Experience the spooky and spectacular with glittering lights of Gatlinburg below with Anakeesta’s“The Legend of Hallow Mountain.”  Your family can delight in friendly Halloween fun or find a fright night to remember. Tikes in your troupe can enjoy Anakeesta’s newest attraction“Firefly Forest,” glowing Gem Mines, funny Halloween characters and Halloween movie favorites that play on select nights at the overlook. The bold and brave can dare to enter the Hallow Mountain Graveyard for haunting adventure (Must be 12 or older). The Legend of Hallow Mountain also includes special crafts, games, and activities. For more information on this 6 week autumn series at Anakeesta click here.

Experience the intrigue, mystery, and spooky stories of Gatlinburg as you take a lantern-led Gatlinburg GhostWalk. Appalachian GhostWalks Gatlinburg Ghost Tours offers a great adventure for the whole family (young and old alike). Guests on this tour will hear unforgettable stories, history, and legends as they wind through the streets of Gatlinburg each night. Tours leave each evening from TGI Friday’s downtown. Reservations are required. For more information click here. 

Just in time for the holidays, the 21st annual Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair is the perfect place to get a jump-start on your Christmas list. Featuring over 180 artisans from all over the United States, this fair is an ideal market to find that one-of-a kind gift from homemade jams & jellies, handcrafted Jewelry, unique pottery, wood carvings, and much more. In addition the fall craftsman’s fair offers  seasonal items include holiday wreaths, ceramic trees, festive reindeer, a variety of Christmas ornaments, painted wall hangings, and holiday-themed treats.

In addition to live bluegrass music, you can watch as artisans demonstrate their specialized skills as they create their own unique crafts. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair offers something for the whole family with a “Kids Corner” onsite where children can craft their own art and live Bluegrass music daily from 12-3. Admission is $7 for adults and kids 12 and under are free.

For families or visitors to the area that want to celebrate Halloween without the fear of going door-to-door, Pigeon Forge hosts “Pigeon Forge Safety Day and Spooktacular Event.”  This event held at the Pigeon Forge Community Center is a non-scarey, safe alternative to regular trick or treating.  Durinig Pigeon Forge Safety Day and Spooktacular on the inside  of the community center there will be carnival games, trick or treating, a haunted house, hayrides and more. Outside the Police and Fire Department will set up and have live demonstrations. In addition area vendors will be handing out treats in the parking lot. For more information click here:

The 11th annual Trick or Treat Kickoff Karnival is the perfect family friendly festival to celebrate Halloween during the day this October 31st! This Halloween festival runs from 12-5 and features candy, costumed characters, contests and much more spread over two venues in  Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza in Gatlinburg and  Anakeesta Plaza. The Trick or Treat Kickoff Karnival happily hosts locals and visitors alike and no admission to either Ripley’s or Aneekeesta is required to enjoy this event. For more information click here.

Experience the spooky and spectacular with glittering lights of Gatlinburg below with Anakeesta’s“The Legend of Hallow Mountain.”  Your family can delight in friendly Halloween fun or find a fright night to remember. Tikes in your troupe can enjoy Anakeesta’s newest attraction“Firefly Forest,” glowing Gem Mines, funny Halloween characters and Halloween movie favorites that play on select nights at the overlook. The bold and brave can dare to enter the Hallow Mountain Graveyard for haunting adventure (Must be 12 or older). The Legend of Hallow Mountain also includes special crafts, games, and activities. For more information on this 6 week autumn series at Anakeesta click here.

Savor gourmet cuisine and sample region spirits at The Townsend Grains and Grits festival. This premiere festival offers an intimate sampling event featuring delectable dishes, savory bites, desserts,  and much more from acclaimed regional restaurants. In addition to live music, guests will also have the chance to experience legendary locally distilled spirits from Jack Daniels, Old Forge Distillery, Sugarlands Distillery,  Bootleggers Distillery and many more. For a full list of participating distilleries and tickets click here. 

Nothing says cold weather like a hot bowl of Chili, and the annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff is the perfect way to kick off cooler weather! This annual event, hosted by the City of Gatlinburg and presented by Bush’s Beans, is a great place to sample time-honored recipes and more exotic takes on this hearty dish. In addition to sampling delicious takes on chili, festival goers can enjoy live entertainment throughout the event and a host of other vendors such as Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Cliff Top Bar & Grill at Anakeesta, Sensible Concrete Works, Hilton Garden Inn, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Cicis Pizza, Alvin’s Kitchen, Savannah Bee Company and many more.

Experience the wonder of the season as you drive through thousands of glittering light displays synchronized to holiday music on your radio at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.   This immersive Christmas light show will take you through huge LED light displays featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition to your drive through brilliant and entertaining light displays your family will receive free admission to Santa’s Village where adults and kids alike can take part in activities and delight in meeting Santa himself. A petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables will also be onsite for even more family fun! For more information click here.

