What better way to ring in the new year than a trip to the Smoky Mountains! When you visit Gatlinburg during this special time of year, there will be plenty of things to see and do. In addition to still being able to see amazing holiday lights, the town also puts on special events to welcome in the new year! Here are 4 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg:

1. Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show

The biggest New Year’s Eve Celebration takes place under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. This event began in 1987 and has been welcoming thousands of visitors to the area ever since! It is one of the largest family-friendly celebration events in the country, and is used to welcome in everything the next year has to offer. During the event, spectators will be treated to a magnificent fireworks display. After counting down the ball drop, the fireworks begin and put on a show that is choreographed to music! This is a spectacle you don’t want to miss!

2. Firework Viewing from the Gatlinburg SkyLift

For this special night of the year, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park will be staying open late to provide guests with a bird’s eye view of all the action! From the top of the SkyLift Park, you will have an unbelievable view of the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the amazing fireworks display. The park sits 500 feet above Gatlinburg and roughly 100 feet above the launching pad where the fireworks are launched! Note that tickets to this special viewing have to be bought separately from your admission to the SkyLift Park. However, with these passes you can visit the park as many times as you would like January 1st. This allows you to experience all the other fantastic activities at the SkyLift Park, including the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America!

3. Spend the Night Enjoying the Enchanted Winter Lights at Anakeesta

On New Year’s Eve, Anakeesta will once again stay open late to help your family ring in the new year. This is the perfect place to spend the entire day celebrating the holiday season. With the Enchanted Winter of Lights festival, guests can enjoy a magical holiday light display, featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree at Anakeesta plaza. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture a photo of your family posing in front of this ginormous Christmas scene. There is also a brand new lighting experience in the Vista Gardens section of the park you will want to check out. When the new year is approaching, find a seat in Black Bear Village and enjoy the firework show!

4. Food & Fun in Downtown Gatlinburg

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a few drinks and delicious food on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg, there are plenty of restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg that will be staying open late. One of the most popular spots to hang out is the rooftop bar at Loco Burro! The view from the rooftop gives guests the ability to see everything that is happening on the busy streets down below. Plus, you can enjoy some of the best Mexican food in all of the Smokies! You will be far stretched to find a better party for New Year’s Eve than the one at Loco Burro!

Now that you know about some ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg, be sure to check out other things to do while you are in town! We hope to see you soon!