Southern cuisine like Smith & Son Corner Kitchen and The Park Grill (requires reservations for Thanksgiving Day). However, why not have an unconventional holiday meal instead? Choose from Mexican food, seafood, barbeque, Italian, and so much more!
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of the year, Gatlinburg will offer plenty for you to see and do. Make sure you get the best hotel deals ahead of time and worry less about last-minute planning when you come stay in our cozy rooms for your future getaway.
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