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4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

December 5, 2025

Will you be spending New Year’s Eve in the Smokies? There are so many fun activities and events that will help you ring in the new year in style! From fireworks shows to live entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do with your family and friends! Here are some of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:

1. Gatlinburg’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration

downtown Gatlinburg lit up at nightGatlinburg’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration is known as the “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South,” and it’s a great way to end the year! This family-friendly event is one of the most popular ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg. It offers a free night of fun, with an illuminated drone show, a live concert, and a ball drop from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. As the clock strikes midnight, a festive fireworks finale will kick the new year off with a bang!

2. NYE Lights of Wonder at Gatlinburg SkyPark

Another way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg is NYE Lights of Wonder at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Join as the mountaintop attraction transforms into a lively party! With a silent disco, you can dance the night away as you count down to the new year! This event also gives you a bird’s eye view of the city of Gatlinburg’s ball drop and fireworks display. From the SkyBridge, you can watch the fireworks from 500 feet above downtown Gatlinburg and about 100 feet above the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s launchpad.

3. New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge during WinterfestAre you looking for ways to ring in the new year in Pigeon Forge? Celebrate in style at the New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island in Pigeon Forge! This is one of the largest New Year’s eve parties in the Smokies, and it has something for every member of the family! During the day, you can explore all the exciting rides, unique shops, and tasty restaurants at The Island. At night, enjoy high-energy music from a DJ and live performances. To welcome the new year, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky at midnight!

4. Mountain Mile New Year’s Eve Celebration

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Pigeon Forge is the Mountain Mile New Year’s Eve Celebration. Starting in the late afternoon, you can enjoy a variety of activities at The Mountain Mile, such as games, live entertainment, door prizes, and more! You can even enter for the chance to win a shopping spree giveaway! Then, close out the year with a festive fireworks show that will delight all ages!

More Ways to Celebrate the New Year

These are some of the best things to do on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! In addition to New Year’s Eve parties and fireworks, another popular way to celebrate is making New Year’s resolutions. Whether your resolution is to try something new, improve your health, save money, or another goal, a white water rafting trip will help you keep your New Year’s resolutions! To make sure you reach your goals, go ahead and book your next Smoky Mountain rafting trip or purchase a rafting gift card to use in the new year!

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