Planning to spend Christmas in Gatlinburg this year? You picked a good one. By late November the Parkway is glowing with millions of LED lights, the Smoky Mountains are showing off their winter colors, and downtown fills up with parades, chili cook-offs, mountaintop light shows, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Whether you’re traveling with a partner, a big extended family, or you’re focused on things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, you’ll have no trouble filling a long weekend (or a full week) with cozy cabin time, scenic drives, and big-ticket attractions.
Below, we’ll walk you through the main 2025 events, can’t-miss holiday lights, and best local experiences so you can make the most of your time in Gatlinburg.
What’s happening in Gatlinburg during Christmas?
From early November through February, Gatlinburg switches into Winter Magic mode, with millions of LED lights draped over the Parkway, animated displays in and around downtown, and a full calendar of seasonal events.
The city’s official Winter Magic program includes the big three: the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, the Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff, and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks.
If you’re here during that window, it’s easy to plan your trip around one or two of the big events.
But first….a few quick things to know about Gatlinburg in the winter:
- Average highs: mid-40s to low-50s °F
- Average lows: upper-20s to low-30s °F
- Average December snowfall in town: around 1 inch, with most snow in the Smokies coming in January and February.
You might get lucky with a white Christmas in town, but it’s more common to see snow on the higher ridges while downtown stays clear. Either way, Gatlinburg in December feels like winter—pack layers, waterproof shoes, hats, and gloves.
You can check the official events calendar here:
➡️ Gatlinburg Winter Events
You can also check Visit Gatlinburg Facebook’s page for updates.
Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Christmas
You’ll never run out of things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter, but these are the can’t-miss experiences if you’re here for the holidays.
1. Gatlinburg Christmas Parade
The Gatlinburg Christmas parade, officially the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, is one of the biggest events of the season. This year, the parade celebrates its 50th year, and downtown really leans into the milestone.
Floats covered in lights, local marching bands, huge balloons, and performers roll down the Parkway while the whole town lines the sidewalks with hot chocolate in hand.
If you’re traveling with younger kids, this is one of the most “worth it” evenings of your whole Gatlinburg Christmas stay: they get the small-town Christmas parade experience, but with full-on Winter Magic lighting the streets around them.
When is the Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg?
- Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Info and tickets on the official parade page
Grandstand seating (with great views and a souvenir Santa hat) is available for an extra fee, and those tickets often sell out.
2. Hit the snow at Ober Mountain
Nothing says Christmas in Gatlinburg like riding the Aerial Tramway up to Ober Mountain and spending the day in the snow. Ober is Tennessee’s original ski area and still the go-to spot for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating.
A few things to know before you go:
- Ski and snowboard season typically runs from early–mid December into March, depending on weather and snowmaking conditions.
- Snow tubing usually opens before Thanksgiving and continues into March, and it’s a big hit with non-skiers.
- Off the slopes, you’ve got indoor ice skating, the Snow Zone play area, the mountain coaster, shops, and restaurants; all great options if not everyone in the group wants to ski.
You can start downtown, board the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, and glide straight up to the resort instead of driving mountain roads. Check current conditions, hours, and tickets on Ober Mountain’s official site.
3. Walk through Lights Over Gatlinburg
If you’ve seen photos of a massive suspension bridge covered in lights, that’s Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyPark. The entire mountaintop park transforms with a tunnel of lights across the SkyBridge, huge Christmas trees, and tons of photo spots.
The nice thing here is the flexibility. Come up in the afternoon for sweeping Great Smoky Mountain views, then return after dark on the same ticket with a SkyPass to see the lights.
You can find dates and buy tickets on the Lights Over Gatlinburg event page.
4. Stop at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is already one of the most popular mountaintop parks in town. During Enchanted Christmas, it levels up with more than a million lights, a hot cocoa crawl, live entertainment, and seasonal food all over the park.
This year, Enchanted Christmas runs November 14 through January 4, with lighted garden trails and a glowing mountaintop village, fire pits, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of cozy corners to warm up, a full slate of holiday shows, from elf games to carolers and a Special “Breakfast with Santa” events on select dates.
If you’re trying to balance adult time with kid-friendly activities, this checks both boxes: you get mountaintop views, food, and drinks, while kids run from one lighted area to the next.
Get details and tickets on Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas page.
5. Warm up at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
On cold or rainy days, shift to indoor fun. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top attractions in town, with underwater tunnels, sharks and rays, penguin encounters, and seasonal programming that’s especially popular with families.
If you’re searching for things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, this usually lands at the top of the list—especially when the aquarium adds holiday touches and special events.
You can bundle aquarium tickets with other Ripley’s attractions like the Haunted Adventure, Mirror Maze, or mountain coaster to keep the fun going after dark. Check current hours and ticket options on the official aquarium site.
6. Shop at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Show
Gatlinburg isn’t only about attractions, it’s also home to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop of independent artisans and galleries just outside town.
