Illustration of a family walking past houses covered in colourful lights with a sleigh on a rooftop (Gatlinburg Winter Magic)
Christmas Lights

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

Visitors can experience millions of twinkling holiday lights across festive displays either by car or on foot along the parkway. The celebration features life-size, three-dimensional snowpeople positioned throughout downtown Gatlinburg as part of a scavenger hunt. Guests can also view community decor and vote for their favorite business displays in the People's Choice Award.

Nov 5, 2026 – Feb 15, 2027 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Neighborhood

Downtown Gatlinburg

Location

Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-light enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive and twinkling

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Download the Visit Gatlinburg app or use the printable map to locate light displays and plan your self-guided tour stops.
  • Use the Visit Gatlinburg app to find all 43 unique snowpeople throughout downtown and keep track of the scavenger hunt.
  • Choose a car tour or a parkway stroll based on how much walking you want to do while viewing the lights.
  • Dress warmly if you plan to stroll outdoors, since the light displays and snowpeople hunt take you around town.
  • Look for participating businesses as you visit and vote for your favorite decorations in the People’s Choice Award.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Visitors can vote for participating businesses’ displays in the People’s Choice Award this season.

Links & Contact

Run by Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors see the lights from a car or on foot?

Yes. The displays can be viewed from a vehicle or on a stroll along the parkway.

How can I plan a self-guided lights tour?

Use the Visit Gatlinburg app to locate displays and plan stops, or use the printable map.

How does the snowpeople scavenger hunt work?

Use the Visit Gatlinburg app to find the 43 snowpeople around downtown; you can share selfies with #GatlinburgWinter.

Can visitors vote for their favorite holiday decorations?

Yes. Look for participating businesses’ decorations and vote for a favorite in the People’s Choice Award.

What can visitors see besides the light displays?

The celebration includes life-size, three-dimensional snowpeople placed throughout downtown Gatlinburg.

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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