Celebrate a Heart-Warming Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg

Thanksgiving Day brings a day of gratitude — a day to gather with family and friends and give thanks. After the holiday, the weekend bustles with activity, including football, shopping, parades, special family outings and more. While many places have Thanksgiving weekend traditions, few destinations offer mountain-loving culture with down-home fun. If this sounds like something the family will enjoy, find events to attend when celebrating Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg.

Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg: Special Events

Located at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers a blend of cozy mountain town and vibrant vacation wonderland. Spend the nights curled up in front of a toasty fire in a Gatlinburg vacation rental, and spend days browsing all the sights, sounds and tempting tastes of the Smokies. Here are some other ideas:

Gatlinburg Winter Magic: Lights up the night with millions of lights, creating the perfect setting for holiday fun. This four-month-long event features over $1 million of lights and lighted displays throughout the town.

Festival of Trees: For years, the Festival of Trees has delighted all ages. The event showcases dozens of stunning Christmas trees and wreaths. Take pictures and snap a shot with Santa himself.

Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show: The place to buy Smoky Mountain handcrafted holiday gifts. Tennessee artists and crafters gather at one of the largest craft events in the South, selling quilts, pottery, jewelry, candles, clothes and more.

Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Bowl: Ready for some football? For over 40 years, this annual game promises gridiron action as youth leagues from all over the U.S. The event occurs at Rocky Top Sports World, a popular recreation complex in Gatlinburg.

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales: Carolers and story tellers start strolling the streets of Gatlinburg to kick off this event. Enjoy live Christmas tunes, lots of festive costumes, history, humor, and even Frosty and Rudolph.

It’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg! Book a Smoky Mountain vacation rental.