If you’re wondering whether Gatlinburg shuts down for the holidays, the answer might surprise you. This Smoky Mountains town stays remarkably active during both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, making it one of the most festive vacation destinations in the Southeast.
Unlike many tourist towns that go dark on December 25, Gatlinburg keeps its attractions humming, its restaurants serving, and its famous Parkway glowing with millions of lights. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic winter getaway, or bringing the whole family to a mountain cabin, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend the holiday season in this corner of Tennessee.
This post breaks down exactly what’s open for Christmas in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville—from major attractions and dining spots to shops and essential services.
The short version: many major Gatlinburg attractions, restaurants, and services remain open on both Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25), though you should expect slightly reduced hours at most places.
Key attractions open both days typically include:
For dining, most chain restaurants on the Parkway open at least on Christmas Eve with regular or slightly shorter hours. Select sit-down restaurants like Calhoun’s, Cherokee Grill, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. stay open on Christmas Day.
One important note: hours can change from year to year, so you should verify with each business just before traveling. This guide reflects typical Christmas schedules based on historical patterns in the Gatlinburg area.
Gatlinburg’s top paid attractions generally stay open both December 24 and 25, which means you can build a full holiday itinerary without scrambling to find activities. This is part of what makes the town such a popular winter destination.
Attractions traditionally open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
For more ideas on Smoky Mountain towns and attractions, check out this helpful guide.
Planning your visit? Check out this Nashville to Gatlinburg road trip guide for the best stops and travel tips on your way to these attractions.
These attractions typically operate on slightly shorter hours on December 24 and may open a bit later or close earlier on December 25. Ticketed Christmas light experiences like Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in nearby Sevierville usually run on Christmas Eve and often remain open Christmas night, weather permitting.
Anakeesta normally opens on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, giving visitors access to one of the most scenic holiday experiences in town. You can reach the mountaintop from downtown Gatlinburg via chairlift, chondola, or the Ridge Rambler adventure trucks.
What to expect during the holidays:
Expect holiday crowds on December 24–25. Consider pre-purchasing tickets or arriving early in the day to avoid the longest waits. Some snack stands and shops on the mountain may keep reduced hours even when the park itself is open.
Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) typically operates both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as Tennessee’s only ski area. If you’re looking for snow fun without leaving the Gatlinburg area, this is your spot.
Popular holiday activities at Ober Mountain:
Christmas Eve usually features earlier closing times, while Christmas Day often opens mid-morning and runs into the evening. Here’s a tip worth remembering: buy snow tubing tickets in advance because Christmas Eve and December 26 rank among the busiest days of the entire winter season.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies almost always remains open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, making it an excellent indoor option if the weather turns cold or rainy. It’s one of the most reliable attractions for holiday visitors.
If you’re planning a trip and want ideas on how to make the most of your visit, check out this 2-day Gatlinburg vacation itinerary for tips on what to see, including Ripley’s Aquarium.
What you’ll find at the aquarium:
The main Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Haunted Adventure, 5D Moving Theater, and Mirror Maze on the Parkway typically operate on December 24–25 with slightly adjusted hours. The aquarium makes a particularly good Christmas morning choice for families who want something open early without having to drive far from downtown.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle observation tower usually opens on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering 360-degree views of the snow-dusted Great Smoky Mountains and the illuminated Parkway below. Nearby, Anakeesta Outdoor Adventure Park also provides breathtaking mountain vistas and a wealth of family-friendly outdoor activities year-round.
The tower works well as a quick, flexible stop for Christmas evening—ideal after dinner or between other activities. The experience changes dramatically between daytime visits on December 25 (when you can see mountain vistas stretching for miles) and nighttime visits (when the Parkway transforms into a sea of Christmas lights).
The arcade and nearby attraction cluster around the Space Needle—including escape games, arcades, and small museums—often remain open December 24–25, although some close earlier on Christmas Eve. Check individual hours if you’re planning a night of entertainment around the tower.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not close for Christmas. The park operates 24/7 on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though some facilities and roads follow seasonal schedules. If you’re looking for cabins not high up in the mountains near Gatlinburg, you’ll find many convenient options for your holiday stay.
Main through-roads like Newfound Gap Road (US-441) usually remain open unless winter weather causes temporary closures. However, seasonal roads operate on different schedules. If you’re looking for accommodations nearby, consider staying at Another Day In Paradise, a cabin in Gatlinburg:
Typically closed by late December: For more ideas on festive things to do and places to stay, check out our guide to Gatlinburg Christmas: Festive Things To Do (& Where To Stay).
