As November draws to a close and the Christmas season gets closer, there are tons of fun holiday events and activities happening throughout the city of Gatlinburg. From shopping to taking in the one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain views, there is so much to do on the streets of downtown during this time of year. Here are 4 things to do in Gatlinburg in December and the holiday season:
1. Enjoy the Winter Views
Winter in the Smokies is an incredible time! With beautiful Christmas lights strung all around town with the beautiful mountains as a backdrop, you can’t beat it. There are tons of places in Gatlinburg where you can take in these gorgeous views from whole new perspectives. Take the elevator to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle and see the city from over 400 feet up! You can also use the viewfinders to see if snow is falling on the top of the mountains. If you’re looking for something a little different, climb aboard the SkyLift chairs and ride 1,800 feet above sea level to experience panoramic views of the Smokies.
2. Warm Up With Some Shine
It can get chilly in the Smokies during the winter months, so head down to Ole Smoky Moonshine on the Gatlinburg strip. Here, you can sample some of the best moonshine this side of the Mississippi! Try some of their classic flavors like Blackberry and White Lightning, or try some of their holiday flavors. If you visit the Ole Smoky Holler in downtown, you can even get a behind-the-scenes tour of how these drinks are made. Make sure to take a few jars home with you!
3. Do Some Christmas Shopping
If you’re finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping, look no further than all the stores and shops in downtown Gatlinburg. Doing some shopping in places like The Village Shoppes is by far one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in December because of all the awesome deals and one-of-a-kind souvenirs your friends and family will love seeing under the tree. You can also check out a few of the candy shops along downtown, including Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and Aunt Mahalia’s Candies.
4. Check Out the Arts and Crafts Show
Starting in late November and extending through early December, the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Christmas Arts and Crafts Show is held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This show has tons of unique handmade gifts made from members of the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community , including quilts, candles, pottery and more. This would be another great place to pick up a few Christmas presents for those who couldn’t make the trip to the Smokies.
Now that you know more about the best things to do in Gatlinburg in December and the rest of the holiday season, you can begin planning your winter getaway. If you have any more questions about these holiday activities or are ready to plan your next rafting trip, contact us and let one of our experienced team members help you!
