Christmas in the Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is nestled in the valley of the Little Pigeon River's West Fork and is surrounded on three sides by the famed Great Smoky Mountains, making it a destination point for people around the world. This four-season resort destination was settled in the early 1800's and was called a "Land of Paradise" even then. Over the years, Gatlinburg, Tennessee has grown from a little rural village to a thriving community.

Gatlinburg has barely recovered from the busy fall foliage season when the holidays roll around, but the merchants and people of East Tennessee manage to usher in a holiday season full of lights, sounds, smells and magic.

Ober Gatlinburg's "Christmas on Ice" Show
One of the most colorful and spectacular shows of the holiday season in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is put on by Ober Gatlinburg, one of the premier resort ski destinations in the east part of the United States. And one of their attractions, aside from the eight ski trails, is an indoor ice skating arena in a massive enclosed mall surrounded by shops and dining. Every year, Ober Gatlinburg features a "Christmas on Ice" show at this beautiful arena, free of charge! For those unable to attend the actual event, the dress rehearsals are also open to the public. This "Christmas on Ice" show has talented local skaters performing stunning skating routines to traditional Christmas music. This show is choreographed beautifully by rink instructor Devon Harman. This indoor skating arena is only the centerpiece for the rest of Ober Gatlinburg's upper terminal and mall. You can park your car in downtown Gatlinburg, and take the tram to this resort. A scenic chairlift and the Municipal Black Bear Habitat showcasing East Tennessee's native live black bears are a couple other attractions you won't want to miss while attending this holiday event. The sight of the spectacular Smoky Mountains combined with snow will take your breath away.

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
This spectacular parade is downtown Gatlinburg's Season's Greetings to the more than 80,000 visitors that come to enjoy the winter wonderland that Gatlinburg becomes in December. The parade features literally millions of lights. I wouldn't be surprised if it was visible from space on the first weekend in December. More than 100 floats, Santa Claus and his elves, giant helium balloons, dance teams, artificial snow, marching bands, clowns, horses, walking inflatable costumes, horses, and sparklers all promise to convey the viewer to a magical land of Christmas. This year will be Gatlinburg's 32nd annual Christmas Parade, and every year, it has gotten bigger and better. You need to get to Gatlinburg and find parking early, though. Parade spots fill up early, and whole families picnic, visit and have fun while waiting on the parade to start, at just about dark at 7:30 pm.

Winter Magic Trolley Rides
Downtown Gatlinburg is easily traversed by the distinctive green trolleys any time of the year. But the trolley rides take on a special magic in the winter. Beginning in November through January, more than 40 lighting displays and other exciting holiday sights, can be seen by hopping aboard a trolley and taking a leisurely ride through the city. The Winter Magic Trolley Ride lasts about 45 minutes, and is a guided narrative tour. Some of the spectacular holiday light displays that can be seen on the trolley rides are an animated trolley, dancing bears, toy soldiers, traditional craftsmen at work, and hot air balloons. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is within a day's drive of 50% of the United States' population, and seeing downtown Gatlinburg's Winterfest Light Festival by trolley is worth the day's drive.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
No holiday excursion would be complete without some Christmas shopping, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee's Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community do not disappoint. The Christmas Art and Crafts Show is held at the Gatlinburg convention center right downtown and admission is always free. Local artists and craftspeople are featured at all Great Smoky Art and Crafts Community events and this one is no exception. You can watch demonstrations of craftsmen making brooms, jewelry, baskets and more. This area has the largest concentration of independent artists and crafters in the United States, and you can browse through pottery, candles, quilts, paintings, wood crafts, stained glass, candy, leather and hundreds more high quality artwork and crafts. A unique, handmade gift will be always be a hit for people on your gift list, so if you are one of the 50% of the United States within a day's drive of Gatlinburg, consider coming to the Arts and Crafts Show on the first weekend in December.

New Year's Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
The festivities in Gatlinburg, Tennessee don't end after Christmas Day. Consider sticking around or coming back for the New Year's Eve party put on each year. A street party, featuring around 40,000 people, gathers in downtown Gatlinburg around 11 pm. Performers provide music in the streets, area restaurants and businesses have special favors, gifts and attractions for the event. Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve party is a family tradition for many people, who come back year after year to celebrate with the town in the Great Smoky Mountains. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky, choreographed with music for the occasion. The entire street party event is open and free to the public. Come celebrate with Gatlinburg, Tennessee this year!