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Picture of Christmas lights and decorations on side of downtown Gatlinburg Street with the words Christmas in Gatlinburg in white over picture.

Celebrate Christmas in Gatlinburg: A Magical Experience

Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a quaint and picturesque town that comes alive during the Christmas season. With its stunning natural beauty, festive atmosphere, and numerous holiday events, there’s no better place to spend Christmas time than in Gatlinburg. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways to celebrate Christmas in Gatlinburg, from festive shows and charming shopping experiences to magical light displays and thrilling outdoor activities. So, gather your loved ones and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this winter wonderland.

1. Experience the Winter Magic of Downtown Gatlinburg

Light Displays and Decorations

Christmas in Gatlinburg is a time when the entire town is adorned with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations. As you stroll through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll be captivated by the sparkling displays featuring animals, snowmen, dancing fountains, and more. Don’t miss the chance to hop on the Gatlinburg Trolley Tour of Lights, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the town’s most dazzling displays while learning about Gatlinburg’s rich history. Authors note: Get all the mental images out of your head about big city busses, or subways, when thinking of taking trolley tours in Gatlinburg, and/or Pigeon Forge. It has been my experience that these trolleys are very clean, safe, punctual, and inexpensive. Everyone needs to drive through Gatlinburg traffic at least once. It’s something of an experience all on its own. But one of the best ways to get around are the trolleys.

Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Tunes and Tales

Another must-see attraction during Christmas in Gatlinburg is the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales, a delightful holiday-themed version of the popular Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. This entertaining event features live music, Christmas characters, and a fascinating blend of history and humor. Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs with a mix of Appalachia, Bluegrass, and Country, while meeting Santa’s elves, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph. This enchanting production is a holiday favorite in Gatlinburg!

2. Cozy up in a Smoky Mountain Cabin

Find the Perfect Cabin for Your Christmas Getaway

There’s nothing more magical than spending Christmas in a cozy Smoky Mountain cabin, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of snow-covered mountains. With a wide range of options available, you’ll be able to find the perfect cabin for your stay. Enjoy all the comforts of home and then some, such as fireplaces, and hot tubs, in a rustic yet luxurious setting, just a short drive away from the heart of Gatlinburg’s Christmas celebrations.

Cabin Amenities for a Festive Stay

Many of the cabins in the Smoky Mountains offer fantastic amenities to make your Christmas vacation even more special. Picture yourself relaxing by a crackling fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, exchanging presents with your loved ones, or soaking in a private hot tub after a fun-filled day of exploring Gatlinburg’s attractions. These memories will last a lifetime.

Downtown Gatlinburg group of multi colored Christmas trees and other white snowflake decorations decorating downtown Gatlinburg streets.

3. Enjoy Festive Shows and Entertainment

Christmas in Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without taking in some of the fantastic holiday shows and entertainment on offer. From comedy performances to holiday classics, you’ll find something for everyone in your group.

Hatfield and McCoy Christmas Dinner Disaster

The Hatfield and McCoy Christmas Dinner Disaster is a hilarious show that will have the whole family in stitches. Watch as two feuding families try to set aside their differences and celebrate Christmas together in this entertaining performance filled with holiday singing, dancing, surprising stunts, and comedy. Enjoy a delicious homestyle feast, including fried chicken, homemade bread, and a specialty dessert. Dolly Parton has an ownership interest in this establishment, and word on the street is that the food is actually excellent. Which, if you know anything about what Dolly Parton has done, comes as no great surprise.

A Comedy Barn Christmas

For a side-splitting holiday experience, head to the Comedy Barn for their famous Christmas show, A Comedy Barn Christmas. This uproarious production features a perfect mix of music, magic, and comedy, complete with Christmas costumes, festive tunes, and one-of-a-kind acts. Add dinner to your show for an all-you-can-eat meal of pot roast, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Country Tonite Theatre Christmas Show

At the award-winning Country Tonite Theatre, you’ll be treated to a heartwarming and unforgettable Christmas show. Featuring beautiful choreography, stunning costumes, and beloved holiday tunes, this production is a must-see for any Christmas in Gatlinburg vacation. Special guest performers like Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus himself make this show a family favorite.

4. Shop for Unique Gifts and Decorations

The Christmas Place

For all your holiday shopping needs, look no further than The Christmas Place, Gatlinburg’s premier destination for festive decorations and unique gifts. Whether you’re searching for the perfect ornament, stocking up on Christmas essentials, or picking up last-minute presents, you’ll find everything you need to make your holiday celebrations complete.

The Village Shops in Gatlinburg

The Village Shops in Gatlinburg offer a charming and picturesque setting for your Christmas shopping adventures. With an array of boutiques, eateries, and specialty stores, this quaint shopping destination is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive trees during the holiday season. Take a break from shopping to savor a hot cup of coffee, or better yet, some hot cocoa, or get into the holiday season with some holiday cheer, and soak in the festive atmosphere. My favorite stop in this location on a cool night is The Doughnut Friar, a perfect spot for a nice hot chocolate and a cake doughnut.

