Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights in front of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

4 Best Ways to See the Gatlinburg TN Christmas Lights

When you think of ways to enjoy the Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights, you probably imagine strolling through Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival or watching the Christmas parade that runs through downtown Gatlinburg. While these are great ways to get in the Christmas spirit, there are several fun ways to check out the city’s festive lights that you may not have thought of! Check out these 4 of the best ways to see the Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights:

1. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

To enjoy a calm, peaceful evening of Gatlinburg lights from a bird’s-eye view, consider taking a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift. At 1,800 feet tall, the lift is one of the top scenic outlooks! During the day, you have breathtaking mountain views to enjoy, and at night you’ll be dazzled by the city lights mixed with the Christmas lights that decorate the town. You’ll even have the chance to have a souvenir photo taken of you during the ride! This truly is an experience you’ll remember forever. When you reach the top, hop off onto the SkyDeck to have a great view of the city covered in Christmas lights. If you’re feeling brave enough, cross the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which has been transformed into a tunnel of lights.

2. Enchanted Winter at Anakeesta

Another way to view the Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights is to visit Anakeesta! This mountaintop attraction offers gorgeous views of downtown Gatlinburg and has its own holiday lights and decorations throughout the park. Admire the twinkling arctic lights as you explore Firefly Village and the Vista Gardens, or climb to the top of the AnaVista Tower for breathtaking views for miles! It’s the perfect spot to see the Christmas lights in Gatlinburg and celebrate the season with hot cocoa and a visit with Santa.

3. Gatlinburg Space Needle

gatlinburg space needle nightFor a panoramic experience like you wouldn’t believe, check out the Gatlinburg Space Needle! And no, you don’t have to travel all the way to Seattle for breathtaking views because the Gatlinburg Space Needle is perched 407 feet above the city, providing unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains and of the bustling town below. At night, your family will love to see the whole city glowing with festive Gatlinburg lights.

4. Festival of Trees

If you like the idea of seeing Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights but also like staying in the warm indoors, we recommend checking out the Gatlinburg TN Festival of Trees! You’ll get the chance to see beautifully decorated trees, as well as shop for handmade holiday decorations. The proceeds of the event go to help the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, so you’ll know your money is going to a great cause!

About the Gatlinburg TN Christmas Lights

gatlinburg christmas lightsThe Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The local cities are illuminated with more than 5 million twinkling holiday lights. All of the things we’ve listed above can help you take in the gorgeous lights, but you also have plenty of other options! You can drive along the Parkway yourself, go for a stroll through The Village Shops to see the decorations, or visit Anakeesta for some of the best views of the Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights.

Why You Should Experience a Gatlinburg TN Christmas

Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the magic of the season, and there’s no better place to do that than Gatlinburg! Everyone needs to experience a Gatlinburg TN Christmas at least once. It’s not just the Gatlinburg lights that make the season special, but it’s the beautiful decor, entertaining holiday shows, bustling shops, and so much more. Everyone will be in the holiday spirit when you get to enjoy the Gatlinburg lights.

With all these great ways to enjoy the Gatlinburg TN Christmas lights, you’ll need a whole weekend to experience them all! You will need a great place to stay during your Smoky Mountain vacation. Look through our Gatlinburg TN cabins and book your stay today!