The Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg, TN, is known as the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade and features parade entries of marching bands, floats, holiday balloons, performers, and more! Below, you will find information about the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade route and the date and time that it is scheduled to take place this year.
The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade 2025 takes place on Friday, December 5th, at approximately 7:30 p.m. beginning historically at Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at Traffic Light #10. If you’re at Traffic Light #10, the parade should reach you around 8 p.m. The entire parade typically lasts around an hour. The majority of people tend to sit or stand along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg for the best views closest to all the action. If you would like to view a map of Gatlinburg to see where the traffic lights are, you can view the city’s map at: Gatlinburg Map
Keep in mind that the Parkway through downtown Gatlinburg will be closed off during the Christmas parade as well as slightly before it begins and after it ends. With this in mind, if you plan to attend the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade then we highly suggest you arrive in town earlier in the day, find a parking spot, and stroll through the downtown shops, grab a bite to eat, sip some hot chocolate, and make an afternoon and evening out of it. Have fun and enjoy the entire experience!
The 2025 Parade Grand Marshal is Hunter Hayes. He is a Grammy-nominated country music artist with platinum selling albums and a brand-new Christmas EP.
If you’re fortunate enough to find a parking spot along River Road (which parallels the Parkway), most of those spots are free. 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.
Below is a video the city provided of a previous Gatlinburg Christmas Parade if you would like an idea of what to expect if you have never seen it before. Keep in mind that it is much better in person!
