1. See Stunning Christmas Light Displays From Your Car

One of the great things to do during the Gatlinburg TN Winterfest is see the Christmas light displays at night. They are located at many of Gatlinburg’s popular attractions, such as Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. As you’re admiring these stunning lights, see if you can spot the life-size three-dimensional snowpeople. There are 43 unique figures in total. Another perk of seeing these light displays is that you can do so from the comfort of your own vehicle. This means you don’t have to worry about bringing the right clothes to stay warm.

2. Experience Lights Up Close at Gatlinburg SkyPark and Anakeesta

If you want to see the stunning Christmas lights up close, one place you can go at night is the Gatlinburg SkyPark. The attraction has a fun event called Lights Over Gatlinburg. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift up to the SkyPark. It is home to the SkyBridge, which is the longest pedestrian footbridge in North America at 700 feet. During Winterfest, the long bridge is adorned with a 300-foot tunnel of lights. There is also a 38-foot Christmas tree with lights that are synced to music. Another place to see Christmas lights is Anakeesta. This is another attraction that is high above Gatlinburg. Admire the lights as they illuminate the already beautiful mountaintop. If you get hungry, regain your energy with seasonal food. Make sure to bring your camera, as there will be many great photo opportunities wherever you decide to go!

3. Shop for Unique Christmas Gifts

The many stores and shops along the downtown strip offer great places for holiday shopping in Gatlinburg and have lots of one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. You’ll be able to find something for everyone on your list! One place to go is The Village in Gatlinburg. The area is located in downtown Gatlinburg. It gets the unique name because it is modeled after an old-time European village. The Spice and Tea Exchange is just one of the unique shops, where you can pick up some handmade seasonings for the person who loves to cook. Another great place to shop is the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. This is the largest independent group of artisans in the United States, and their various art pieces will make wonderful gifts! For example, go to Santa Claus-et and get all things Christmas. They have a great selection of ornaments for the tree along with other decorations. You can also get some delicious treats, such as candy canes. Kids will love seeing Santa and telling him what they want for Christmas.

Now you know of some great things to do at the Gatlinburg TN Winterfest celebration! Need more help with your holiday itinerary? Explore all the other fun things to do in Gatlinburg!

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1. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cook Off

During mid-November, the kickoff for Pigeon Forge Winterfest and Gatlinburg Winter Magic happens. On November 7, 2024, you can participate in the kickoff for the holiday season with lighting of the lights and a chili cook off! This event takes place at 120 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 from 4 to 8 pm. It’s kind of like a festival where you can enjoy delicious chili, look at the lights, and listen to live entertainment.

2. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour

Even if you don’t make it for the kickoff, you can still enjoy looking at the lights! 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 trolleys 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. This year, the show runs from November 26-December 1, 2024. On Tuesday through Saturday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, the event is open from 10 am to 4 pm. 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. It gears people up for the holiday season, and proceeds are given to local charities. This event runs from November 27-December 1, 2024, and it starts off with the Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception. 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!

Now you know about some of the fun things to do in Gatlinburg in November. Planning on being here a little earlier? Don’t miss out on these other fun things to do in Gatlinburg in October.

While these are some event and time-specific things to do, there are plenty of year-round attractions that are fun to visit during this time! Check out these other attractions in Gatlinburg you don’t want to miss!

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General Information

This new wine trail in Gatlinburg not only features the #1 winery in Tennessee but also a wine tasting experience at an unbeatable price. Here are the highlights of what to expect:

• Cost: $10 per person (normally $25, so enjoy the savings now!)
• Must be 21+ to sip. (may ask for identification.)
• You can start at any of the 5 locations.
• Visit all locations within 7 days and receive a free gift!
• Over 40 wines and ciders to try!
• Three locations are within 400 feet of each other. 

