Christmas in Gatlinburg,TN : Best Things to do

Are you planning a trip to celebrate Christmas in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Then you’re at the right place! There is No better Place to celebrate the holidays than the beautiful town of Gatlinburg, TN. This charming town offers lots of fun filled activities along with stunning Christmas lights trail.

Situated in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is Most popular Places of the United States. Visiting Gatlinburg in Christmas or during Winter is an epic bucket list experience. If you’re staying on the East Coast, Probably it’s best place to visit in every season.

I have visited Gatlinburg during Summer, fall and for Christmas holidays. I can tell you why it’s best place to celebrate the holidays! It’s probably most commercial town but so charming that I can go back anytime!

With its charming mountain village atmosphere, beautiful holiday lights, and cozy shops, ski lifts, resorts, parks, cabins, and more, Gatlinburg becomes a magical winter wonderland each Winter holiday season. Whether you’re seeking holiday events or outdoor adventures in the snow, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone to visit in December.

Here’s few of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in December, and why it should be on your winter Bucket list. Keep reading the list of best Gatlinburg must-see attractions and activities to check out during the holiday season. From dazzling lights, festive activities, and adventures in Snow, there are lots of things to do in Gatlinburg in December.

The best part is that the town is even more charming after the Christmas; you’ll still be able to find plenty to do, and especially enjoy the snow, if you’re planning to take a vacation in the latter part of winter!

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Important Things to Know When Visiting Gatlinburg in Christmas

How Cold Is Gatlinburg during Christmas?

During any visit to the mountains, you should expect cooler weather, and don’t forget to take plenty of warm clothes if you visit Gatlinburg, especially if you’re visiting during Winter!

The temperatures tend to be above freezing during the day, but it’s bound to get very cold at night. Usually from November to March temperature ranges from 49° to 52°F during the day and 26° to 35°F at the night.

Does it Snow in Gatlinburg During Christmas?

Gatlinburg is known for being a charming mountain town, and one of the biggest features of any mountain town is the snow.You will definitely see a lot of snow in Gatlinburg, but perhaps you won’t get so lucky if you’re visiting around Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The town usually gets the most snow in January or February, though it’s possible to get lucky in December. On average, Gatlinburg gets an average of 9 inches of snow every year.

Is Gatlinburg crowded at Christmas?

Yes, Gatlinburg tends to be quite crowded at Christmas time. Many people flock to this charming Tennessee town to enjoy the enchanting winter wonderland atmosphere it offers during the holiday season. Therefore, if you’re planning a Christmas trip to Gatlinburg, be prepared for larger crowds and make your accommodation and activity bookings well in advance.

How to Dress for Gatlinburg in December?

The easiest way to stay comfortable throughout the day is to dress in layers when you visit Gatlinburg in December. Your early morning may need your heaviest winter jacket, but by the time lunch time, a sweater might be all you need to enjoy the outdoors. The evenings can be again chilly, so wear the clothes in layers to enjoy the festive season at its best.

Christmas in Gatlinburg, TN

Smoky Mountains Christmas lights are a sight to behold, and the beautiful mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg draped with millions of twinkling lights during the holiday season.

Gatlinburg starts decorating for Christmas in early November, and the lights stay up until the end of February. If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg during Christmas time, be sure to check out all of the great holiday activities that the town has to offer.

There are also plenty of great shops and restaurants to explore draped in holiday decor. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Gatlinburg during the Christmas season.

Best Things To Do During Christmas in Gatlinburg

Before sharing my absolute favorite thing to do during Winter in Gatlinburg, read my absolute best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

So, get ready for festive fun in Gatlinburg. This mountain town comes alive during the holidays with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and plenty of festive events. READ what it’s like in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at Christmas time and what to expect when you visit.

Gatlinburg Winter Lights

Gatlinburg offers a spectacular Christmas lights display during its Winterfest celebration, which  typically runs from First week of November to Mid February. The town transforms into a winter wonderland for locals and visitors during the city’s annual Winter fest festival, which features more than 15 million holiday lights, holiday music and plenty of rides.

You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the millions of lights displayed throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights is a popular way to see all the decorations in a cozy, heated trolley. It’s a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the view without having to walk through the cold.

If you’re here in early December, attend the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season the first Friday in December. It brings a cheerful procession to downtown Gatlinburg with large size festive floats, joyful marching bands, holiday balloons, and more.

Lights at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

The Lights at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is one of the most breathtaking places to visit during Christmas in Gatlinburg. You’ll reach at the top via Chairlift. Once at the top, you’ll find magical Christmas Tree, Christmas themed Photo ops, lighting tunnels and a gift shop.

But the most beautiful sight is Tunnel of Lights that expands the entire length of the SkyBridge (at 1,800 feet above sea level). Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge (680 feet) in North America with glass floor panels in the middle of the Span! It’s a truly magical experience.

There is NO on-site parking but it’s walkable from most downtown parking lots and hotels.