During the holidays, many of those makers come into town for indoor craft shows at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This year, the Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival runs November 25 – December 7, 2025, featuring dozens of artisans selling handmade gifts, décor, and art.
You’ll find quilts, baskets, pottery, candles, and woodcarvings, jewelry, leather goods, and ornaments. Admission is free so it’s an easy add-on between other activities
If you love the idea of bringing home something more meaningful than a t-shirt, block off a few hours here. You can learn more via the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community listing.
7. Enjoy a UTV ride in the Smoky Mountains
Holiday lights are great, but sometimes you want a little adrenaline with your Christmas in Gatlinburg. That’s where a UTV (side-by-side) rental comes in.
Instead of spending the whole trip in your car, you can grab an adventure vehicle and head out into the Smoky Mountains. Roll the windows (or doors) open, feel the winter air, and still stay cozy in your gear. If you love the idea, you can choose a guided off-road tour or rent a utv and drive yourself on paved roads—it just depends on how hands-on you want the adventure to be.
If you rent, here are some classic spots you can explore:
- Stop at Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi): The highest point of the Smokies, with huge winter views on clear days.
- Newfound Gap: Drive from Gatlinburg up to the state-line overlook and see ridge after blue ridge stretching into the distance.
- Cades Cove or Roaring Fork: Both areas are perfect for spotting wildlife, old cabins, churches, and wide open fields.
- Cherokee: Make a day of it and drive over the mountains toward Cherokee, with plenty of places to pull off for photos along the way.
The good part about renting is that you can control the day, stop for views, pull over photos, grab lunch or or head back early if everyone’s tired.
If you´re not afraid of a little mud and want something different from the usual attractions, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience Gatlinburg in winter. You kids are gonna love it!
What we include at Off-Road Gatlinburg:
- 2, 4, 6 passenger seats utvs
- Free parking
- Winter suites, phone charging and trail maps.
We’re located in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so you can start your adventure from whichever side of town works best for you.
8. Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff
If you’ll be in town in early November, the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff is how the season officially starts. Downtown restaurants and local teams set up booths along the Parkway and compete for bragging rights while you taste your way down the street.
This year, the event is scheduled for November 6, and typically includes dozens of chili recipes to sample with a single tasting ticket, live music and entertainment, and the ceremonial switch-on over a million Winter Magic lights across town.
You can find official details and wristband info via Gatlinburg’s holiday events listings.
9. New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Christmas mood doesn’t disappear after December 25. If you stay through New Year’s, Gatlinburg closes out the year with a huge New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show around the Space Needle at Traffic Light #8.
Here’s what to expect this Wednesday, December 31, 2025:
- A choreographed fireworks show launched from the 400-foot Space Needle
- A LED-lit ball drop at midnight
- Live music and entertainment leading up to the countdown
- Tens of thousands of people filling downtown to welcome the new year
It’s free to attend, but you’ll want to arrive early to park and claim a good viewing spot.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Gatlinburg?
You’ll find every type of lodging here: giant cabins in the hills to hotels right on the Parkway. A few quick thoughts as you plan:
- Cabins are great if you want a fireplace, a hot tub, and mountain views—perfect for slow mornings and evenings after the parade or a long day in the park.
- Downtown hotels and condos work best if you want to walk to the parade, aquarium, and most attractions without moving your car.
- Nearby areas like Pigeon Forge or along the Spur give you easier driving access while still keeping you close to everything.
For an overview of what’s available, start with the official Gatlinburg “Places to Stay” listings.
FAQs about Christmas in Gatlinburg
Is Gatlinburg crowded at Christmas?
Yes, expect crowds. The combination of Winter Magic, the Gatlinburg Christmas parade, school breaks, and the fact that the Smokies are America’s most-visited national park means December is busy, especially on weekends and between Christmas and New Year’s. Plan ahead for parking, buy attraction tickets early when possible, and build in some downtime at your cabin.
Does it snow in Gatlinburg during Christmas?
Sometimes. In town, December snow is usually light, but temperatures are cold enough that higher elevations in the park often see more frequent snow and ice, especially later in the season. Roads to places like Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome can close temporarily in bad weather, so always check conditions before you go.
What should I pack?
Think layers: thermal base layers, sweaters or fleece, a waterproof outer layer, warm socks, gloves, hat, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. If you’re planning outdoor time—like a UTV rental, SkyPark, or the parade—having an extra mid-layer and hand warmers can make a big difference.
Will I hit snow during a UTV rental?
It depends on your route and the weather that week. Town roads may be totally clear while higher ridges in or near the national park have snow or ice. We always keep an eye on conditions and can help you choose routes that are safe for the day you go; just follow guidance and any park advisories.
However you build your itinerary, Christmas in Gatlinburg is very much a choose-your-own-holiday-adventure: you can lean into parades and fireworks, chase mountaintop light displays, focus on cozy cabin time, or spend your days exploring the Smokies. And if you squeeze all of that into one trip? You’ll probably be planning your return before the lights even come down.
