Will you be in Gatlinburg during November? You may be wondering what you can do during this time of year in the Smokies, and we want to share some of the best things with you! Check out these 5 things you can only do in Gatlinburg in November:
1. Gatlinburg Chili Cook Off
Gatlinburg's Winterfest celebrations kick off with the annual Chili Cook Off in early November! The downtown Gatlinburg strip turns into an outdoor street festival with chili booths, games and activities for the kids, live music, and of course, Christmas lights! It's the perfect way to begin the holiday season here in the Smokies and enjoy some delicious homemade chili from local restaurants. Planning to visit over Thanksgiving weekend? Find out which restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day!
2. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour
Even if you don’t make it for the kickoff, you can still enjoy looking at the lights! The Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour is a self-guided tour around town of the Winterfest lights that are put up every year. You can drive around in your own vehicle, or you can take the Gatlinburg trolley for a different experience! This is something fun to do in Gatlinburg in November you don’t want to miss.
3. Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
Although you can enjoy snow tubing at Ober Mountain any time during winter, it does start back up in the month of November! People of all ages will have a blast flying down the snow hill at the ski resort. They make their own snow, so even if it hasn’t snowed yet, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy your hour’s worth of snow tubing time! You may even be able to ski and snowboard while you’re in town, but if you can’t, Ober Mountain has plenty of other fun activities too!
4. Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
Want to gear up for the holiday season early or just enjoy seeing beautiful things people have made? Then you should go to the Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This year, the show runs from November 25-30, 2025. On Tuesday through Saturday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday, the event is open from 10 am to 4 pm. And the best part is that it's free admission! Guests will be able to walk around several booths to see the beautiful creations people from the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community have created. You’ll find handmade jewelry, woven baskets, stuffed animals, handmade instruments, pottery, and much more.
5. Gatlinburg Festival of Trees
Every year in Gatlinburg in November, the Festival of Trees event takes place at the W.L. Mills Conference Center. It gears people up for the holiday season, and all proceeds and donations go directly to the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains! This event runs from November 26-30, 2025, and it starts off with the Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception on the evening of the 25th. There will be a children’s craft and play area, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and jaw-dropping trees and wreaths decked out. People participate in silent auctions to benefit the chosen charities and programs, so you don’t want to miss out!
Planning to visit after Thanksgiving? Read more about what to expect in Gatlinburg during Christmas!
While these are some event and time-specific things to do in Gatlinburg in November, there are plenty of year-round attractions that are fun to visit too! Check out these other attractions in Gatlinburg you don’t want to miss!