Explore the Wonders of Light trail at Pigeon Forge

The trail features the scenic Riverwalk Nature Trail, a paved walking trail that is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, but remember that pets must be on leashes.

The six-mile out-and-back trail has several access points. During Winterfest, the trail will also be covered in lights featuring walk-thru arches and scenes inspired by nature.

It can be accessed from the city’s Municipal Parking Lot, between the LeConte Center and The Island. The pathway continues to the intersection of Old Mill Avenue and Butler Street, near the Old Mill Historic Square. Don’t forget to visit it during Christmas in Gatlinburg.

Winterfest at the Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island at Pigeon Forge is one of the most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations in the Smokies, and they celebrate the holiday season in style. Enjoy the Winterfest at the Island with most beautiful Christmas trees, and also good food. There is a huge observation wheel that towers above the area decked out in in lights.

And while you’re here must check out the Island Fountain Show, it gets even better during Christmas time. The show features more than 500,000 lights and three Christmas trees. Lastly, end your evening by dining or browsing the stores.

The Island light trail is located at 131 The Island Drive in Pigeon Forge.

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta: Epic things to do in Gatlinburg

Anakeesta is certainly one of the top attractions in downtown Gatlinburg. It is a mountaintop park that features an array of outdoor experiences surrounded by beautiful scenery.

During the winter months, it transforms into a winter wonderland, with a celebration of lights during their Enchanted Christmas celebration.

It features a village of twinkling arctic lights around Firefly Village, Vista Gardens and throughout the 70-acre outdoor mountain-top park, decorated for the holidays, and visitors can enjoy scenic views or hike the tree-top skywalks, which are especially magical under the winter skies.

Visitors can also climb to the top of Anavista Tower, where you’ll have a breathtaking view down on the city’s sparkling lights, which is 600 feet below. 

At the end of the day, you can also enjoy some dinner with your loved ones. To get there, visitors need to either take the scenic Chondola or the Ridge Rambler. 

Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you love outdoor adventures, visit the Smoky Mountains National Park to see the waterfalls, icy river and beautiful mountain tops.

You can choose to moderate hike like Laurel Falls (2.3 miles RT) or challenging 5-mile Rainbow falls trail. Another popular place that hikers enjoy is Alum Cave. It is a 10-mile round trip trail and is the most popular route to Mt. LeConte, the third tallest peak in the Smokies.

But if cold weather hiking isn’t your favorite, you can drive the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road. While driving the route, you’ll notice several churches, barns, log houses, and many other rebuilt 18th and 19th-century architecture.

Cades Cove is one the best places to see Wildlife in the Smoky Mountains especially Black Bears. Visitors can safely observe wildlife from their vehicles, designated pull-offs, or hiking trails.

Hikers can also find numerous trails in the cove, including a trail that takes you to the Abrams Falls and Codes Cove Nature Trail. Read my 3 Day Smoky Mountains Itinerary here.

Great Smoky Mountain Christmas Arts and Crafts Community Show

Located in Sevier County, Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a series of shops, galleries, and locally-owned restaurants on an 8-mile loop of artists and craftsmen.

The Arts and Crafts Community showcases the talent of local artisans featuring unique handmade goods that are displayed and sold by them. The group is also the USA’s largest organization of independent artisans.

Here you will find stunning quilts, straw brooms with hand-carved handles, woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, jewelry, Victorian ceramic pitchers and pottery, dulcimers, stuffed bears, leather vests, and so much more sold by artisans. You’ll find some thoughtful gifts for friends and loved ones here.

Some artists paint magical mountain scenery or specialize in portraits. Some people make hand-woven baskets and brooms. You can also join the artists and practice making their own custom crafts which will be a memorable experience.

Don’t forget about music since some musicians celebrate Appalachian history through the art of music. You can find the Arts and Crafts Community, at 521 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Enjoy Snow at Ober Gatlinburg

While the mountains can be quite cold at this time of the year, snow can be hit or miss. However, for those hoping to see some of the fluffy white snow you still have a few options. OBER Gatlinburg is also a popular place to visit in Christmas.

Ober has traditional snow tubing, year-round indoor ice skating, and most notably, Tennessee’s only ski and snowboard slopes. Usually, the ski slopes are open in early to mid-December and close in March. 

Before skiing or snowboarding, visitors will need a ticket and approved equipment. There are rental areas available for the required types of equipment.Ski Area tickets give access to all Open Ski Slopes and Lifts that service them.

Another fun thing to do is take the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. The breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains will leave you breathless after a 2.1-mile journey.

Snow tubing is another winter activity available in Ober Gatlinburg. It is suitable for all members of the family, regardless of their age.You can enjoy all of the fun of tubing downhill in the snow during your 90-minute session without having to make a long trip up the mountain.

If you hope to go snow tubing at Ober, be sure to book online in advance. Slots fill up quickly. Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Visit Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

While you’re in Gatlinburg, if you have time, make sure to visit nearby town Pigeon Forge. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood stands out among all when it comes to decorating for the holidays, with the park completely covered in lights.

