Winter in Gatlinburg is a magical time for families. Make the most of your trip by visiting our picks for the top five Gatlinburg winter activities. Use this guide to learn where you'll see gorgeous waterfalls, holiday lights, and more while making beautiful memories.

Explore the Possibilities

There is much to do and enjoy from December through February in Gatlinburg. However, narrowing down the list of fun things to do in Gatlinburg during winter would help maximize your getaway.

See the Lights of Winter Magic

Unsurprisingly, the holiday season is synonymous with festive lights, and Gatlinburg is no exception. However, Gatlinburg takes the occasion further, much to visitors' delight. From late November to February, tourists and residents watch the town come alive, thanks to millions of LED lights illuminating the streets.

Stroll along the Parkway or enjoy a cozy drive to see the lights. In addition, you can enjoy the Trolley Ride of Lights, which is a unique way to see the lights. Remember to warm up with hot chocolate after being in the cold.

Experience Ober Ski Mountain

Winter is the perfect time to visit Tennessee's only ski mountain. Though Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of year-round attractions, visiting the ski lodge while the slopes are covered in snow is well worth visiting.

If you plan on visiting Ober Gatlinburg during Gatlinburg's snowy season, you can enjoy:

• Skiing
• Snow Boarding
• Snow Tubing
• Indoor Ice Skating
• Downhill Mountain Coaster

Add to your experience by checking out our cabins close to Ober Gatlinburg so you can spend less time driving and more time shredding the slopes!

Visit Anakeesta

Another excellent option for being outdoors and enjoying the beautiful winter scenery is to visit Anakeesta. This nature-based park lets guests immerse themselves in the outdoors while enjoying hours of fun no matter the time of year.

However, the winter season inspires the team behind Anakeesta to transform the park into a festive wonderland, thus adding to the appeal. Some of the best things to see while visiting Anakeesta are:

• Enchanted Christmas Lights
• Scenic Rides
• Firefly Village

Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Smoky Mountains are gorgeous, inspiring millions of visitors to find the best views. When visiting Gatlinburg in the winter, one of the best ways to view the landscape is to visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Head to the top and enjoy a bird-eye view that's second to none. After seeing the sights, enjoy everything else the destination offers, including an excellent arcade for the whole family to enjoy.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive

Just by taking a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll see beautiful winter landscapes. Even if there isn't any snow in Gatlinburg during your visit, visitors can usually find the white stuff by taking a drive up Newfound Gap road into the high peaks of the Smokies.

Check Out Fun Indoor Attractions

While there aren't many outdoor activities during the chilly winter, Gatlinburg offers terrific indoor attractions perfect for enjoying any weather. Consider adding these places to your plans:

• Hollywood Star Cars Museum
• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
• Gatlin's Indoor Mini Golf and Laser Tag

Explore the Frozen Waterfalls

One of the most unique things to do while spending a winter vacation in Gatlinburg is to hunt for frozen waterfalls.

When the temperatures go below freezing, you can count on seeing some beautiful ice formations at waterfalls like:

• The Sinks
• Laurel Falls
• Grotto Falls
• Abrams Falls
• and More!

Live Entertainment and Shows

Gatlinburg is all about fun and celebration, especially during the winter season. If on vacation in December, make sure to see The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade or the New Year's Eve Celebration at the Space Needle with a fireworks and light show. In addition, the town has plenty of live entertainment, from Ole Red to various comedy clubs and more. Whether you're all about laughter or hearing up-and-coming artists, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Tips For Visiting Gatlinburg in Winter

Winter is an incredible time to enjoy Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. However, there are essential things to know to maximize your experience, such as:

• Prepare For the Weather: Winter in Gatlinburg can be mild, but winter storms are always possible, and severe temps can happen. Bring multiple clothing layers and coats.

• Chance Of Snow: "Will it snow in Gatlinburg during my vacation?" That depends on the month. November and December rarely see snow. January, February, and March are more likely to see snow. Bring a four-wheel drive vehicle as a precaution if possible.

• Less Crowded: Winter is part of Gatlinburg's off-season, making January, February (except Valentine's week), and March less crowded. However, December is naturally busier, thanks to the Christmas holiday.

Book Your Gatlinburg Cabin Today

With so many Gatlinburg winter activities available, it's a no-brainer to plan your next vacation with those who matter most for this season. Add to your trip by staying in one of our lovely Gatlinburg cabins. Our rentals offer several amenities, from our hot tub cabins to our cabins with a mountain view, ensuring a memorable experience. Get started by booking your stay today!