Gatlinburg Celebrates the Holidays with 48th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

The 48th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade stepped off on Friday, December 1, ushering in one of the city’s long-Ume cherished holiday traditions. Thousands gathered along the downtown Parkway to glimpse the merry parade surrounded by Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic.

Decorating the Gatlinburg Parkway with all things merry and bright, the festive line-up included special appearances from celebrity guests such as Grand Ole Opry Member Mark Wills, celebrated Actress Rachel Grant, BBQ Connoisseur Myron Mixon, and Country Music Artist Canaan Smith. Adding to the holiday procession were elaborate floats, exciting dance groups, award-winning marching bands from across the Southeast, holiday-themed balloons, and of course, a special visit from Santa Claus.

To add a bit of spice to the sweetness of the holidays, the parade entries competed in a friendly competition to be the best of the best in four separate categories: Best Professional Float, Best Original Float, Best Use of Lights, and Best Marching Band. The winners are as followed:

Best Professional Float: Jason Aldean’s Rooftop + Kitchen

Best Original Float: Dirt Cheap Hauling & Services

Best Use of Lights: Smoky Mountain Jeep Club

Best Marching Band: Etowah County Schools All-Star Band

The 48th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade can be viewed on select Nexstar stations across the United States on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.