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Discover Gatlinburg's Holiday Magic, Local Attractions, and Cozy Winter Experiences
During the winter months, Gatlinburg goes through a gorgeous transformation. This can be seen in the natural beauty, as well as the festive decorations, holiday lights, and events. It really makes for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, part of why I try to make a trip out of it every year.
Visitors can explore local shops, artisanal boutiques, and more eateries than I'd be able to try in a single vacation. With the many things to do in Gatlinburg TN in December, it makes for a whimsical and homey experience during the holidays.
Creating lasting memories is pretty easy here, and crafting a fun itinerary is a breeze. To help with that, this article focuses on my favorite winter activities that Gatlinburg is known for year after year.
A Seasonal Journey Through Gatlinburg in December
Highlighted by the hue of Winterfest Lights, holiday parades, and festive events, Gatlinburg is a great place to visit during December. They definitely don't hold back when it comes to the holidays, and the snow-capped mountains add the perfect touch.
Standout attractions include skiing and snowboarding in Ober Gatlinburg, as well as festive choices like Anakeesta for a bit of enchantment. While the entire trip in December doesn't have to be Christmas-themed, it sure is a big part of the seasonal charm.
Between the natural exploration and bustling town fun, I soaked up every moment of the festive environment during my trip. By the end of it, I came out with a solid list of fun I can always return to next year.
5 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in December
As with any of my vacations, it was hard to choose what I wanted to experience over other attractions. I didn't have an infinite amount of time here, but I made sure to create a diverse experience.
From cozy indoor options to feeling the brisk natural air in the outdoors, I felt more than taken care of in Gatlinburg. Whether travelers want to chase waterfalls, eat to their hearts' content, or kick it indoors by a fire, this list has it all. Take a quick look at the table below to get an idea of some of the best winter activities Gatlinburg has to offer.
| Attractions | Highlights |
| Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights | Scenic trolley ride, millions of Christmas lights, and festive holiday displays |
| Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade | Family-friendly parade, tons of LED lights, thematic floats, and marching bands |
| Gatlinburg SkyLift & SkyBridge | Chairlift and SkyBridge with panoramic mountain views, hiking, and southern eats |
| The Village Shops | 27 unique shops with holiday decor, European-inspired architecture, artisanal goods, and sweet treats |
| Old Red Gatlinburg | Live music, southern food, and lively late-night atmosphere |
It's important to note that hiking and holiday events are fun, but far from everything Gatlinburg is known for. For any traveler, it definitely helps to explore a bit and talk to locals, even if it goes a bit outside of the original travel plans. Considering the list above, there are lots of hidden details and tips to point out for newcomers before it's time to hit the road.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights
For a stress-free stroll around Gatlinburg, the Winter Trolley is a great way to go. It got me off my feet, showed me the sights, and was littered with millions of Christmas lights along the way.
There were also plenty of festive displays, such as lit-up snowflakes, holiday icons, and mountain-inspired themes. I was a huge fan of avoiding the crowds with this one, as Gatlinburg can get pretty busy around this time of year.
Visitors can get some historical insight into Gatlinburg during this ride, learning more about roadside attractions left and right. It's a fun experience, and I was surrounded by people filled with holiday cheer, sharing the experience together.
Interesting Highlights:
- The trolley follows an exclusive scenic route in an efficient way
- It's a cozy and comfortable ride, perfect for getting off the feet for a while
- Numerous creative light displays to be seen throughout Gatlinburg
- Tickets are budget-friendly, making it an accessible attraction for everyone
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
I'm a big fan of parades, no matter the season. When it comes to the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, it's safe to assume there's a lot of holiday fun here. Featuring glowing floats, marching bands, and over one million LED lights, it's a sight to be seen.
The Parade generally starts at Baskins Creek Bypass in town, and ends at Traffic Light No. 10. Better yet, the entire event is free, but early arrival is recommended to get decent parking and seating.
I found it to be a very family-friendly event, as it seemed like the entire town, plus tourists, were there. The event is also broadcast for home viewing in case travelers would rather kick it in their cabin for the night.
Interesting Highlights:
- Over a million LED lights add Christmas colors in every direction
- Don't miss out on the tree lighting ceremony before the night is over
- Balloons are larger than life, just like we see in big city parades
- Consider the VIP Grandstand Experience for $50, which includes bleacher seating and a commemorative Santa hat
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park & SkyBridge
An icon of Gatlinburg, people love to spend time on the Yellow Chairlift that rides up to Crockett Summit. This gave me sweeping mountain views, which are stunning even when it starts to get dark outside.
