For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle or taking a stroll along the parkway and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights.
Gatlinburg will proudly host its Annual Veterans Day Celebration on November 11, at Mills Auditorium at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. The community-wide event will honor the courage, dedication and sacrifice of America’s military veterans and their families. There will be FREE PARKING at 309 Reagan Drive in Gatlinburg. The Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and join the community in showing gratitude to those who have bravely defended our nation’s freedoms. Looking for ways to save during your Veterans Day visit? Explore our Gatlinburg military discounts page to find special offers on lodging, attractions, dining, and more that's available exclusively for active-duty military, veterans, and their families.
Get ready to bundle up, sip something warm, and feel the magic in the mountain air because the Annual Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cook-off is back and on the Parkway for a celebration that’s as heartwarming as it is dazzling! As twilight falls, downtown Gatlinburg transforms into a sparkling wonderland, glowing with over one million twinkling LED lights that dance across the night sky. Take a stroll along the Parkway from Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. This street-style festival brings live music and entertainment, where the rhythms of the holidays echo through the crisp mountain air. Let your inner child run free at the ice skating rink, giggle your way through the whimsical inflatable maze, and warm your heart with the carolers spreading cheer along the way. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Farm and Photos with Santa, where twinkling lights and merry smiles make memories you’ll cherish forever. All along the Parkway, you’ll find carnival games, festive photo ops, and even a giant inflatable snow globe that feels straight out of a storybook. And of course, no Gatlinburg celebration would be complete without something to take home — browse cozy event sweatshirts and t-shirts, perfect for remembering your magical mountain night. This event is FREE and open to everyone, so gather your loved ones and join us for an evening that captures the very heart of the holidays - a place where the lights shine brighter, the chili tastes sweeter, and the memories last a lifetime.
Gatlinburg celebrates this holiday season with the Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, taking place Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM EST in downtown Gatlinburg. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot along the parade route. Watch LIVE: In addition to the live event, the parade will be broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across 38 markets, reaching more than 100 million viewers and bringing Gatlinburg’s holiday magic to viewers nationwide. Can't make it to the parade? WATCH LIVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY Our Hosts: Mark Wills – Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum country artist known for hits such as “19 Somethin’,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “I Do (Cherish You).” A longtime country music favorite, Wills is celebrated for his smooth vocals, chart-topping singles, and authentic Southern style. Nan Kelley – Award-winning television host and producer best known for her work on Great American Country’s Top 20 Country Countdown and Opry Live. A proud Southern storyteller, Kelley has built her career celebrating music, food, and community with warmth and charm. Grandstand VIP Seating: Grandstand VIP seating is available for $50 per person, offering bleacher seating, a commemorative Santa Hat and prime viewing of the parade at either traffic light #3 or at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Seating for the grandstand begins at 5:30 PM. The parade starts at 7:30 PM. You may have one child on your lap without purchasing a ticket for that child, as long as the child is under the age of 5. No strollers are allowed in grandstand seats, and parking for strollers will NOT be provided. BUY GRANDSTAND TICKETS Parade Route: The Parade route runs along the Parkway beginning at Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at traffic light #10 near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg is set to ring in 2027 with its Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop, one of the largest and most beloved holiday traditions in the Smokies. This free, family-friendly event will deliver an unforgettable night filled with live musical entertainment, an illuminating drone show, a spectacular fireworks finale and the new 15-foot Mega LED Ball—the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve ball in the world, standing a little over 15 feet tall and close to 50 feet around and the longest ball drop in the world with a total drop around 200 feet. The 2025 celebration featured an electrifying live performance by MASTERPIECE Band ATL, a 10-piece dynamic show band from Atlanta, Georgia. Known as one of the most exceptional and energetic bands in the country, MASTERPIECE has performed nationwide for concerts, weddings and large-scale events bringing an unmatched level of fun and versatility. Their setlist spans today’s top pop hits, Country and Western, Motown, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Classic Rock and timeless oldies. With powerful vocals, vibrant instrumentation and infectious energy, the band delivered a Musical Extravaganza that had the entire crowd dancing into the new year. Adding even more excitement to the evening, a dazzling illuminated drone show will begin at approximately 11:50 p.m. High above the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the choreographed drones will light up the night sky above the Gatlinburg Convention Center, with displays paying tribute to the region’s natural beauty and community spirit. The drone show will transition into a brilliant fireworks finale and the dramatic 200-foot descent of the new Mega LED Ball, creating one of the most visually striking New Year’s countdowns in the nation. The Annual Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop is free and open to the public. Due to the event’s high attendance each year, guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and optimal viewing locations.