Participating Winery Locations

Tennessee Homemade Wines– Both TripAdvisor and Yelp have THW as the #1 winery in Tennessee, so that’s how you know it’s worth a try! Southern sweet wines are their specialty, with their muscadine wines, blackberry wine, and sparkling peach wine being a few of their best sellers. 

Tennessee Cider Company– Want to try something a little different? Then you’ll love the hard ciders at TCC. The original cidery in Gatlinburg, their flavors include cider donut, hard tea and lemonade, strawberry, pineapple, and more. They also sell hard cider slush mixes that are delicious! 

Smokin’ Banjo– this Gatlinburg winery has unique blends of both hard cider and wine such as Sparkling Pomegranate, Wicked Grape, Cotton Candy, and Dreamsicle. We know you’ll love the upbeat atmosphere at the “Rebel of the Rolling Hills”!

Old Mountain Wine Company– taste the nectar of the Smokes at Old Mountain, located at the end of the downtown Gatlinburg strip near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Their wines, ciders, and meads offer something for everyone. It’s also one of the only wineries with outdoor seating, so you can sip back and relax on the patio; there are even a couple of firepits!

Bonus Stop: THW & TCC Sevierville– The fifth stop is the Sevierville location of both Tennessee Homemade Wines and Tennessee Cider Co., located at the Tanger Outlets. It’s the perfect place to stop on your way in or out of the Smoky Mountains!

How To Get Your Trail Pass

Buying your Gatlinburg Wine Trail Pass couldn’t be easier. Simply stop by one of the locations mentioned above and get yours for only $10! You won’t want to miss these incredible savings on trying some of the top wineries in the state and enjoying an exclusive wine tasting experience. 

Are you interested in visiting more wineries while you’re on vacation in the Smokies? Check out our other list of unique wineries in Gatlinburg TN that you should visit after you complete the Gatlinburg Wine Trail!

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1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Our coupon Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies will save you money on admission to one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions.  It was voted “Best Aquarium in North America” by USA Today. Experience the fun activities that bring you up close to aquatic animals big and small. The Shark Lagoon area has an underwater tunnel with a conveyor belt that visitors can ride on. Next, go to the Penguin Playhouse and crawl in the tunnels to watch the funny birds play. While the penguins can’t fly, they can swim at speeds of 15 miles per hour in depths of over 400 feet.  Additionally, touch the smooth back of a ray as it glides in the water of Touch a Ray Bay. After saving money on your ticket, don’t hesitate to enjoy additional activities, such as the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. All these activities will be a “jaw-some” time!

2. Anakeesta

Another one of our great Gatlinburg attraction coupons is to Anakeesta. It is a mountaintop adventure park located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. To get to this attraction, take a ride on the Chondola chairlift. Once in the park, admire the beautiful views while doing fun activities. Kids will love exploring BirdVenture! Experience all the fun interactive activities. You can also enjoy additional activities, such as the Dueling Zipline Adventure!  Want to do something more laid back? Take a relaxing stroll through Vista Gardens. When all that activity makes you hungry, you won’t have to go far! Anakeesta has many places for a delicious meal or snack. Some options include the Kephart Cafe and Clifftop Restaurant. Everyone will be able to find food they love.

3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Our coupon to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will save you money when you see and learn about interesting things. The exhibits include a lot of beloved pop culture elements with fun twists. There is a model of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts made entirely of matchsticks. Additionally, see how you compare to the world’s tallest man. His name was Robert Wadlow and he grew to be 8 feet and 11 inches tall. More unique things to see include the collection of shrunken heads. It was started in the 1920s by Ripley himself and has grown to include more than 100 authentic shrunken heads. Other exhibits teach visitors about the Smoky Mountain area. There is a Floating Kugel Ball Fountain that displays various facts about it as well as a Hike the Smokies exhibit. Want to learn about things that are out of this world? If so, don’t forget to check out the space exhibit too. Plan to spend a lot of time at this attraction because there is so much more to see.

