Gatlinburg is nestled in the middle of the Tennessee mountains, about 39 miles east of Knoxville. Sitting right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are plenty of breathtaking views, cozy spots, and adrenaline-filled activities to partake in all year long. Let’s take a look at what to do in Gatlinburg in the winter, ensuring you make the most of your trip to Gatlinburg.
What to Do in Gatlinburg in the Winter
1. Anakeesta Theme Park
Let’s start off with one of the most obvious winter activities: the new adventure hub that is Anakeesta. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, it’s one of the few places where you can catch aerial views of the town via the Chondola or Ridge Rambler! Not to mention, they have their Hot Chocolate Trail and cozy fire pits set up for wintertime visitors!
2. Ober Gatlinburg
If you’re into amusement parks, Ober Gatlinburg is a great alternative to Anakeesta. Founded in 1962, it sports ski mountain coasters, ice bumper cars, ice skating, and of course slopes for skiing and snowboarding!
We loved snow tubing over here, so make sure you pack the tubes, sleds, and waterproof clothing! Thanks to their handy Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg, you can get there without driving to the mountain!
3. The Magic Trolley Ride of Lights
No holiday season is complete without some multicolored, twinkling lights and festive music! Extending into late January, you can choose to stroll with your loved ones along the parkway or hop aboard a local trolley for a truly “magical” light tour in the evening!
4. Drive Through Cades Cove
Do you have any history buffs in your family? What about someone who enjoys a relaxing, scenic drive? If so, do yourself a favor and check out the beauty of Cades Cove.
Located on an 11-mile loop, it’s easy to take in the sights at your own pace. Not only will you have the chance to see some wildlife, but you can also pull off the road and see many historical sites. Cherokee and European settler history, churches, barns, log houses, and more are still present here.
5. Hike the Old Sugarlands Trail
If you’re someone who enjoys taking things into your own hands, break those extra layers out because the Old Sugarlands trailhead is a blast.
While you can go at any time of year, many enjoy the trails in the winter due to the fact that there are fewer humans and bugs around. Even though it only takes a few minutes of driving to access the trail from the center of Gatlinburg, it’ll transport you to a complete change of scenery.
6. Hibernate in Your Cabin
With tons of cabins to choose from around the Gatlinburg area, make sure to make time for the indoors! Many have indoor fireplaces where you can get cozy with some cider, coffee, hot chocolate, or any other warm beverage of your choice. Many also have hot tubs on the deck, should you need to relax those muscles after a day of adventuring!
7. Shopping
Are you bored of the same old souvenir shops? Then you won’t be disappointed by Gatlinburg’s colorful shops, local arts and crafts, unique treats, curated gifts, and much more. Their Christmas shopping offerings include many handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
8. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
This park is a delight to see at any time of year, but they really show off in the wintertime! Running until late January, SkyLift has its own winter celebration called “Lights Over Gatlinburg”.
The celebration consists of over 40,000 lights meticulously placed all over the park, a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the bridge, along with an enormous lit-up tree to finish things off. While walking along the bridge, you’ll get to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and town.
9. Ripley’s Aquarium
With so much to do outside, you’ll probably want to break things up by hanging out in places that don’t require a parka to stay warm. Ripley’s Aquarium is great for visitors of all ages! Here, you’ll get the chance to see sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, turtles, and more up close! If you’re lucky (and willing) you can even touch a jellyfish! Our favorite has to be the shark tunnel, complete with a moving sidewalk!
10. Winter Magic Tunes and Tales
Behold one of the most exciting holiday traditions in Gatlinburg! Here, you’ll witness all kinds of performers that bring entertainment and get everyone in the holiday spirit.
A crowd favorite is always when they start telling funny tales and stories from the town’s history! Make sure to get the kids (or adults!) camera-ready as Santa Claus will make an appearance to take some photos!
11. Ski Clingmans Dome
Not quite in Gatlinburg, but certainly nearby is Clingman’s Dome. It’s closed to all vehicles from December to April, so cross-country skiers take advantage of this to use the car-free routes as a leisurely trail. Expect pristine powder and impressive views here, and trails that are great for beginners!
12. Explore Newfound Gap’s
Sounding like what kids experience the first time they lose a front tooth, Newfound Gap is gorgeous at any time of year. Depending on the time of winter you go, you may not have a hard time accessing it due to minimal ice and snow. This serene, calm place comes with amazing scenery where you can go sledding or have a snowball fight!
13. Gatlin’s Fun Center
If you have kids along for the ride, you can’t pass up Gatlin’s Fun Center. This place offers hours of fun, where adults can have just as much fun as the little ones!
Their mini-golf course is like another world, where you’ll play “under the sea”, complete with a gigantic octopus, a sunken pirate ship, and more. Not to mention, they have the biggest laser tag arena in the area. Our favorite was the themed escape rooms, which will really have you work your brains!