This festive winter wonderland features 50-ft Christmas tree, a symphony of lights with more than 50 million lights in the plaza. Throughout the park, you’ll also find special holiday shows, favorite food and a variety of attractions. The Dollywood Express is also a fun way to enjoy the sights in the park.

It’s very popular time of the year to visit, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Visit Parrot Mountain and Gardens

While lights come alive at night, during the day you can check off few must visit spots near Gatlinburg! If you’re traveling with Kids, must visit Parrot Mountain & Gardens in Pigeon Forge. This four acres of landscaped bird sanctuary is home to hundreds of exotic birds, plants and flowers from around the world.

Expect to spend 3-4 hours at Parrot Mountain, exploring the gardens, paths and nurseries, against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll come across the birds everywhere you go. This is best places to visit for your Christmas in Gatlinburg.

The Best Part about the Parrot Mountain? You can actually hold these birds and play with them. I really loved all the colorful Parrots, even they welcomed us at the entrance! How Cute, Isn’t it?

Parrot Mountain and Gardens open from March to December.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is another place where you can enjoy a drive-through light display. It will transport you to a Christmas spectacle with its creative light and sound displays. You will meander through the amazing lights in your own car, so every member of the family can tag along!

On your drive to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, you can also take some time to see the stunning lights in Sevierville on the way.

It takes place from dusk until 10 pm at the Smokies Stadium. There, you’ll also be able to meet Santa for some memorable pictures. 

Go Christmas Shopping

The Christmas season is a great time to do some shopping in Gatlinburg. With so many unique shops and boutiques, you’re sure to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Many of the shops will be decked out in holiday decor, making your shopping experience even more festive. In Gatlinburg, I recommend the unique shops around Baskins Square Mall and The Village Shops. There are plenty of specialty stores that are unique to the area. 

Santa’s Claus-et, Gatlinburg’s largest Christmas store, is another great place to visit for the holiday season. Of course, there’s the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, the South’s largest Christmas store, which has has everything from designer-themed trees to collectibles and ornaments and a wide variety of collectibles.

Stay Warm at Ripley’s Aquarium 

If you’re tired of cold mountain air outside, head over for a fun, family-friendly activity, at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. During the holiday season, the aquarium hosts “Santa’s Claus-et,” a special Christmas-themed exhibit featuring decorations, holiday lights, and opportunities to meet Santa.

Kids will love the festive underwater displays, as well as the chance to interact with penguins, turtles, and other sea life.

See a Christmas themed Show

While you’re in Pigeon Forge, be sure to catch one of the area’s many Christmas-themed shows at theaters throughout November and December. Shows in the Smokies offer a variety of entertainment options featuring comedians, live animals, singers, comedy, dancers and more. This is one of most fun things to do for your Christmas in Gatlinburg.

The Comedy Barn (an area favorite), Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirate’s Voyage, The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud offer Christmas-themed shows this time of year. Few of them are dinner shows. So, be prepared accordingly.

Stay in the Mountain Cabin

Winter weather calls for cozy cabin and Christmas time is one of the best to rent a cabin for all of your family and friends in the Smoky Mountains.

Just play the games, drink and eat together. We stayed in the small Cabin style home near Pigeon forge with our friends during Christmas break. The breathtaking views, cozy fireplaces and Christmas vibes with the crisp mountain air, are enough to slow down you!

Go for Testing some ‘shine

This time of year is perfect to taste the local Moonshine. If you’re in downtown Gatlinburg, you won’t have to try too hard to find wineries or distilleries. Just walk the main street, and you’ll find one.

Moonshine” means the practice of producing the alcohol under the cover of night to avoid detection, hence “shining by the moonlight”. During early 20th Century, the rise of Prohibition, there was nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages.

During this time, there was significant increase in illegal moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. But today it’s legalized and very celebrated Spirit of Smoky Mountain’s local community and culture.

One of the most popular distilleries in Gatlinburg TN is Ole Smoky Moonshine Known as “The Holler,”. They offers moonshine tastings for a small $5 fee that goes towards a purchase in their gift shop. You can also take a tour of their distillery to learn more about the moonshine making process!

You can also check out another popular one Sugarlands Distillery Company. They also offers tours of their facility, and you can stop by their bar where you can try unusual cocktails made with their moonshine!

Where to Stay for Christmas in Gatlinburg, TN?

You will find several amazing places to stay in Gatlinburg in winter – including many cozy cabins and resort lodges. Here are some of the top picks for your trip:

• Greystone Lodge on the River
• Gatlinburg Inn
• Bearskin Lodge on the River
• Budget: The Appy Lodge

→ Read my detailed post about Best areas to stay in Gatlinburg.

Looking for More Christmas Places to Visit ?

• Christmas in St Augustine, Florida
• Best Things to do in NYC during Christmas
• Best areas to stay in NYC for Christmas

I hope I’ve convinced you to Visit Gatlinburg for best Christmas holidays! Save this Post to plan it later.