Gatlinburg Vacations, Year-Round
Gatlinburg Through the Seasons
Veteran’s Day Celebration - This is a free event to salute the American Veterans. The live musical tribute on Ripley’s Aquarium Stage is a must see!
A Taste of Autumn - This is a fundraising event that offers samples of signature dishes created by the area’s finest restaurants. There is live musical entertainment to enjoy, as well as an auction and a cash bar.
Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff - As fall starts taking the turn toward winter, and Gatlinburg gets revved up for its annual Winter Magic celebration, it’s the perfect time to get some hearty food in your belly. Come and see Gatlinburg lit up with millions of winter lights for the season and taste some of the best chili you will ever have.
Festival of Trees - You’ll find scores of beautifully decorated Christmas trees as we head to the holiday season. Performances are presented as well as other entertainment and arts.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament -This is the largest trout tournament in the Smokey Mountains.The annual tournament is open to adults and children, and is equally challenging to the locals and visitors from all over the world. Winners are judged in multiple categories.
Winter
Although it's chilly this time of year, there are lots of festive and fun things to do in Gatlinburg when winter rolls around.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic - One of Gatlinburg’s proudest events is so big that it's well-know beyond Gatlinburg. The Southeast Tourism Society considers Gatlinburg Winter Magic one of winter’s “Top 20 Events." Running from November to February, Winter Magic is the grand umbrella celebration under which many fantastic winter events take place, like the Christmas Parade, the holiday craft show, and the New Year’s celebration. This event makes a winter vacation to Gatlinburg all that more appealing.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade - Over 80,000 people come to see this annual parade. It’s a spirited and magical celebration with over 100 decorated entries, including marching bands and huge helium balloons. Come early to get a spot and to enjoy the pre-parade live dancing and singing performances.
Winter Magic Tunes & Tales - Visitors can come here and meet some characters from some favorite holiday tales, and also enjoy some caroling with live entertainment along the parkway on Friday and Saturday nights.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show - This annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center gives the locals a chance to show off their unique and handcrafted arts and crafts.
The Nutcracker “Sweet” - This event is presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre Company and is a classic here in Gatlinburg. The performances are spectacular and will have you reeling from true holiday spirit.
Trolley Ride of Lights - You and the family can enjoy a free trolley ride through downtown Gatlinburg as you gaze at the millions of lights on the street and buildings.
Gatlinburg springs are absolutely gorgeous as the area just erupts in bloom.
Celebrate Santa - Christmas in the spring! Yes, indeed, Santa Claus is definitely coming to town. Actually, hundreds of Santa Clauses are coming to town. Celebrate Santa is a major convention of Santas held every March, where pseudo St. Nicks from all over come to share ideas and get better at what they do. You’ll also see Mrs. Clauses, elves, and reindeer, all participating in classes, workshops, exhibits, vendors showcases, and entertainment. One of the highlights of the convention is the Holly and Shamrock parade, a combination of Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, and one of the most unique parades you will ever see.
Gatlinburg’s 8th Annual Ribfest & Wings Festival - You can come and sample some yummy wings and ribs while the locals hold an annual fundraiser event.
Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games - This event features bagpipe competitions, highland athletics, highland dancing, haggis hurling, collie demonstrations, whiskey tasting, live entertainment, great food and merchandise vendors.
Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival - This is a family-oriented festival featuring food, entertainment and the best of the arts from all types of artists from all over the globe.
Easter Sunrise at Ober - Join the locals for this serenely peaceful and amazing early morning Easter Service that takes place atop Mt. Harrison. It’s inspiring as well as beautiful.
