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The Island of Pigeon Forge ferris wheel lit up in red and green for Christmas across a dark sky. Circle of green lit fountains on ground.

Experience the Magic of Gatlinburg in December

Gatlinburg, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a winter wonderland experience like no other. With its enchanting combination of festive events, mesmerizing light displays, and stunning snow-capped mountain views, Gatlinburg in December is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a magical winter getaway. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything there is to see and do during your December visit to Gatlinburg. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and let’s dive into the magical world of Gatlinburg in December!

What’s The Weather Like in December?

When planning your winter trip or Christmas vacation in Gatlinburg, it’s important to know that the mountains can be cold in the winter months. Here are the temperature averages for Gatlinburg during December:

  • Avg. High: 51°F
  • Avg. Low: 28°F

With such cold temperatures, you may be wondering if snow is a possibility during your Gatlinburg visit in December. The answer is sometimes. In general, Gatlinburg receives about 1 inch of snowfall during the month of December. However, higher elevations in the national park receive an average of 69 inches of snow annually. So, if you want to see snow during your December vacation, you may need to venture up to Newfound Gap in the National Park to witness snow-capped mountain peaks in the Smokies.

Village shops in Gatlinburg decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas tree with mountains in background.

December Events to Look Forward To

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are filled with exciting events throughout the holiday season, including dazzling parades, fun Christmas festivals, and special seasonal performances. Here are just a few of the events you can enjoy during your December trip to Gatlinburg:

Winter Magic Christmas Lights

From November 10th until February 19th, Gatlinburg is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 3 million Christmas lights arranged into beautiful and charming displays for the annual Winter Magic festival. Whether you’re strolling through Downtown or taking a guided trolley tour, these stunning lights are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

This incredible small-town Christmas parade brings in over 60,000 spectators to see dozens of floats, marching bands, balloon characters, and, of course, Santa Claus. It is just a great time in a great place to be for a magical Christmas parade. The Fantasy of Lights Parade is the largest Christmas parade in the Smokies and has been a beloved tradition for over 40 years and one of the best things for December magic.

Christmas at Dollywood

Named one of America’s best Christmas attractions, Dollywood Theme Park truly knows how to celebrate the yuletide season. With over 4 million festive lights, a nightly parade of Christmas floats, and special seasonal shows, Dollywood is an excellent place to experience the magic of the holidays in the Smoky Mountains.  Rides are open during the winter season (as weather conditions permit) including rollercoasters.   And it is one of the best times to be had for the whole family.  Pro tip for dealing with the freezing temperatures is to dress in extra layers and take handwarmers for your pockets.

Smoky Mountain Winter Tunes and Tales

Happening on the first four weekends after Thanksgiving, Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales features live street performances by characters in 19th-century period dress in Downtown Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians, and dancers share a bit of authentic Smoky Mountain culture while spreading Christmas cheer.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks

Ring in the new year with a bang at the intersection of the Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This annual New Year’s Eve event features a live DJ, a ball drop, and a fantastic fireworks show synchronized to music and special LED light effects.  Gatlinburg is one of the best places to be for New Year’s Eve and holiday lights.

Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

Located at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from November 28th to December 4th, the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Admission is free, and guests can browse unique, handmade gifts while watching many of the craftsmen and artisans at work.

Cascades Trail Cascades in Smoky Mountains. Water flows over moss covered rocks at several points.

Top 5 Activities to Enjoy in Gatlinburg in December

From taking a stroll through Gatlinburg’s charming downtown while it’s fully decorated for the holidays to enjoying a hike in a winter wonderland, there are plenty of fun things to do during this festive month. Here are just a few of the things you can do and see during the holiday season in Gatlinburg:

Ice Skating, Skiing, and Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg

December is the perfect time to play in the snow in Gatlinburg, so be sure to check out winter sports at Ober Ski Mountain! This ski resort is only minutes from Downtown Gatlinburg and offers indoor ice skating, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and a large snow tubing run that’s a big hit with kids and families.