I also suggest exploring Clayton's Landing, which is a scenic overlook and one of the area's newest expansions. For those who have the time, it's not a bad idea to get there early to do some hiking. There's a 1.5-mile SkyTrail to Tulip Tower, which is filled with beautiful local flora and fauna.
It can be a pretty long visit depending on the timing, so I decided to stop for some food at Smoky Mountain Smash. Between the craft beverages and filling food options, I was a happy camper to say the least.
Interesting Highlights:
- Walk across North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge with unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains
- Clayton's Landing offers panoramic views, perfect for snapping some quick photos
- The SkyTrail makes for a decent workout, but it wasn't long enough to exhaust me for the rest of the day
- Specialty burgers and craft beverages are made available at the convenient Smoky Mountain Smash restaurant
The Village Shops
Known for the 27 unique shops and whimsical holiday decor, The Village Shops are an excellent stop for shopping and delicious eats. This includes things like holiday gifts, artisanal goods, and a variety of specialty food options.
A popular example from this area is The Donut Friar, and let me say, the pictures alone sold me on this one. They're known for the freshly made donuts, cinnamon bread, pastries, and hot beverages.
Outside of that, the entire village takes on this European-inspired design, which really helps to emulate the Christmas cheer. Discover other stores like candle shops, art galleries, and locally themed boutiques that are unique to the area.
Interesting Highlights
- Stroll through cobblestone streets and charming European-inspired architecture
- Enjoy interactive attractions, art galleries, and specialty shops
- Satisfy savory cravings at The Donut Friar for out-of-this-world comfort sweets
- Browse through 27 unique shops with handmade jewelry, artisanal goods, and much more
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Offering a nice break from the holiday festivities, many locals pointed me toward Ole Red for some food and drinks. Another interesting point about this place is that the Fantasy of Lights parade passes right by the front every year.
I can see how it would drum up quite a bit of business during December. Aside from that, Ole Red is known for some pretty lively music, but the place isn't too rowdy and keeps the vibes welcoming.
The restaurant definitely focuses on southern-inspired dishes, and plenty of country and rock music to match. It was a nice twist from all of the holiday cheer I was experiencing, but that doesn't mean they're void of Christmas lights. It's a great stop to switch up from the cozy Christmas vibe, listen to some good music, and have some hearty food.
Interesting Highlights:
- Indulge in hearty meals like burgers, Southern classics, and specialty dishes unique to Ole Red
- The venue is endorsed by Blake Shelton, which inspires their country-inspired vibe
- Country talent is jamming away from morning through the late evenings
- Late-night fun includes drinks, music, and a lively crowd to match
Making the Most Out of Gatlinburg December Holiday Events
First and foremost, always plan ahead. Since my trip was all throughout the holiday season, pretty much everywhere I went was packed with people. That doesn't mean attractions weren't accessible, but I wouldn't make assumptions as a traveler.
Try to arrive as early as possible to themed events that are running on a schedule. For those hoping for the best possible view, it's helpful to be there before the main crowd rolls in. On top of that, it's a good idea to balance outdoor activities with indoor attractions. Gatlinburg is full of natural beauty, and there's plenty to do outside, but there's more to it than that.
Don't hesitate to explore The Village Shops, as it really gave me a unique experience that felt separate from the rest of the town. The snow-covered trail hiking was fantastic, and the SkyPark views helped make it a tad bit easier.
Remember to remain flexible with the plans because things can always change. Thankfully, locals told me holiday attractions are pretty consistent with their yearly schedules. I personally didn't have any trouble making time for what I wanted to do. Then again, it was pretty obvious that no matter what I was doing, there were a ton of people doing the same thing.
The Bottom Line
Every year, the Gatlinburg area transforms entirely to become a festive, Christmas-themed town. Between the holiday lights, decorations, and natural beauty, it makes for a seriously relaxing and whimsical vacation.
Aside from the daily excitement, the place I called home every night made it all the more worth it. I had quite a bit of help from Stony Brook Cabins, which came with a long list of beautiful places to stay.
Not only that, but I was able to find a spot that kept me near all of my favorite attractions in style. Gatlinburg is excellent for a long list of reasons, and I will definitely be coming back for more Christmas celebrations.
FAQ
What are the Must-See Holiday Events in Gatlinburg During December?
Some of the best events, in my opinion, include the Winter Magic Trolley Ride and the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade.
Which Attractions are Best for Families or Indoor Activities?
There are plenty of options for this, including The Village Shops, Ole Red eats and music events, and The Donut Friar for a sweet treat.
How Can Visitors Enjoy Gatlinburg's Holidays Without Crowds?
Making this a reality is all about arriving early and mixing indoor and outdoor activities into the itinerary. It also helps to consider lesser-known attractions to avoid big crowds.