Gatlinburg Events
Gatlinburg, TN is an extremely popular place for special events throughout the entire year and many events are lined up for 2023! Some of the most popular events are the Craftsmen’s Fair, Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff, and so many more! The 2023 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events below provides a quick overview of the numerous Gatlinburg events along with their dates, phone numbers, websites, and locations. We hope this list of Gatlinburg events helps you to plan the best vacation to Gatlinburg, TN!
2023 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events
Events in Gatlinburg TN may change dates or locations, so be sure to check with the official website, phone number, etc to confirm event details before making your plans. Also, events may be added or removed throughout the year so check back before visiting Gatlinburg to see what will be happening during your stay.
Gatlinburg Events in January 2023
Until Feb 28
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Description: For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Description: For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Until Jan 31
Lights Over Gatlinburg at SkyLift Park
Description: Running daily every night through January 31 (except Christmas Day), the SkyLift Park will be lit up at night with over 40,000 lights including a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge, a 30-foot Christmas tree structure with lights animated to music, and much more. It’s a truly magical experience that every visitor to Gatlinburg simply must-see.
Location: SkyLift Park in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/events/lights
Description: Running daily every night through January 31 (except Christmas Day), the SkyLift Park will be lit up at night with over 40,000 lights including a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge, a 30-foot Christmas tree structure with lights animated to music, and much more. It’s a truly magical experience that every visitor to Gatlinburg simply must-see.
Location: SkyLift Park in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/events/lights
Until Mar 3
Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Gatlinburg Events in February 2023
Until Feb 28
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Description: For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Description: For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Until Mar 3
Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Gatlinburg Events in March 2023
Until Mar 3
Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Description: Experience Anakeesta’s brand-new attraction Astra Lumina! Set off across mysterious observatory grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is the 15th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, and the very first in the United States! Be among the first to see Astra Lumina by adding the experience to your General Admission ticket.
Location: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
More info: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter-of-lights/
Gatlinburg Events in April 2023
Apr 1-2
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Description: The Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
More info: click here
Description: The Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
More info: click here
Apr 26-29
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Description: The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring professionally-guided walks to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources.
Location: W.L. Mills Conference Center & various venues
Website: https://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org/
Description: The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring professionally-guided walks to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources.
Location: W.L. Mills Conference Center & various venues
Website: https://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org/
Gatlinburg Events in June 2023
Early June
Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont
Location: Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride trolley to Elkmont (parking pass required).
Details: Once a year, in the first part of June, an amazing display of synchronous fireflies can be found near Gatlinburg at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s one of the only places in the world to see synchronous fireflies and we’ve got a full guide on how to see them along with photos, videos, and more. Click here to learn more about synchronous fireflies in Gatlinburg.
Location: Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride trolley to Elkmont (parking pass required).
Details: Once a year, in the first part of June, an amazing display of synchronous fireflies can be found near Gatlinburg at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s one of the only places in the world to see synchronous fireflies and we’ve got a full guide on how to see them along with photos, videos, and more. Click here to learn more about synchronous fireflies in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Events in July 2023
July 4
4th of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks
Description: Get details on the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks display to see what to expect and the best places to view the Gatlinburg Fourth of July fireworks.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Description: Get details on the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks display to see what to expect and the best places to view the Gatlinburg Fourth of July fireworks.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
July 7-16
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Description: Come off the street and beat the July heat at Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! This unique show features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
More info: click here>
Description: Come off the street and beat the July heat at Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! This unique show features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
More info: click here>
Gatlinburg Events in August 2023
Aug 3-5
Gatlinburg Square and Round Dance Convention
Location: W. L. Mills Conference Center
Website: http://www.tnsquaredance.org/convention/
Location: W. L. Mills Conference Center
Website: http://www.tnsquaredance.org/convention/
Gatlinburg Events in September 2023
Sep 9 – Oct 31
Bear-varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
Description: During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.
Description: During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.
Location: Anakeesta
Phone: 865-325-2400
Website: https://anakeesta.com/seasonal-events/bearvarian-fall-festival/
Late Sep – Early Nov
Fall Colors in the Smokies
During fall, the Smoky Mountains transform into a beautiful palette of colors as leaves begin to change. While the timing can never be predicted precisely to a specific day, we provide a fall color forecast for the Gatlinburg area to provide tips on the best time to visit to see the best possible colors!
Location: Gatlinburg
During fall, the Smoky Mountains transform into a beautiful palette of colors as leaves begin to change. While the timing can never be predicted precisely to a specific day, we provide a fall color forecast for the Gatlinburg area to provide tips on the best time to visit to see the best possible colors!
Location: Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Events in October 2023
Sep 9 – Oct 31
Bear-varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
Description: During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.
Description: During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.
Location: Anakeesta
Phone: 865-325-2400
Website: https://anakeesta.com/seasonal-events/bearvarian-fall-festival/
October 5-22
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Description: The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Phone: 865-436-7479
More info: click here
Description: The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Phone: 865-436-7479
More info: click here
Gatlinburg Events in November 2023
Nov 9
Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff
Location: Shade Tree Parking Lot 120 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN
Description: Celebrate the kickoff of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic! Gatlinburg hosts this annual event on Thursday, November 9 from 4 to 8 PM at the Shade Tree Parking at 120 Historic Nature Trail. Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.
Website: https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-winter-magic-kickoff-and-chili-cookoff/16/
Location: Shade Tree Parking Lot 120 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN
Description: Celebrate the kickoff of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic! Gatlinburg hosts this annual event on Thursday, November 9 from 4 to 8 PM at the Shade Tree Parking at 120 Historic Nature Trail. Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.
Website: https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-winter-magic-kickoff-and-chili-cookoff/16/
Nov 21-26
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website: https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website: https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com
Gatlinburg Events in December 2023
Throughout Dec
Dec 1
Gatlinburg Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway
Description: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway
Description: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.
Time: 7:30pm
December 31
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop And Fireworks Show
Location: Around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle
Description: Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on Saturday, December 31.
Time: Late Evening
More info: click here
Location: Around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle
Description: Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on Saturday, December 31.
Time: Late Evening
More info: click here
Final Thoughts about Events in Gatlinburg
This 2023 Gatlinburg calendar of events will be modified throughout the year as events are added, canceled, changed, etc. If you know of a popular event in Gatlinburg, TN that should be added to the list or modified, please let us know using the comment form below!