Experience the wonder and magic of Gatlinburg illuminated by thousands of glittering lights on  the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. This incredible seasonal attraction allows guests to take in the innumerable LED lighting displays along Gatlinburg’s famous downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, and the triangle juncture of the two.With a recent $1.6 million-plus roll-out of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays visitors will be wowed by the glittering winterscape displays of winter forests, evergreens and native animals, snowmen and much more all from the warmth of an insulated and heated Gatlinburg trolley.

Celebrate the time-honored traditions of the holidays in the Great Smoky Mountains at the Annual Holiday Homecoming in Townsend, Tennessee.  This fun-filled event is sponsored by the Tennessee Art Commission and the Arts and Cultural Alliance and takes place at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.  The whole family will swing into the spirit of the season with craft-making, live demonstrations, Santa, music, and much more. Your family will love making old-fashioned Christmas Tree ornaments, seeing baskets being made, learning traditional recipes and listening to live music by local musicians. For more information click here.

Check off your Christmas list early and support area artisans by purchasing gifts at Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Thanksgiving Craft Show. The historic Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts  Community moves from their normal workshops along Glades Road and brings their crafts and goods to downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center. This event is free and features numerous booths selling all types of local arts and crafts.  The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Thanksgiving Craft Show is the perfect place to purchase that one-of-a-kind gift that was handcrafted right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Experience the wonder of the season as you drive through thousands of glittering light displays synchronized to holiday music on your radio at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.   This immersive Christmas light show will take you through huge LED light displays featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition to your drive through brilliant and entertaining light displays your family will receive free admission to Santa’s Village where adults and kids alike can take part in activities and delight in meeting Santa himself. A petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables will also be onsite for even more family fun! For more information click here.

Experience the wonder and magic of Gatlinburg illuminated by thousands of glittering lights on  the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. This incredible seasonal attraction allows guests to take in the innumerable LED lighting displays along Gatlinburg’s famous downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, and the triangle juncture of the two.With a recent $1.6 million-plus roll-out of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays visitors will be wowed by the glittering winterscape displays of winter forests, evergreens and native animals, snowmen and much more all from the warmth of an insulated and heated Gatlinburg trolley.

Check off your Christmas list early and support area artisans by purchasing gifts at Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Thanksgiving Craft Show. The historic Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts  Community moves from their normal workshops along Glades Road and brings their crafts and goods to downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center. This event is free and features numerous booths selling all types of local arts and crafts.  The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Thanksgiving Craft Show is the perfect place to purchase that one-of-a-kind gift that was handcrafted right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

If you missed their Thanksgiving craft show you have a second chance to purchase artisan gifts at the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Christmas Craft Show. Guests have a chance to see a living history of handmade crafts wrought from the artists themselves. Usually housed in their studios on Glades Road,  Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community brings their workshop tools and wares to downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center. This show will feature live demonstrations and goods such as pottery, painting, candles, soaps, and so much more.  The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community’s Christmas Craft Show is the perfect place to purchase that one-of-a-kind gift that will please even the hardest person to buy for on your Christmas list. Admission if Free!

Spark the spirit of holiday cheer as you are dazzled with the twinkling lights that illuminate the night and warm the heart at the spectacular Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg, TN. A truly dazzling night parade that will long be imprinted in your mind,  Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg is considered one of the top Christmas parades in the nation. One of the few cities that hosts a night parade, Gatlinburg wows all revelers with ornate floats, balloons, marching bands, and much more. In addition this parade is the official kick-off to “Gatlinburg Winter Magic,” a series of wintertime events filled with fun!

The 3rd run in a 3-part series (The Healthy Blount Triple Crown) the Reindeer Run 5K Road Race & 1-Mile Fun-Fun/Walk is a great way to celebrate the season and stay fit. This 5K and fun run even encourages runners to race in their favorite Christmas costume to compete for the prize of “Best Costume.” A portion of the proceeds from this run will go to local Empty Pantry Foundation, and all Reindeer -Fun/Run Walk participants will receive a participation ribbon! For more information click here.

Enjoy the beauty and tradition of Bluegrass this holiday season in the heart of Pigeon Forge at Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival! This festival promises a full schedule of bluegrass bands spreading holiday cheer and music derived from the surrounding mountains.Regional and nationally acclaimed bluegrass bands will play over three days. Acts include  Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver, Amanda Cook Band Remington Ryde, Ralph ll & Clinch Mountain Boys, and many more.

Experience the wonder of the season as you drive through thousands of glittering light displays synchronized to holiday music on your radio at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.   This immersive Christmas light show will take you through huge LED light displays featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition to your drive through brilliant and entertaining light displays your family will receive free admission to Santa’s Village where adults and kids alike can take part in activities and delight in meeting Santa himself. A petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables will also be onsite for even more family fun! For more information click here.

Experience the wonder and magic of Gatlinburg illuminated by thousands of glittering lights on  the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. This incredible seasonal attraction allows guests to take in the innumerable LED lighting displays along Gatlinburg’s famous downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, and the triangle juncture of the two.With a recent $1.6 million-plus roll-out of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays visitors will be wowed by the glittering winterscape displays of winter forests, evergreens and native animals, snowmen and much more all from the warmth of an insulated and heated Gatlinburg trolley.