Gatlinburg Winter Events

Why not consider a wintertime visit to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, the perfect spot for a family Christmas in the Smokies or a cozy cabin retreat?

Gatlinburg’s winter calendar of events is packed with fun seasonal activities like Winterfest, Winter Magic, the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show, the Festival of Trees, the Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, the Sugarlands Spirits Stage, the Junior Winter Slam, the Winter Special Olympics, and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks show, just to name a few.

If you’re a fan of winter sports, you’re in for a real treat. Ober Gatlinburg brings world-class skiing to the Smoky Mountains each winter with 24-hour snowmaking, expanding on our own local flurries. Snow tubing begins around Thanksgiving and runs until Easter, while ski season traditionally begins in early- to mid-December.

[adbutler-generic]

• Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

  From November 24, 2017 to December 16, 2017  visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this annual event!

  Winter Magic Tunes & Tales will once again present strolling Christmas entertainment on the streets of Gatlinburg, beginning the Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 24-25 from 5:00-9:30 pm, followed by performances again on December 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16.

• Tennessee Winter Special Olympics

  From January 28, 2018 to  January 30, 2018 watch and cheer as  athletes strive for the gold in their annual Winter Games competition.Special Olympics athletes from around the state are waxing their skis and snowboards, and sharpening their ice skate blades in preparation for the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games to be held January 28th – 30th at Ober Gatlinburg.

  Over 150 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Speed Skating in divisions based on age and ability.

  The Winter Games competition is being conducted by The Gatlinburg Snow Sports Center (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding); Ober Gatlinburg Ice Skating Rink (Ice Skating); and Ober Gatlinburg.

  

• Ober Gatlinburg Slope Report

  From December 9, 2017 to  March 4, 2018 slopes are open noon until 10:00pm … Ticket Sales from 11:30am until 8:00pm.  With Weekday Rates in effect! Snow Tubing is now open daily (through April 1st, 2018). There are many other activities on the mountain, including our new Ski Mountain Coaster, scenic chairlift, indoor ice skating and the Cubbies Snow Zone for small children,  just to name a few. Add in some great shopping and dining, and you’ve got a full day of fun at Ober Gatlinburg.

• Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights

  From November 8, 2017 to  January 27, 2018 visitors can soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights.The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Trolley times are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30.

  

• New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show

  On December 31, 2017 Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2018 in unique style with its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Sunday night.  Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Sunday night, December 31 to ring in the New Year. At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2018, fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot tall Space Needle with special music choreographed for the fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee. The Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display.