We pride ourselves on helping visitors save money! Make sure to use all of our Gatlinburg attraction coupons when you come to town!

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1. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

While Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular attraction in Gatlinburg, readers of USA Today have also put it high on their list of “Best Aquariums in North America.” Some of the highlights include the Penguin Playhouse. It has tunnels with glass tubes which visitors can stand in to watch the penguins play and wander about. Get even closer to them when you participate in special events. For example, watch penguins create colorful works of art with their feet during the Penguin Painting Experience. Touch a Ray Bay is one of the other interactive exhibits. Dip your fingers in the water and feel the smooth back of a stingray as it swims by. There is so much to choose from! Together, all the activities expose visitors to over 350 individual marine species. Whatever you do, prepare for a “fin-tastic” time.

2. Tour the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Another one of the great indoor things to do in Gatlinburg is tour the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. It contains a collection of over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers, all accumulated by one woman. She opened the museum as a way to share her passion with others. Look closely at the intricate designs. There are depictions of plants, animals, and even some of your favorite cartoon characters. There are many other interesting sights to see here, one of which is a giant salt deposit from the Great Lakes that is over 600 million years old. If you get inspired, you can stop by the gift shop to get your very own unique salt and pepper shaker set. It will be a great addition to your dinner table back home. Your admissions fee will go towards your purchase! Another thing to love about this museum? It’s pet friendly!

3. Seeing Unique Exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

There are a lot of interesting things to see at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. The exhibits include a lot of beloved pop culture elements with fun twists. For example, there is a model of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts made entirely of matchsticks. You should also check out the collection of shrunken heads. It was started in the 1920s by Ripley himself and has grown to include more than 100 authentic shrunken heads. Other exhibits teach visitors about the Smoky Mountain area. There is a Floating Kugel Ball Fountain that displays various facts about it as well as a Hike the Smokies exhibit. Make sure to bring a camera so that you can take pictures of everything you see to show loved ones back home.

We hope you check out these fantastic indoor things to do in Gatlinburg and everything else that the city has to offer. When you do so, take advantage of our coupons to save money.

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1. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Gatlinburg is home to the world’s only Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. When you visit, you’ll have the chance to see more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, along with a huge pepper mill collection! There are shakers that look like United States presidents, cars, animals and more. One of the best parts about the museum is that admission is only $3, which goes toward the purchase of any set of salt and pepper shakers from the gift shop! It’s a great deal on a priceless experience.

2. Play a Round of Mini Golf at Hillbilly Golf

Mini golf itself is a popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains, but have you ever played Hillbilly Golf? When you go to Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, you’ll get to play mini golf on top of a mountain! Your experience will start off with an incline ride of 300 feet to the mountaintop. There, you’ll find two 18-hole mini-golf courses, each with its own fun challenges. You’ll have to golf through obstacles like outhouses, rocky walls, plants and more for the most unusual mini golf adventure you’ll ever have the chance to play.

3. Visit the SkyBridge at the SkyLift

Visit the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America at the SkyLift in Gatlinburg, known as the SkyBridge. This bridge stretches across a 680-foot valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors will feel like they’re suspended in the sky while getting an amazing view of the mountains. At the center of the SkyBridge, you will find what makes this attraction unique: glass panels that look down into the forest below. Test your bravery by walking across the glass panels, which sit 150 feet above the forest floor. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll be able to visit the SkyDeck, an observation deck where you can take pictures in front of sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along with these incredible scenic views, you’ll find a gift shop, cafe, and bar to grab a meal and a drink before you head back over the bridge!

4. Explore Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a historic 8-mile loop full of dozens of craft shops, art galleries and more! Step away from all the activity in town and into the traditional setting of rural Appalachia when you visit the community. Along the historic loop, you will find handmade collectibles and art, such as candles, baskets, quilts, pottery, jewelry and more. You can browse all the beautiful art and even purchase some to take back home! You’ll be able to find the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time in the Smoky Mountains when you explore Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community.

