Winter Holidays to Celebrate in Gatlinburg

For three decades and counting, the first day of winter has kicked off Gatlinburg Winter Magic, decking out our mountain town in holiday shimmer. Take a self-guided tour to see the lights around town and cozy up to three-dimensional snowpeople. Up the fun factor with a scavenger hunt and cast your vote for your favorite decorations for the “People’s Choice Award.”

Sometimes finding a restaurant open on Christmas can be a chore. Never in Gatlinburg! We set the proverbial table for our guests every day of the year, and Christmas is no exception. Check out our roundup of restaurants open on Christmas Day, whether you’re dining with a small group or looking to feed a large party. As you snuggle by the fire in your hotel room or cabin, you can also watch the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade Live on local TV stations on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Ring in the new year on a mountain-high note in Gatlinburg. You’ll find the perfect blend of peace and party here, where our annual New Years Eve celebration has grown from its beginning in 1987 into one of the largest in the nation. Don’t miss live music, a spectacular drone show where 200 drones fill the air with larger than life images of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, watch as the ball drops under the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle and finishes with a fantastic fireworks finale! Scope out the offerings to plan your best NYE ever in Gatlinburg.

They say the way you spend the first day of the year is the way you’ll spend the next 364! Why not start the new year on the right foot in Gatlinburg? Map out your dining plan and go from there. Rest assured you’ll find plenty of fun things to do and places to stay here!

Hat off for chapeaus of all shapes and styles on National Hat Day! You’ll find toppers galore in Gatlinburg, whether you’re looking for form or function. Check out The Hayloft, Gatlinburg T’s and Souvenirs and The Leather Works, just to name a few local retailers stocking hats.

Nothing like spicy food to heat things up on a cold winter day! Put some zing into your January on International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Stock up at The Spice & Tea Exchange or Pepper Palace in The Village Shops. It’s also the perfect time to try some of Gatlinburg’s savory flavors at local restaurants.

Whether you take this one literally or figuratively, it’s all in good fun! This is a great time to book a table at a true cheese-lover’s paradise, The Melting Pot. Say cheese for the camera at photo op spots all around town.

Continuing studies has never been as fun as they are in Gatlinburg. Consider signing up for classes on International Education Day, from learning how to throw pottery at Fowler’s Clay Works to art classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and cooking classes at Smoky Mountain School of Cooking.

Keep the creativity flowing on Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. Check out Gatlinburg’s many arts and crafts shops in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Take home a souvenir that will inspire you all year long from one of Gatlinburg’s local businesses, such as Smoky Mountain Art Gallery.

Celebrate Black History Month by learning about African American Experience in the Smokies project. This educational National Parks program is interesting for guests of all ages. 

Cold weather and comfort food just go together, so it’s fitting that National Pizza Day comes in February. Celebrate with a few pieces at Slice Pizza Bakery or Pizzeria of Gatlinburg. 

Love is in the mountain air on Valentine’s Day in Gatlinburg. You’ll want to join us for Gatlinburg Sweet Week and a chance to win our Sweetheart Giveaway! There are many ways to love Valentine’s Day in Gatlinburg, and you’ll be glad you did.

Fido is always welcome in Gatlinburg and Love Your Pet Day is no exception. Check out our pet-friendly destination guide as you plan your stay. Here, anything is PAWssible!