Welcome to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a picturesque mountain town that becomes a holiday haven every winter. If you’re seeking the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, look no further.
Gatlinburg, with its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a plethora of festive events and activities that promise fun for the entire family. Whether you’re strolling through streets adorned with twinkling lights or participating in lively parades, the holiday season here is truly enchanting.
Winter is an ideal time to visit if you want to experience the magic of Christmas with your loved ones. Our cozy treehouse cabin rentals ensure a comfortable and warm stay amidst all the festive excitement. So, get ready to embrace the Christmas season and create cherished memories in Gatlinburg.
Must-See 2025 Gatlinburg Christmas Events
Photo Credit: AlejandroCarnicero
Gatlinburg’s holiday season is incomplete without its array of must-see events. There’s no shortage of festive cheer to be found here, but these are some of the top events that make Gatlinburg such a magical Christmas destination.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
- Date: December 5, 2025, 7:30 pm
- Location: Intersection of Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, Gatlinburg
The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is a highlight of the holiday season in Gatlinburg. Spectators are treated to a dazzling display of illuminated floats, marching bands, dance troupes and themed balloons, all contributing to the magical atmosphere of the Christmas lights.
Watch the parade from various free locations or opt for grandstand tickets for a special seating. Festive decor and twinkling lights create the perfect backdrop for an evening of holiday cheer, making it a memorable event for the whole family.
Festival of Trees
- Date: November 25 – 30, 2025
- Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
In late November, the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts the annual Festival of Trees, a delightful event that showcases intricately decorated Christmas trees.
This festival kicks off with a Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception the evening before the first official day, setting the stage for the festive days ahead.
Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities such as crafts and photo ops with Santa, creating unforgettable memories. With free entry, this event is a must-see during the holiday season.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
- Date: November 6, 2025 – February 8, 2026
- Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Winter Magic is a celebrated event that transforms Downtown Gatlinburg into a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations. Running from early November right into early February 8 of the New Year, this event features millions of twinkling lights and vibrant displays lining the streets, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Using the Visit Gatlinburg app or a printable map, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the light displays to ensure they don’t miss any beautiful sights.
With performances and festive decor scattered throughout downtown, Gatlinburg Winter Magic enhances the Christmas spirit and offers a magical experience for all.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
- Date: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, which runs from early November to early January, is a must-visit event in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Known as “America’s Best Christmas Event,” this festive celebration features a spectacle of lights, special holiday shows, and delicious food and drink, making it a beloved holiday tradition, alongside Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
With its charming decorations and festive performances, Dollywood’s holiday event is the perfect addition to your Smoky Mountain vacation. The combination of twinkling lights and the cheerful holiday spirit promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Lights Over Gatlinburg
- Date: November 6, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Location: Gatlinburg SkyPark
You’ll have a magical time at Lights Over Gatlinburg, which runs from mid-November until the end of January. This attraction features thousands of lights, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and visits from Santa on select dates. The SkyBridge is entirely lit up with lights, creating an immersive winter wonderland.
Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the town along with the festive light displays, making it a perfect spot for holiday photos.
Other Festive Activities for the Whole Family
Photo Credit: VioletSkyAdventures
Gatlinburg offers a plethora of festive activities that the whole family can enjoy. From scenic train rides to wildlife watching, there’s no shortage of fun and memorable experiences to be had during the Christmas season.
Enjoy a Polar Express Train Ride
A beloved holiday tradition, the Polar Express Train Ride offers a festive atmosphere filled with Christmas carols and storytelling. As you journey to the North Pole, you’ll be treated to warm cocoa, delicious treats, and engaging tales that captivate both young and old.
One of the highlights of this magical ride is a special visit from Santa Claus, making it an unforgettable experience for families. Creating cherished holiday memories with loved ones is made easy with the Polar Express Train Ride.
Take a Scenic Winter Drive
A scenic winter drive in your own vehicle through the Great Smoky Mountains offers a breathtaking experience of the season’s natural beauty. Snow-capped peaks and icicles hanging from trees create a picturesque winter wonderland that’s ideal for holiday sightseeing.
Cades Cove Loop is the perfect destination for a scenic winter driving tour. Allow yourself between two to four hours to make the most of it, and keep an eye out for wildlife as many animals are active during the winter months.
Another fun driving activity is to tour the region’s impressive holiday light displays, because local residents tend to go all out to celebrate the festive season.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest has some particularly impressive displays throughout November and into the New Year. Check out their recommended driving tour route. You can easily make a day of your trip to Pigeon Forge; there are plenty of family-friendly activities to get up to before night rolls in.
Go Ice Skating & Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The indoor ice skating rink offers a fun and festive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, this never fails to be a delightful holiday activity.
Snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg provides an exhilarating way to enjoy the winter landscape. Sliding down the slopes surrounded by snowy scenery is a thrilling experience that’s sure to create unforgettable memories for the entire family.
Participate in SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Gatlinburg’s SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt offers a fun and interactive way to explore the area during the holiday season. Participants are invited to discover more than 40 uniquely designed snowpeople scattered throughout Downtown.
Kids will love searching for these creatively decorated snowpeople. The scavenger hunt is a great way to engage with the festive spirit while exploring the charming streets of Gatlinburg.
Go Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching in Gatlinburg offers the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats. Locations like Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are ideal destinations for spotting wildlife during the holiday season.
Although some animals, like black bears, hibernate throughout the winter, the following critters are often seen over the festive season:
- White-tailed deer
- Elk
- Wild turkeys
- Otters
- Bobcats
- Coyote
- Gray fox
- Red fox
Early morning and late evening are the best times for wildlife viewing, as many animals are most active during these hours. This activity adds a touch of adventure to your Gatlinburg vacation and allows you to connect with nature during the festive season.
Unique Holiday Shopping Experiences
Photo Credit: Jean-Marc RICHARD
Gatlinburg offers a variety of unique holiday shopping experiences, perfect for finding special gifts and souvenirs. From local markets to holiday arts and crafts shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
- Date: December 1 – 7, 2025
- Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
The Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show is a must-visit event for anyone looking to find unique seasonal decorations and handmade treasures. Taking place in early December, this show features a wide array of crafts, including quilts, pottery, paintings, stuffed toys, ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.
Attending the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show allows visitors to find unique gifts while supporting local artists in the crafts community, making it a rewarding shopping experience.
Downtown Parkway Shopping
Downtown Parkway in Gatlinburg is a shopper’s paradise during the holiday season. The diverse range of boutiques and gift shops offers everything from holiday decorations to unique gifts, making it the ideal place to find something special for everyone on your list.
As you stroll through Downtown Parkway, you’ll be captivated by the festive atmosphere and charming storefronts. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts or holiday souvenirs, the eclectic mix of shops ensures a delightful shopping experience.
Delicious Christmas Dining Options
Gatlinburg’s dining scene is bustling with festive cheer during the Christmas season. From traditional holiday feasts to unique dining experiences and sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Traditional Holiday Feasts
Families can enjoy a variety of traditional Christmas dishes at Gatlinburg eateries during the holidays, including turkey and stuffing. Just be sure to check the seasonal opening hours of individual restaurants before visiting, because some close on Christmas Day itself.
If you’d like to enjoy good food in your vacation rental over Christmas, look for restaurants that provide takeout holiday meals. Calhoun’s offers holiday packs throughout December so you can enjoy a traditional Christmas feast in the privacy of your home away from home.
Unique Dining Experiences
Beyond traditional meals, Gatlinburg offers unique dining experiences that create unforgettable memories.
If you love a festive beverage, participate in a Hot Cocoa Crawl at Anakeesta. Enjoy warm cocoa while taking incredible mountain views. This is a great activity for couples looking for a romantic setting.
Another fun option is Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show, which runs from early November until early January. Here, you can enjoy a fun lumberjack-themed show with a holiday twist, followed by a hearty all-you-can-eat buffet.
The original Paula Deen Lumberjack Feud is one of the more unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains, but it never fails to disappoint, so don’t miss the Christmas edition.
Packing for Christmas in Gatlinburg
December in Gatlinburg ushers in crisp, cool weather typical of a mountain town in winter. Daytime temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to mid-50s, while evenings can drop into the 20s, so layering is key.
Snowfall is possible but not guaranteed, adding a picturesque touch to the holiday season and enhancing the winter wonderland atmosphere.
Visitors planning to enjoy outdoor winter activities like ice skating, snow tubing, or scenic hikes should be prepared for varying weather conditions, including chilly winds and occasional precipitation.
For holiday events and strolls through twinkling light displays, dressing warmly with comfortable footwear is essential to fully enjoy the festive ambiance.
Packing List Recommendations
- Warm, insulated jacket or parka
- Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms)
- Sweaters or fleece mid-layers
- Waterproof and insulated boots with good traction
- Warm socks (preferably wool or thermal)
- Gloves or mittens
- Hat or beanie to cover ears
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Weather-resistant pants or snow pants
- Hand warmers
- Sunglasses for bright winter days
- Backpack to carry extra layers and essentials
- Camera or smartphone for capturing holiday memories
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Enjoy Your Christmas Trip to Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the epitome of holiday magic. With its stunning light displays, festive parades, and unique events, it’s no wonder this charming mountain town is a top destination for celebrating Christmas.
Book a stay with us at Treehouse Grove and create cherished memories with your loved ones in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Gatlinburg.