Usually open year-round:
For a quieter Christmas experience, explore lower-elevation areas like Tremont, Elkmont, Greenbrier, or Cosby—these tend to be less crowded than Cades Cove on December 25.
Visitor centers may run shortened hours or close entirely on Christmas Day, so download maps in advance and pack snacks, water, and warm clothing before you hit the trails.
Recommended hikes for winter visitors staying in Gatlinburg:
Scenic drives realistic for a winter holiday:
Safety matters on winter hikes: watch for ice on trails and bridges, check National Park Service road alerts before heading out, and start earlier in the day since daylight is limited in late December.
The Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge–Sevierville area offers a solid variety of restaurants open on December 24 and a smaller but still respectable list open on December 25. You won’t go hungry during your holiday trip.
Most fast-food and chain restaurants on the Parkway open Christmas Eve with regular or slightly shorter hours. Christmas Day dining leans more heavily on select sit-down restaurants and hotel eateries, with fewer casual options available.
Reservations are highly recommended for Christmas Eve dinner and any Christmas Day meal, especially at popular local favorites. Tables fill up fast when half the town’s dining options are closed.
Downtown Gatlinburg offers the most walkable Christmas dining, with many places either on the Parkway or just a short stroll away.
Restaurants traditionally open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Gatlinburg Cabin Specials and Deals Restaurant | Christmas Eve Hours | Christmas Day Hours |
|---|---|---|
Cherokee Grill | 2 PM – 9:30 PM | 11 AM – 9:30 PM |
Calhoun’s Gatlinburg | Standard hours | 11 AM – 9:30 PM |
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. | 11 AM – varies | 12 PM – 8 PM |
Chesapeake’s | 2 PM – 9:30 PM | 11 AM – 9:30 PM |
CiCi’s Pizza | 11 AM – 8 PM | 11 AM – 11 PM |
Breakfast and brunch options:
Note about closures: Some popular venues like Ole Red Gatlinburg and The Melting Pot often open Christmas Eve only and close on December 25. Double-check before planning a Christmas Day dinner at these locations.
Parking tip: city garages and lots stay open, but street parking is limited and fills fast on holiday evenings. Plan to park in a garage and walk.
Many visitors stay in cabins or hotels in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville and prefer to eat there before heading into Gatlinburg for attractions.
Sevierville dining options for the holidays:
Pigeon Forge restaurants commonly open both days:
Restaurant | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|
Calhoun’s Pigeon Forge | Open Eve and Day |
Hard Rock Cafe | Open Eve and Day |
Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse | Open Eve and Day |
No Way Jose’s Cantina | Eve: 11 AM – 8 PM, Day: 12 PM – 6 PM |
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen | Check for current hours |
Jimmy’s Smokehouse | Eve: 11 AM – 8 PM, Day: 1 PM – 7 PM |
Some buffet and country-kitchen style restaurants like Golden Corral and certain Cracker Barrel locations often open Christmas Eve but close on Christmas Day. Call ahead to confirm.
Most souvenir shops and candy stores along the Gatlinburg Parkway stay open well into the evening on Christmas Eve, and a surprising number open for at least part of Christmas Day. You can find fudge, T-shirts, and Smoky Mountain souvenirs throughout the holiday.
However, retail becomes extremely limited on December 25:
Christmas Eve shopping (typical hours):
Christmas Day reality:
Grocery options become critically limited. Larger supermarkets in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge typically close early on December 24 and stay closed on December 25, leaving only select convenience stores and gas stations open.
Practical advice:
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge function as true “open-for-the-holidays” destinations where you can enjoy both outdoor nature and indoor attractions on December 24–25. With proper planning, you won’t miss a beat during your Christmas vacation.
Booking recommendations:
Sample two-day holiday itinerary:
Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
Christmas Eve | Explore downtown shops | Anakeesta mountaintop experience | Dinner on the Parkway, then drive through Gatlinburg lights |
Christmas Day | Breakfast at Crockett’s, then Smokies hike | Ripley’s Aquarium or Ober Mountain | Dinner at Cherokee Grill, Space Needle for night views |
Final reminders:
Cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs near Gatlinburg provide a cozy base throughout the Christmas holiday. After a day exploring open attractions, dining at restaurants that welcome holiday guests, and taking in the world-famous Parkway lights, you’ll return to your own private mountain retreat.
Start planning your Christmas trip now. Book your accommodations, make those dinner reservations, and sign up for email updates from your must-visit attractions. The Smokies at Christmas offer something truly special—and unlike many destinations, Gatlinburg actually stays open to let you enjoy it.
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