Next time you vacation in Gatlinburg, take a day off from visiting the popular attractions in the area and try these unique things to do. Browse more things to do in Gatlinburg and start planning your trip!

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The SkyBridge

The SkyBridge stretches 680 feet across a valley on Crockett Mountain, making it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. The bridge is 5 feet wide, allowing multiple people to walk side by side across the valley. At the midpoint, you will be suspended 140 feet over the forest floor. You’ll feel like a bird, soaring over the trees and possibly even seeing native wildlife from above! At the center of the SkyBridge, you’ll find 3 glass panels that are 15 feet long so you can look down over the forest. Test your bravery and walk across the glass panels to the observation deck on the other side! Once you’re finished looking at the incredible views, you’ll walk back across the SkyBridge once more!

Visiting the SkyDeck

When you get off the SkyLift, you’ll be on the SkyDeck, another new portion of the SkyPark. You won’t be able to believe the amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of Crockett Mountain! You’ll want to take pictures to remember the view. You’ll even find black bear statues you can take pictures with and have the mountains in the background. In addition to the incredible mountain scenery, you’ll find places to sit and enjoy the view, as well as a man-made waterfall feature leading to the SkyBridge. If you’re hungry, stop by the cafe for a snack, and head to the bar for a drink. You can also grab a souvenir to remember your time at the SkyPark at the gift shop.

Riding the SkyLift

To get to the new SkyBridge and SkyDeck, you’ll have to ride a traditional favorite: the SkyLift. The Gatlinburg SkyLift was built in 1954 on the side of Crockett Mountain and has been bringing fun to families for generations. Over the years, the SkyLift has gone from being able to hold 1 person to 2 people to 3 people. You won’t be able to miss the bright yellow chairs on the side of the mountain in downtown Gatlinburg. For some people, it’s not a complete trip to Gatlinburg until they ride the SkyLift. Now they can enjoy this attraction even more with the SkyDeck and SkyBridge expansion!

The SkyBridge and SkyDeck at the Gatlinburg SkyPark are definitely the new attractions you don’t want to miss out on! Your whole family will love seeing views of the Smoky Mountains you won’t be able to find anywhere else, and you’ll get to brag about walking across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America with glass panels! Wondering what else you can do while in Gatlinburg? Check out these other fun things to do the whole family will love!

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River Canopy Tour 

Ober Adventure Ziplines are the only canopy tours near Gatlinburg that go over the Big Pigeon River. You won’t find this zipline at the Ober Mountain location above downtown Gatlinburg but rather at their second location in Hartford, TN where they also offer white water rafting. Here’s the important info to know about the River Canopy Tour:

• 13 lines
• 4 sky bridges
• Up to 3 hours long
• Over 1 mile of total flight
• Crosses the river multiple times
• Fully guided tour with no previous experience necessary 

River Runner Express Tour 

Don’t have enough time for the full 3-hour Smoky Mountain zipline tour? Then you can choose the River Runner Express Tour instead! This 7-line canopy tour is approximately 90 minutes long and includes the highest and tallest lines of the course. This option is also cheaper! You can also get a discount on either tour if you have a group of 15 or more. 

FAQs About Ober Adventure Ziplines

When should I arrive? You should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. 

What are the age/weight requirements? You must be 8 years old and 60 pounds to participate. The maximum weight is 250 pounds. 

Will I have to hike or climb during the tour? Several times during the tour, you may have to climb a hill or a long set of stairs. Personal evaluation of your physical fitness level and ability to climb stairs and walk on uneven terrain is highly recommended.

What should I wear? They require that you wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable to walk in and longer shorts or pants that cover your upper thighs to make the safety harness straps more comfortable. Ball caps are not allowed since you have to wear a helmet; however, a beanie is acceptable to wear under the helmet during cooler weather. Sunglasses and glasses are permitted as long as they have a strap. 

