Plan your ultimate winter getaway to Gatlinburg, TN. From fun outdoor activities to warming up inside with a moonshine tasting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season! Find some of our favorites here.
1. The Polar Express Train Ride
During the holidays, visitors can enjoy a ride on The Polar Express with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Each year this 1 1/4 long round-trip excursion takes place starting in Mid-November and lasts through January.
Once you board the Polar Express, you’ll enjoy the scenic ride through the quiet wilderness while sipping cocoa, and listening and reading along with the magical holiday story before arriving at the North Pole. Once at the North Pole, Santa boards the train and presents each child with their very own solver sleigh bell. This is truly a wonderful experience for the whole family.
2. Visiting Anakeesta
Visit Anakeesta for the Enchanted Winter of Lights which takes place from Mid-November through Valentines Day! The winter celebration includes a tens of thousands of lights that decorate the mountain top park along with seasonal soundtracks that play in the background. Follow the twinkling lights through the town and even as you stroll along the TreeTop SkyWalk at night!
3. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Ring in the New Year under Gatlinburg’s iconic Space Needle! Watch a NYE Ball Drop and stunner of a Fireworks Show that is sure to delight the whole family. This free and fun event is one of the most popular New Year’s Eve events in the country, so be sure not to miss it!
Find details for the 2021 New Years Eve Celebration in Gatlinburg here.
4. Spend a Day at Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is more than just skiing and snowboarding, it’s a family fun experience that also includes Snow Tubing, Ice skating and more! Take the Aerial Tramway to enjoy views of the snowy mountains and surrounding town. When you’re at the top you can enjoy any winter activity you please or relax inside with a cup of hot cocoa or a cocktail.
5. Take a Wintery Hike
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park Old Sugarlands Trail is open all year, however many visitors choose to enjoy it in the winter. You can enjoy the wintery scenery without the crowds from the easily accessible trailhead.
The Twin Creeks trailhead is also easily accessible and open during the winter. Be sure to dress warm if you hit the trails! It gets chilly especially in the shade of the trees.
6. Ski on Clingmans Dome Road
Clingmans Dome Road is a popular tourist destination during the summer months for scenic drives, but in the winter cross-country skiers are able to take full advantage of the views and quiet mountain surroundings as it is closed to all motorized vehicles. Due to its high elevation, Clingmans Dome usually gets more snow than anywhere else in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park making it the perfect spot to enjoy the wintery scenery and spectacular snow conditions for cross-country skiing!