Top 3 Ways to Enjoy the Beautiful Christmas Lights in Gatlinburg

The holiday season is a magical time in Gatlinburg as it sparkles at night with millions of spectacular lights! You can expect to see traditional holiday displays such as dancing snowmen, as well as unique displays featuring deer, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and other animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are the top 3 ways to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights in Gatlinburg:

1. Lights Over Gatlinburg

Lights Over Gatlinburg is one of the can’t-miss holiday events, and definitely one of the best ways to see the holiday lights in Gatlinburg! This special event takes place all Winterfest long at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The attraction will be lit up every night with more than 40,000 lights, including a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, a 30-foot Christmas tree with lights animated to music and more. You can visit during the day to enjoy everything the attraction has to offer, including the SkyLift, SkyBridge and SkyCenter, then come back at night (using the same ticket you purchased earlier) to see the gorgeous holiday lights! You’ll also have views of downtown Gatlinburg and all the beautiful lights along the Parkway. This event is fun for everyone in the family, from the kids to the grandparents!

2. Self-Guided Driving Tour

winterfest lights in the smoky mountainsOne of the best ways to take in the millions of gorgeous holiday lights in Gatlinburg is with a self-guided tour. It’s free, and you can take in the sights from the comfort (and warmth!) of your own vehicle. The unique LED light displays are all on public roads including along Gatlinburg’s famous downtown Parkway, the adjacent River Road, and at the triangle juncture of these two roads. Whether you plan an entire evening driving through the light displays or simply admire the lights when traveling between Gatlinburg attractions, you will love the holiday ambiance throughout town!

3. Gatlinburg Space Needle

Another fun way to enjoy the Christmas lights in Gatlinburg is from a bird’s eye view at the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle! This observation deck of this 407-foot-tall tower is accessed by 2 glass elevators. Once at the top, you will love the phenomenal views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! The Gatlinburg Space Needle is open both during the daytime and at night so you can witness Gatlinburg’s Christmas lights from above! The observation deck even features free viewfinders where you can zoom in for a closer look at some of the displays!

Where to Stay

A cabin rental in the Smoky Mountain during the fall.Make the most of your holiday getaway to Gatlinburg when you stay with us! Our cabins are situated in beautiful locations among the Smokies but are still just minutes away from the Christmas lights in downtown Gatlinburg! While staying with us, enjoy comfortable bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, bubbling hot tub, and the warmth of a fireplace! Come see for yourself why so many guests love spending their Christmas vacation at our cabins!

Check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg TN today to plan your holiday getaway to the Smokies where you can enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights in Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!