More Smoky Mountain Ziplines

Can’t get enough of the adrenaline rush? Good thing there are several more awesome canopy tour companies offering incredible views! A couple of the best ziplines near Gatlinburg include CLIMB Works with its UTV ride to the top, 2 hour guided tour, multiple sky bridges, and a panoramic view of the national park, as well as the Dueling Zipline Adventure at Anakeesta in downtown Gatlinburg. This add-on experience is something you won’t want to skip if you’re planning to visit this popular attraction. Race side-by-side through the trees and enjoy spectacular scenery– it’s fun for the whole family!

Excited to experience this new Smoky Mountain zipline for yourself? Find discounts and deals on our Gatlinburg zipline coupons page and start planning your next adventure in the Smokies today! 

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4th of July Parade

Gatlinburg’s Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade in 2024 will feature country music star Connor Smith as the Grand Marshal. The parade will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at 12:01 am on July 4th at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Festive floats decorated in sparkling fashion will line the Parkway featuring patriotic marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and more.

4th of July Fireworks

The 4th of July celebration carries over into the night on July 4th as an incredible 20-minute fireworks display fills the sky over the Space Needle around 10:50 pm. While you can see the fireworks from just about anywhere in Gatlinburg, some of the best views will be in the area around traffic lights #3 and #5. This event is designated as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society…when you see it, you’ll quickly see why!

The map below shows the location of the Gatlinburg Space Needle:

We Thank You

Wherever you decide to celebrate the 4th of July, we join you in honoring our nation and those who fight for it. If you or your family have served in our nation’s military or are currently serving, we give you our most sincere gratitude. Thank you!

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1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a quirky museum filled with bizarre artifacts from around the globe. True to the Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg brand, the Odditorium features wonderfully strange items, like shrunken heads, vampire killing kits, and medieval torture devices. Guests will also enjoy a number of memorable interactive exhibits, including a shadow dancing room, a giant game of operation, a two-way mirror, and a tunnel that feels like it is spinning!

2. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is definitely worth a visit during your next vacation in Gatlinburg. For only $3, you can see over 20,000 sets of whimsically designed salt and pepper shakers, and children 12 and under are free! The museum’s shakers are from all around the world and every decade. The remarkable collection includes shakers shaped like Egyptian pharaohs, U.S. Presidents, owls, carrots, eggs, cartoon characters, palm trees, and just about anything else you can think of. Best of all, your admission fee can be applied to any set of salt and pepper shakers for sale in the gift shop!

3. Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Another unique place to visit in downtown Gatlinburg is a bit of a hidden gem! The Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts is an incredible museum and art gallery featuring local artisans, as well as events and workshops. Their permanent collection includes artwork, sculptures, and many other forms of mixed media. You’ll also find rotating exhibits and temporary displays, allowing you to enjoy a few quiet moments of reflection during your busy vacation schedule.

4. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a must-stop for TV and movie buffs. Visitors will have the chance to see some of the most famous vehicles to ever grace the screen, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies, two different Batmobiles (the original 1966 Batman and the 1992 Batman Returns), and cars from The Fast and the Furious franchise. It’s easy to see why Hollywood Star Cars is one of the most popular museums in Gatlinburg!

5. Speedwerkz

Another car-themed museum you won’t want to miss is Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience. It’s not your typical museum with displays behind plexiglass– you can actually get up close and personal with the incredible displays. You’ll be awestruck by their collection, from Lamborghini and McLaren to Bugatti, Porsche, and Ferrari! Plus, you can even sit in one of the cars and experience the thrills of driving one through their state-of-the-art racing simulators!

Visiting any of these amazing museums in Gatlinburg will be sure to add fun and entertainment to your Smoky Mountain vacation. Take a look at our Gatlinburg coupons to save money on tickets to Hollywood Star Cars, Ripley’s attractions, and so many more fun things to do in the Smokies!

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