Winter Hiking in the National Park

When cold weather arrives in Gatlinburg, it’s a great opportunity to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during a stunning season. Winter reveals things in the national park that are usually hidden. Some popular winter hikes for visitors are the Ramsey Cascades Trail, the Chimney Top Trail, and the Laurel Falls Trail.  Or enjoy a horseback ride through the mountains.

Winter Magic Trolley Tour of Lights

Experience Gatlinburg’s incredible Winter Magic tour of lights in an enclosed, heated trolley that embarks nightly, drifting through the magical winter wonderland of Christmas lights in downtown Gatlinburg and along Hwy 321.

Check Out Indoor Attractions

When the weather is cold, sometimes it’s better to stay inside. Luckily, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains area are home to lots of fun indoor attractions. Some favorite destinations in Gatlinburg are The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlin’s Escape Games, or the indoor ice skating Rink at Ober.

Relax at Your Lodging

During a crisp day in December, nothing beats relaxing at your own private log cabin in the mountains. Not only can you enjoy having a cabin rental with a lovely winter view, but you can also stay toasty warm with amenities like fireplaces, jetted tubs, and steamy outdoor hot tubs.  The spirit of Christmas will be alive and well sipping hot chocolate in front of a toasty fireplace.

Or if you really love Winter, perhaps camping with a camp-side fire while wrapped in a warm blanket is more your speed.

Picture of downtown Gatlinburg shops and streets with mountains in the background all covered in snow.

Christmas Shopping in Gatlinburg

With hundreds of specialty shops, malls, outlets, and store complexes, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer unique gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, trendy clothes, or festive decorations, you’re sure to find the perfect present in Gatlinburg.

The Old Mill Square

The Old Mill Square features shops, forging displays, a working grist mill along the Little Pigeon River, hearty restaurants, and cozy outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is home to over 100 talented craftsmen and artists showcasing and selling their woven baskets, quilts, candles, pottery, dulcimers, glass blown ornaments, leather goods, jewelry, wood carvings, and much more.

The Incredible Christmas Place

As the largest Christmas store in the South, The Incredible Christmas Place is packed full of gifts, decorations, collectibles, and, of course, the Christmas spirit.

Mountain Mall

Located in downtown Gatlinburg, the Mountain Mall is a completely indoor shopping plaza featuring tons of unique shops that can help you start or finish up your Christmas list.

Tanger Outlets

For incredible deals on all of your favorite brands in one place, the Tanger Outlets in nearby Sevierville is the best place to visit.  Some of the best deals of the year on name brand items can be found here.  Surrounded by plenty of restaurants and even a Starbucks and candy store on-site, it is a great way to stay warm and get your holiday shopping done.

The Island

The Island is a massive shopping and entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge filled with dozens of boutiques, neat rides, delicious restaurants, live entertainment, games, and annual events.

The Village

The Village is a collection of 27 unique shops and eateries nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, offering a charming European village experience as you shop.

Santa’s Claus-et

For all things Christmas, all year long, stop by Santa’s Claus-et in Gatlinburg. This charming country store is packed full of gifts, gourmet foods, Christmas ornaments and decor, fun toys, and lots of mountain music.

Village shops in Gatlinburg decorated with Christmas lights with mountains in background.

Lodging for Your December Stay

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay during your December visit to Gatlinburg, nothing beats the coziness and charm of a log cabin. With a wide range of sizes and amenities available, you’re sure to find the ideal cabin for your winter getaway. From crackling fireplaces and steamy hot tubs to fully equipped kitchens and breathtaking mountain views, these cabins provide the perfect backdrop for a magical Christmas vacation.  Many hotels offer the same amenities and more for your Christmas mountain getaway.  And don’t worry, lots of great places to eat including breakfast as well as top breweries to keep you toasty.

Final Thoughts on Gatlinburg in December

Now that you know all there is to see and do in Gatlinburg in December, it’s time to start planning your magical winter getaway. With its festive events, unique experiences, enchanting light displays, and cozy cabins and hotels, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a memorable December vacation and holiday entertainment. Be ready to feel like a kid again with all the holiday activities – both indoor and outdoor.  So pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of Gatlinburg in December!

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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