Each year, Gatlinburg hosts a large New Year’s Eve celebration filled with fireworks and fun activities. People come from all over the country to ring in the new year at the Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show right under the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Keep reading to learn more about New Years Eve in Gatlinburg TN 2021:

The 2021 Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve ball drop and fireworks will be the 33rd annual celebration of this event in Gatlinburg, TN. Starting at 10 pm, guests will be serenaded by live music from Slippery When Wet, the Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band. You won’t want to miss out on the incredible sounds of 80s before ringing in the new year! 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, 2021
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!