The Christmas and Candle Shop at the Apple Barn

A visit to the Christmas and Candle Shop at the Apple Barn Village in Sevierville is a must during your Christmas in Gatlinburg vacation. This

enchanting store is filled with beautiful decorations, shimmering lights, and the soothing scent of freshly poured candles. Browse through an array of unique gift ideas while listening to the soft sounds of Gospel, Christmas, and Country music in the background.

5. Explore the Great Outdoors

Ober Gatlinburg

Embrace the beauty of a white Christmas by spending a day at Ober Gatlinburg, a popular ski resort in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. With snow-making machines creating a winter wonderland, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, regardless of the weather. Lessons are available for beginners, so everyone can join in the fun!

Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter Celebration

Visit Anakeesta for their Enchanted Winter Celebration, featuring twinkling holiday lights, festive decor, and cozy fire pits. Stroll through a 1000′ canopy of lights, snap a photo in front of the giant snow globe, or relax by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Enjoy winter food specials and specialty drinks like the famous Holiday Wassail. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount LeConte blanketed in snow.

6. Family Fun at The Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a fantastic destination for family fun during the Christmas season. With millions of bright Christmas lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and festive carolers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to stop by for a photo with Santa Claus! Of course, all your favorite attractions at The Island are still available, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the Island Show Fountain.

Gatlinburg space needle observation tower with lighted colored Christmas tree on top.

7. Discover Gatlinburg’s Rich History

Titanic Museum Attraction

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge offers an unforgettable experience for history buffs and Titanic enthusiasts, especially during the Christmas season. The entire ship is decorated with glittering lights and festive decor, and the gift shop is filled with unique Christmas gift ideas and collectibles for Titanic lovers.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

For great ways to see stunning panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, head to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. At 407′ tall, the Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the town’s beautiful Christmas light displays and the surrounding mountains. Pro tip: This is a great time to take your optics with you. Cameras, or binoculars add greatly to the whole experience.

8. Festivals and Events

Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival

The Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival is a unique holiday celebration that brings together bluegrass fans for an unforgettable experience. Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, this event features an impressive lineup of bands and artists, with hundreds of fans gathering to enjoy live music and festive fun.

Winterfest at The Island

Winterfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge is another must-attend event during your Christmas in Gatlinburg vacation. Enjoy millions of sparkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with Santa Claus and his elves!

9. Sweet Treats and Delicious Eats

Candy Christmas at Crave Golf Club

Crave Golf Club transforms into a candy Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. With garlands, wreaths, lights, and over 100 colorful Christmas trees, this one-of-a-kind mini-golf attraction is a sweet treat for the whole family. After a round of mini-golf, indulge in a delicious treat from their candy store.

Seasonal Dining

Many of Gatlinburg’s restaurants offer special holiday menus during the Christmas season, featuring festive dishes and seasonal treats. From cozy cafes to elegant fine dining establishments, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget.

10. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival

As I write this, the number 1 ranked theme park in The U.S.A. Is Dollywood.  You can’t get any more Christmasy than her Christmas festival.  This is a must-do.  Dress warm.  Unless temperatures don’t allow, the rides, even the roller coasters still run.  Well, if it’s more than 40 degrees they do, even in December.

Dolly Parton is one class act, and whatever she seems to do reflects this. From her considerable charitable works, The Imagination Library, which gives free books to children from birth to age 5. Disaster relief to those in the are who suffered losses during a massive fire a few years back. And  a $1,000,000. donation to Vanderbilt hospital for research into a corona virus vaccine. I am almost certainly doing her a disservice as I have probably just scratched the surface of the amazing good things she has done. If you cant tell, I’m definitely a fan. By the way, I do not know Dolly Parton, don’t work for her, and receive absolutely no compensation from her, or any of her interests, for writing any of this. She is simply impressive, and everything she does reflects this.

Pigeon Forge bridge with overhead archway of green Christmas lights. A green lighted Christmas tree is present at each end of the bridge.

11. Create Lasting Memories

Above all, Christmas in Gatlinburg is about spending quality time with your loved ones and creating lasting memories. With so many festive events, attractions, and experiences to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to make the most of your holiday vacation in this enchanting mountain town, filled with holiday magic.

In conclusion, Gatlinburg is a magical destination for a memorable Christmas or December vacation. From the stunning light displays and charming shopping experiences to the thrilling outdoor activities and festive events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and head to an incredible Christmas place, Gatlinburg for a Christmas celebration you’ll never forget.

The Patricks

Mike and Tracey Patrick are adventurers at heart with a love of all things travel. They believe life and every, single day should be an adventure. You can join them on them on their travel blog that offers unique destinations and guides to make every vacation an adventure.

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