Updated by Chris Murphy / Image from Visit Sevierville
Mark Your Calendar for these December Events in the Tennessee Smokies
The month of December is full of fun and exciting events all across the Tennessee Smokies, from Sevierville to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose. Be sure to pick up the Tennessee Smokies Visitors Guide for even more events throughout the year.
Here are our top five events happening in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville during December.
December 1: Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
The Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will make its way through downtown Gatlinburg. The parade will feature decorated floats, marching bands, large balloons, dancers, holiday characters and more. Named one of the top holiday parades in the country, this year’s event will be nationally televised.
December 8-10: Yama Con
Yama Con is coming to Pigeon Forge, Friday through Sunday, at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. This convention is all about anime and Japanese culture, as well as other interests related to video games, cards, board games, comics and more.
Throughout December: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
From now until through Jan. 6, 2024, Dollywood hosts its Smoky Mountain Christmas, presented by Humana. This family-friendly holiday celebration invites guests from all over to spend their Christmas season at Dollywood. Dollywood will feature an array of traditional Christmas activities and events, including millions of lights around the park, award-winning shows and the 50-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Click here to read more about Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Throughout December- Feb 18, 2024: Smoky Mountain Winterfest
The Tennessee Smokies region lights up with over five million holiday lights during Smoky Mountain Winterfest. Pigeon Forge, in particular, creates a winter wonderland from December until February with dazzling light displays, holiday shows and more. Area attractions also get into the holiday spirit, making the region a must-visit during the holiday season.
Click here to read about things to do this winter in Sevierville.
Click here to read about things to do this winter in Gatlinburg.
Click here to read about things to do this winter in Pigeon Forge.
December 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Show
Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on Saturday, December 31. Since 1987, this free, family-friendly celebration has been one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation, and this year’s celebration is set to be a spectacular end to the year.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials offered by many Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses. Live music begins at 10 p.m. at the base of the Space Needle on Historic Nature Trail/Airport Rd.
