December is a beautiful month to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The winter weather is mild compared to some of the colder states, while holiday lights and decorations add plenty of seasonal charm to the mountain town. You’ll find outdoor adventures, festive celebrations, and cozy indoor activities on this list of the 12 best things to do in Gatlinburg in December.
Start your Gatlinburg adventure with an exhilarating zipline tour at Legacy Mountain Ziplines. Glide through the crisp winter air as you take in breathtaking views of the snow-dusted Smoky Mountains. You'll experience the beauty of the season from a unique perspective on seven thrilling lines ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet long. Don't forget to book your tour in advance!
At Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area, you’ll find winter sports and mountain fun for the whole family. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on the slopes, or take a spin on the indoor ice-skating rink. Take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to the resort for a sky-high view of the winter scenery.
Experience a spectacular holiday light display spread throughout the city with Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Take a self-guided tour from the comfort of your own vehicle with a downloadable map of the best holiday light locations. This year, the Winter Magic lights will be on view from November 8 - February 12th.
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a group of over 80 artisans and craftspeople who showcase their handmade goods along an 8-mile stretch of road in Gatlinburg known as The Loop. Find the perfect Christmas gifts from artists on the Loop, or bundle up and explore the charming streets of downtown Gatlinburg and nearby Sevierville. Enjoy window shopping, grab a warm drink at a local café, or indulge in a sweet treat from the popular Donut Friar.
Anakeesta, a mountaintop theme park, gets a festive makeover during the holidays, making it a favorite thing to do in Gatlinburg, TN in December. From November 15th until December 31st, get in the festive spirit at their Enchanted Christmas celebration. Enjoy live entertainment and take in winter views of the Smoky Mountains from the Chondola or AnaVista Tower.
When the temperature drops, warm up with a taste of Tennessee at one of Gatlinburg's moonshine distilleries. Visit The Holler or Sugarlands Distilling Company to enjoy moonshine tastings and learn about the history of moonshine in the region. Remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver.
Head to Gatlinburg SkyPark to take a scenic ride on the SkyLift chair lift to the top of Crockett Mountain. Walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge. During the winter months, you can take a nighttime ride on the SkyLift to see the holiday lights from above.
Retreat to a Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental after a full day of activities in Gatlinburg, TN in December. You’ll find a variety of cabins with private indoor pools and hot tubs, all with stunning mountain views. Relax and enjoy some holiday time with family or friends in a cabin that’s big enough for everyone. If it’s just the two of you, cozy up for a romantic holiday weekend in a steamy hot tub by a roaring fire.
Festive lights are always on the list of things to do in Gatlinburg in December and that's why the Trolley Ride of Lights is a must! This experience will take you to see several of Gatlinburg’s spectacular light displays from the comfort of a heated trolley. Book a ride for the whole family and see the holiday sights on one of the several tours offered in both Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge.
When you need a break from the cold, check out some of the area’s indoor attractions. Discover thousands of aquatic animals and enjoy hands-on displays at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Take the family to the WonderWorks indoor amusement park in Pigeon Forge to interact with over 100 educational and fun exhibits. Step inside the Titanic Museum to experience what life was like for passengers of the doomed luxury ship with hundreds of genuine artifacts from the ship and its passengers.
If you're visiting in early December, don't miss the annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade held on December 6th. This dazzling spectacle features festive floats with millions of lights, marching bands, large balloons, and performers. The parade travels through downtown Gatlinburg among the holiday lights of the Parkway. Arrive early for a good viewing spot along the parade route or purchase VIP grandstand tickets to secure bleacher seating.
Take a short drive from Gatlinburg to see how Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland during its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. The theme park sparkles with more than 5 million lights, festive decorations, and special holiday shows. Enjoy classic rides, watch the nightly Parade of Many Colors, and warm up with seasonal treats like hot chocolate and cinnamon bread. Dollywood's Christmas celebration runs from early November through early January.
Take a trip to Gatlinburg in December for an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, festive cheer, and exciting activities. Start planning your winter getaway now by booking your cabin and reserving your zipline tour.
