By Carolyn Simpkins
Enjoy holiday lights in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is known for its Appalachian charm and family-friendly fun. Around the holidays, Gatlinburg transforms itself into a festival of lights with plenty of activities for everyone you bring on your vacation. From a trolley ride to see all the city's decorations to skiing at Tennessee's only ski
resort, there is something for everyone at Gatlinburg in December.
Trolley Ride of Lights
Starting in November and ending in January, the Trolley Ride of Lights will take you around on a guided tour of the entire city of Gatlinburg to see all the holiday decorations and lights. If you've never seen Gatlinburg's three-million light display, there is no better way to see them all than this. The trolley leaves the Mass Transit Center at the Ripley's Aquarium Plaza on three trips nightly. You can make reservations starting October 15. Call ahead, because spots fill up quickly.
Trolley Ride of Lights
(865) 436-0535
www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=13
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
In early December, visit the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, where members of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community display their wares for you to see. Comprising the work of largest network of independent artisans in the country, you will find quilts, brooms, baskets, candles, paintings and much more. Pick up your holiday gifts on your vacation!
Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Gatlinburg Convention Center
(800) 588-1817
www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/craftshows.html
Ober Gatlinburg
The only ski resort located in Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg stands more than 3,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mount Harrison. Opening in December, you can try any of the winter activities that it has to offer---skiing and snowboarding for all levels of ability, snow tubing, indoor ice skating and riding the ski lift. You can rent equipment and take ski lessons on site. You can buy a season ski pass, a day pass for all winter activities or pay separately for each activity. Don't miss the Gatlinburg Christmas on Ice shows, located at the Ober Gatlinburg ice rink.
Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg TN, 37738
(865) 436-5423
www.obergatlinburg.com/
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
In nearby Pigeon Forge, Dollywood offers a spectacular winter festival packed with events that goes from November to January. During the holidays, this amusement park is decorated with over four million lights and hosts holiday shows daily. Shows like Santa's Workshop, where giant toys come to life and an 18-foot tall Christmas tree is center stage, will delight your whole family.
Dollywood
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
1-800-365-5996
festivals.dollywood.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=115
Resources
About the Author:
Carolyn Simpkins is a freelance writer and editor specializing in food, history, health, pet care and gardening articles. She currently works as a writing center coordinator and tutor at a small liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and women's studies from Agnes Scott College.
Photo Credits:
Abstract background of holiday lights image by Suto Norbert from
Fotolia.com
