It’s hard to believe we’ve already entered the new year! But that doesn’t mean the lights in Gatlinburg go away with the holiday season. The Christmas lights in our area stay open through February, so you haven’t missed out!

We have put together a list of our favorite ways that families and visitors can experience the dazzling holiday magic of the holiday displays in Gatlinburg. Here’s our favorite ways to enjoy the lights:

Enjoy a Trolley Tour of Lights

One of the best ways families and visitors can enjoy the festive Christmas lights for the Christmas season in the Smoky Mountains is to experience them from the comfort of a Gatlinburg trolley.

Through January, Gatlinburg’s Trolley Tour of Lights continues with a 6:30 p.m. tour each Saturday in the month. The route begins on River Road and travels down the Parkway to Traffic Light #10.

Both tours are just $5 each, per person, and are perfect for any size family or group looking to spend Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. Click here to get your tickets.

Experience an Attraction with a Beautiful View of the Lights

If you are looking to add a little excitement to your vacation in the Smoky Mountains, you and your family should consider viewing the Christmas lights from one of the many Smoky Mountain attractions with a scenic view. Not only do these attractions give you and your loved ones something fun to do to pass the time, but they also give you a completely different view of the lights.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

The tallest attraction in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the most unique attractions in the Smoky Mountains. From the top, you and your family will have a clear view of the Parkway and the millions of holiday lights below. This is perfect for panoramic photos and family memories.

Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s website at https://www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com/ to learn more.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island

If you want to tour the holiday lights but you don’t want to sit in your car, why not head on over to The Island in Pigeon Forge? The Island is just a few minutes away from Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge has just as many lights to see, too! From the top of their 200-foot ferris wheel, you will have a full aerial view Pigeon Forge and be able to catch a glimpse of all of the Christmas lights.

To save $10+ on your ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, click here to purchase tickets.

Take a Drive Along the Parkway

If you are looking for a more cost-effective way to see the holiday lights, or if you can’t find a tour that meets your schedule, we suggest you and your family consider creating your own auto tour of lights.

All you have to do is hop in the car and drive around. You can explore either the Parkway in Pigeon Forge or downtown Gatlinburg. You can also explore the many side roads to see the Christmas decorations set up from some of our favorite local businesses. Who knows, maybe you will find a new Smoky Mountain attraction or restaurant you didn’t know existed before your adventure.

Final Thoughts

Have you visited Gatlinburg this season to see the lights? Tell us about your experience below.