Know Before You Go: Gatlinburg Winter Edition

Get ready for your stay by booking your Gatlinburg accommodations early. With so many excellent lodging destinations, choosing just one is the hardest part. Cabins and chalets are the epitome of coziness, making them a winter favorite for Gatlinburg tourists year after year. Whether you’re looking for lodging for two or a cabin for a large group, you’ll find it in Gatlinburg.

Nestled in the Smokies, cabins offer privacy and immersion in nature. That can be truly glorious in winter, just beware of bears! By following BearWise safety tips including not feeding furry friends and putting away smelly food and clothing, you’ll enjoy your Gatlinburg cabin getaway with no animal interference. 

Local hotels turn up the charm in the winter months, decking the halls and serving up moods. The luxurious new Hotel Indigo will elevate your Gatlinburg getaway. Find Appalachian vibes at The Appy Lodge and The Greystone Lodge on the River or go classic at downtown’s Historic Gatlinburg Inn.

Typically in December through February, Gatlinburg high temperatures hover around the low 50s, with lows dipping to the high 20s. Gatlinburg averages 10 days of rain per month in winter, so be sure to check the weather forecast before packing.

Pack a variety of outerwear and lots of layers when visiting Gatlinburg in winter. Temperatures vary from day to night and also range based on elevation. The same goes for precipitation, as weather patterns vary greatly depending on your altitude. (Read: Just because it’s warm and sunny at the hotel doesn’t mean it will be on the mountaintop!)

Gatlinburg is a relaxing destination all year, and especially in the magical winter months. That said, traversing Smoky Mountain roads during inclement weather can be a tense experience if you haven’t planned ahead. Driving in icy and snowy conditions is not for the faint of heart and not advisable without taking the proper precautions.

Thankfully, modern times mean modern tools for tracking conditions and scoping out the roads. The Gatlinburg webcams also offer a bird’s-eye view of local conditions, so you can peek at the weather for yourself. In the event of inclement weather on travel day, check out these go-to alternate routes to help you find the clearest path.

Winter, spring, summer and fall, the Gatlinburg Free Trolley runs 365 days a year. Our town is compact and easy to navigate, and the trolley makes parking stress a non-issue. Park-and-ride for free from the Gatlinburg Welcome Center to be downtown in a matter of minutes.

What are the best winter activities in Gatlinburg? That depends on your idea of fun! Our mountain town shines on snow days and in cold winter weather. You’ll find no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities here, from hitting the slopes to soaring above the Smokies.

Gatlinburg’s original mountain resort, Ober Mountain is a one-stop destination for active winter adventure. Skiing and snowboarding may reign here, but softer activities like ice skating and snow tubing pile on the fun, too. With a Family Snow Zone, ice bumper cars and events with Kris Kringle, Ober Mountain is a real-life winter wonderland. Dress in layers for the best experience. Winter clothing and ski/snowboard boots for kids and adults are available for rent. Keep an eye on Ober Mountain’s Slope Report for updates on powder and more.

For early-winter fun, check out another high-flying adventure destination, Anakeesta. A year-round crowd-pleaser, Anakeesta’s mix of cozy dining and shopping spots and thrilling winter activities hits a sweet spot. You can experience the Ultimate Smoky Mountain adventure at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Take a scenic ride on the iconic yellow chairlift to the top of Crockett Summit where you can Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Gatlinburg. Cross the awe-inspiring SkyBridge which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. 

Show your love with heartfelt gifts from Gatlinburg or just treat yourself! Retail therapy is never better than in the winter months, when the streets are bustling and Gatlinburg Winter Magic dazzles with lights and decor.  

For a shopping experience worthy of a Hallmark movie, look no further than The Village Shops, designed to evoke the charm of a quaint European village. With charming storybook architecture and 27 enchanting shops, eateries and attractions, you’ll take home great finds and lasting memories, too. The Hayloft is the oldest Western style store in Gatlinburg and a favorite spot for boots and other mountain-style apparel and gifts.

Gatlinburg might be a small town, but we have no shortage of shopping destinations. Along with seven malls, you’ll find elevated shopping experiences throughout town. We enjoy spots where you can browse and taste, including Savannah Bee Company, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and Ole Smoky Distillery.

Searching for one-of-a-kind finds with artistic flair? Look no further than the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Near its entrance is Santa’s Claus-et, a must-see spot for seasonal items and Santa sightings. Tigerblooms is a whimsical new gift shop stocking quirky items and local finds. Check out the new Daffodil Designs, an art gallery and pottery studio where you can purchase handcrafted gifts and take classes too.

From Christmas parades to dazzling displays of lights, Gatlinburg glows in winter. Be sure to check our event calendar to plan your trip around events that will fill your cup with seasonal fun. Celebrating the holidays here? Consider adding the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, Festival of Trees, Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show and New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show to your itinerary. Longing for authentic mountain sounds?

Local attractions deck the halls all season long. Gatlinburg SkyPark illuminates the heavens with Lights Over Gatlinburg all season long, while Ober Mountain invites you to Mingle & Jingle with Kris Kringle. Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta delights the young and the young at heart. Arrowmont’s Holiday Makers Marketplace is a great spot for shopping local one-of-a-kind wares.

You’ll find no shortage of open restaurants in Gatlinburg in the winter months. Because we’re a tourist town, holiday closures are not a major concern. That said, if there’s a specific restaurant you’d like to visit on a certain day, be sure to check their website in advance. Check out the new Gatlinburg Goo Goo Chocolate Co. and Josef’s Deli, the latest additions to our vibrant culinary scene.

Stay warm while you’re here with sips from our many coffee and tea shops dotted around town. For even warmer libations, Gatlinburg’s distilleries never leave you cold.