Gatlinburg goes all out at Christmas, and it shows in every glittering light and every cup of eggnog moonshine! Come for the holidays and let this friendly mountain town show you how we celebrate. 

To get the most out of the holidays here, remember these tips: 

• Reserve your rental cabin early! Choose a cabin decorated for the holidays.
• Festivities kick off in November. You’ll find plenty of holiday fun long before Dec. 25. 
• Check events online for updated information on 2022 celebrations.

Now, enjoy these seven ways to experience a Gatlinburg Christmas!

1. Cheer at a Parade

Thousands flock to the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, so arrive early! The 2022 parade high-steps through town Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the floats, balloons, costumed characters, bands and St. Nick himself!

2. Buy Appalachian Gifts

Artisans from Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community sell handmade wares at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Thanksgiving and Christmas Show. Traditional crafts include leather goods, paintings, jewelry, quilts, woodcrafts, glass, basketry, candles, and more.

3. Revel in Colorful Lights

View the town gleaming below you at SkyLift Park. Spend an evening at the mountaintop theme park Anakeesta for its Enchanted Winter celebration, with lights illuminating the treetop walkways. Take a trolley tour of lights all over town during Winterfest.

4. Wander a Christmas Tree Forest

Dozens of themed trees fill the W.L. Mills Conference Center in November for the Festival of Trees. Saunter through this magical forest, bring the kids for Christmas crafts and listen to live holiday music.

5. Whisper Wishes to Santa

What do penguins ask Santa to bring? What’s on a shark’s Christmas list? Ask them yourself at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Then head for the aquarium’s Santa’s Village and tell the jolly old elf your own secret wishes. Check for 2022 dates so you don’t miss this unique way to see Santa.

6. Taste Tennessee Moonshine

For grown-ups celebrating, hit Gatlinburg’s distilleries. Did you know moonshine comes in flavors galore, including seasonal treats like Eggnog Sippin’ Cream at Sugarlands Distilling Co. or Shine Nog from Ole Smoky Distillery? If you’re not into the ‘nog, try warming flavors like cinnamon or apple pie–it’s a dessert with a kick!

7. Celebrate in A Cozy Cabin

Bring your gang to a Gatlinburg cabin. Gather by the fireplace, play games, bake treats or gaze at the winter constellations. Book your Christmas cabin today.