If you are thinking about traveling for Thanksgiving, consider a trip to Gatlinburg. There are a variety of ways that you can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday while exploring the Smoky Mountain region. From festive seasonal events to local happenings in Gatlinburg, you’ll be thankful that you took a trip to Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving. Here are some events and festivities to check out this Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg.
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
As a town that is known for its craftsmanship, it is no coincidence that Gatlinburg celebrates Thanksgiving with its annual Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show. This show is held annually at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visitors will get to see and purchase an assortment of handcrafted goods such as pottery, candles, baskets, paintings, quilts and much more. With over 100 crafters and artists participating in the show, you’ll enjoy learning more about the rich craft history of Gatlinburg while supporting artists and crafters both local and afar.
Gatlinburg’s Winterfest Trolley Ride of Lights
Since Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the holiday season, you’ll want to hop on the Trolley Ride of Lights to get in the holiday spirit. The Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Ride of Lights is a guided 45-minute tour of Gatlinburg where you’ll get to experience the city covering in holiday spirit. This tour features an assortment of light displays that include Santa and his reindeer to various holiday scenes and images. There are even LED light displays of popular animals in the Smoky Mountain region such as deer and foxes. Come take a tour of Gatlinburg lit up with holiday cheer on a warm, comfortable trolley ride.
Festival of Trees
W. L. Mills Conference Center at stoplight #8, Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN.
Not only will you see some of Tennessee’s most beautifully decorated greenery on this tour, but you will also be contributing to a good cause. The money earned at the festival goes to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. Admission to the festival is absolutely free and you will get to meet many local citizens and see their handiwork. Gatlinburg is a place where they take their arts and crafts seriously and you will see some of the most innovatively decorated trees that you have ever seen here. The festival goes from November 25 to November 29th and runs from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg
$35 for a 90-minute session.
3- and 4-year-olds Are Free.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday through Thursday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday
Gatlinburg was once considered a summer resort until Ober Gatlinburg opened and offered a whole new world of winter sports to visitors. If you’re not much of a skier, you can still enjoy snow tubing. Tubing over the holidays is very popular and you may end up waiting in a fairly long line, so be sure to bring a hat and a face mask. You and the little ones can enjoy several thrilling yet safe slides down their run. You can take the Magic Carpet back to the top of the hill, so you don’t have to worry about walking.
The Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales This Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg
Originally a summertime event, the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales is also offered in a winter version. Enjoy walking around Gatlinburg and experiencing a live enactment of Christmas plays, holiday characters walking throughout the streets as well as carolers singing in the streets. This event is highly recommended as it is one of the best ways to explore Gatlinburg with a touch of the holiday spirit. This event starts right before Thanksgiving and lasts throughout the holiday season long after you’ve eaten your Thanksgiving dinner in Gatlinburg.
Cherokee Grill
1002 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
There are many great places to eat in town and one of the best is this restaurant. The classy and refined dining room is the perfect place to enjoy a classic American feast. They have all the traditional Thanksgiving meats as well as an abundance of delicious side dishes and desserts.
Give Thanks in Gatlinburg
If you are choosing to social distance, you can still enjoy a fabulous vacation in this gorgeous berg. Most of the town’s restaurants offer a take-home Thanksgiving dinner. You can enjoy your meal in the dining room of a rustic cabin surrounded by beautiful mountains.
This year make your Thanksgiving a memorable one by eating your Thanksgiving dinner in Gatlinburg. Allow The Cabin Rental Store to help you locate the best vacation rental for your Thanksgiving trip to Gatlinburg. Whether you are looking for quaint lodging for yourself or something more substantial for your whole family, we have you covered. Contact us today at (877) 301-0776 to book the best vacation rentals in Gatlinburg. Stay at one of our festive Thanksgiving rentals now!
