When you think of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you probably think of a family fun center to visit in the Spring and Summer. Although it is a beautiful place to see in the warm weather, it is also a fabulous place to vacation in the Fall and Winter.
The Smokys look magnificent in the winter, and if you spend Christmas here, you will feel as though you are in a fairy tale. You will find that the area offers amazing snowboarding and sledding, the businesses in town are open and thriving, and winter is the perfect time to take in a dinner theater show or two.
Ober Gatlinburg
1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing for people of all ages and abilities, making it one of the best places to visit in Gatlinburg. If you are new to this sport, you will find plenty of instructors at the top of this beautiful mountain. There are also quite a few places to rent skis, snowboards, and jackets. You can take the Airiel Tramway to get to the resort, and you will get a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains as you travel to the top.
If skiing and snowboarding are not for you, you can go ice skating or tubing; you can even go to church on the slopes every Sunday at 12:30 pm. You may also want to enjoy a casual meal and some wonderful views of the mountains at Seasons of Gatlinburg or toss back a few beers at the Loft Lounge.
New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg
If you are looking for the perfect way to bid 2021 a fond farewell, you may want to consider spending New Year’s Eve in the Gateway to the Smokies. You can enjoy a special dinner at one of the town’s many fabulous restaurants.
Elsewhere, every year there is a big celebration and ball drop at the Space Needle located downtown. They have a fireworks display accompanied by music.
Anakeesta
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Tickets: Adults $29.99 Children 11 and under: $19.99 Seniors $21.99
Anakeesta is an award-winning theme park and scenic area nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. They are famous for their tree walk and the three remarkable views that they offer.
You will take the scenic fixed-grip Chondola 600 feet to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, where you will find Firefly Village and an observation tower. You can ride in the 4-person chair with a safety bar or in a gondola cabin with seating for 6.
In 2016, much of this area was destroyed in a devastating fire; since it has undergone a major reforestation project. You can take a Memorial Forest walk where you will learn about efforts to restore the area.
You will hear some fantastic music if you visit Gatlinburg in winter. If you are bringing the kids, you can take them to meet Santa. You will also find shops filled with unusual nicknacks to take home.
Dinner Theater
When you think of the epicenter of theater, you may think of Broadway, Chicago, or New Haven, Connecticut; however, Pigeon Forge has many fabulous plays to enjoy! You can go to Dolly Parton’s Stampede, where you will see a spectacular Christmas show that tells the story of the birth of Jesus, complete with angels that look just like Dolly herself.
If you are in the mood for comedy, you can see the show at the Hatfield and McCoys Theater, who knows what kind of debacles the famous feuding families will get into for the holidays!
For a more traditional Christmas celebration, you can go over to the Biblical Times Theater, where you can enjoy a moral tale taken straight from The Greatest Story Ever Told.
All of these shows come with hearty four-course country meals. They offer a menu for people of all dietary choices and restrictions. Most of the theaters are open 7-days a week, and some even offer matinees.
The Arts and Crafts Community
Hop on the trolly and take a ride through the arts and crafts community! On this tour, you will find some truly unique gifts for your friends at these wonderful shops. You can buy a homemade pot or a one-of-a-kind hand-woven blanket. Be sure to pick up blown glass, paintings, and photographs by famous artists here for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Where to Stay
The Cabin Rental Store manages some fantastic vacation properties. If you are traveling alone or with one other person, we have cozy cabins and condos for you. If you are bringing the whole family, we can find you a huge home where you will have plenty of room to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Book your home today. Our rentals go fast!
