Gatlinburg is a magical place to be during the holiday season, making it the perfect destination for your Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration! You’ll not only find spectacular holiday light displays throughout town but also wonderful special events that will fill your heart with cheer! All of the best Christmas activities in Gatlinburg TN are just steps away from our hotel! Here are the top festive ways to celebrate Christmas in Gatlinburg with your family and friends:
1. Gatlinburg’s Annual Christmas Parade
If you are lucky enough to be in town on the first Friday in December, you are in for a real treat with the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This spectacular parade kicks off at 7:30 pm from the Baskins Creek Bypass and features balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and groups, several marching bands, and more!
The Gatlinburg TN Christmas parade route runs through the middle of downtown Gatlinburg before ending at traffic light #10. Be sure to arrive early to find parking and a good viewing spot on the Parkway to watch the parade!
2. Tunnel of Lights at Gatlinburg SkyPark
You won’t want to miss out on Christmas at Gatlinburg SkyPark, especially since the SkyBridge is decked out with twinkling holiday lights from end to end! The Tunnel of Lights is a special holiday experience the whole family will love, not to mention all of the other festive activities, dining options, and spectacular mountain views.
Plus, you can bring your pet along (be sure to check their guidelines for which areas of the attraction pets are welcome). Book one of our pet-friendly hotel rooms in downtown Gatlinburg to stay just a few minutes away from dog-friendly places like Gatlinburg SkyPark, the Gatlinburg Trail, and more!
3. Holiday Shopping at Small Businesses
Gatlinburg TN during Christmas is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and shop small! From toy stores to pottery to specialty food products, there are plenty of unique stores in Gatlinburg selling items that you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll be able to find something special for every person on your list!
Read More: 4 Best Places to Go Holiday Shopping in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
4. Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
If you love browsing one-of-a-kind Great Smoky Mountain gifts, then another of the best Gatlinburg Christmas activities is the annual Arts and Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This holiday craft show takes place the first week in December and features handmade gifts and products from the local Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community.
You can even watch some of these wonderful products being made, and admission is free! This is the perfect place to do any last-minute holiday shopping and perhaps even pick up a gift or two for yourself!
Celebrate Christmas in Gatlinburg at Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Take a look at our affordable Gatlinburg hotel rooms today to plan your holiday getaway to the Smoky Mountains and enjoy the magic of Christmas in Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!
Related Posts
Recent Posts
