Each year, Gatlinburg hosts a large New Year’s Eve celebration filled with fireworks and fun activities. However, due to the Governor of Tennessee’s guidance for gatherings to limit COVID-spread, the 2020 fireworks have been cancelled.

The city of Gatlinburg put out the following statement:

Gatlinburg has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration. While the city welcomes its visitors to celebrate the holidays in the Great Smoky Mountains, the well-being of our community and visitors is always our top priority. We take very seriously Governor Lee’s appeal to Tennesseans to remain vigilant over the holiday season, including avoiding large public gatherings, as the spread of COVID-19 continues throughout the state. Instead, we urge our residents and guests to ring in the new year with family and take advantage of the many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors while in Gatlinburg. We look forward to continuing our many treasured traditions, like the annual New Year’s celebration, when it is safer to do so.

The original information about this event is listed below if you would like to plan for the 2021 event.

The 2020 Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve ball drop and fireworks will be the 34th annual celebration of this event in Gatlinburg, TN. When the clock ticks to midnight, fireworks will blast into the air choreographed with music in what is one of the biggest and brightest fireworks displays in the south! The Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display. Gatlinburg has become an incredibly popular destination for ringing in the new year with the fireworks, shops, attractions, restaurants, cabins, etc. If you’re looking for an exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve then definitely head to Gatlinburg, TN to celebrate the passing year and welcome the new one!

The area around the Space Needle will begin getting crowded during the evening, so plan ahead for parking, walking, eating, etc. If you’re fortunate enough to find a spot along River Road (which parallels the Parkway), most of those spots are free for parking. If there aren’t any open spots, there are a handful of privately-owned parking lots along River Road that typically charge a flat fee. There are also two city-operated parking garages, one at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the other at Traffic Light #3, the McMahan Parking Garage. Both of these parking garages provide numerous parking spots that should be available.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Viewing Party (Canceled as well)

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park invites guests to usher in the New Year from the top of the mountain (SkyCenter, SkyDeck, and SkyBridge). A relaxing environment awaits guests as they watch the ball drop directly below and across the street at the Space Needle.

When: Dec. 31, 2020
Where: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Visit Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for more details.

If you will be in Pigeon Forge on New Year’s Eve, then be sure to check out our guide on Pigeon Forge New Years Eve Events as well!

There are numerous places to eat in downtown Gatlinburg, so be sure to check out our list of the best Gatlinburg restaurants to see our recommendations!

Whether you spend New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg, TN or somewhere else – HAPPY NEW YEAR!