By now, the Christmas decorations have (hopefully) been put away for another 10 months, the eggnog has long been drunk to its full contents, all the “Happy New Years” wishes have been granted and we move on to the quiet season of the Smokies as Winter continues on until the third week of March. But does a quiet season in the Smokies mean nothing’s going on? Not at all! The post-holiday Winter months are when we see the highest chances…
Coming December 1st for 2023 is the 48th annual Fantasy Of Lights Christmas Parade in downtown Gatlinburg! Gatlinburg’s most popular Christmas centered event comes marching down Highway 321 to Stoplight #10 at 7:30PM for more than an hour of famous Christmas characters, carolling, floats, marching, clown cars and even drum and pipe bands. All your favorite characters, new and old, famous and maybe some obscure icons from way back in the day, will all be there that evening and you…
As of writing, it has just turned October of 2022 and the gorgeous Autumn colors and season is now going to start coming into the Smokies. But while we’re watching the leaves turn and sipping down anything with pumpkin spice in it for the next 30-something days, a question comes up that asks, “Is it too early to be thinking about Winterfest after that?” Years of experience with the Winterfest celebrations in the Smokies says that thinking and planning even…
Announcement from Gatlinburg regarding the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade for 2020 (no, it’s not a cancellation!): “On December 4, the 45th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Gatlinburg in celebration of the holiday season and the beginning of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Floats will be decorated with one-of-a-kind displays of LED lights, marching bands, large balloons, dancers, and holiday characters. Members of rock-n-roll royalty Lynyrd Skynrd and 38 Special will take the spotlight during Gatlinburg’s 45th Annual…
It is officially and effectively winterfest in the Smokies! During this time, people come to the mountains for a variety of reasons, not the least because of the holidays, the romance opportunities and just a badly needed break from the routine, but one slightly less obvious reason is that we have capabilities for Winter sports enthusiasts to break out their skis, snowboards and more; and those seeking to get a hot burst of adrenaline out in the cold will want…
In less than a week, the city of Gatlinburg will be some of the most active it’s ever been concentrated in one spot with the highly anticipated return of the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff! The city of Gatlinburg writes this for this year’s Winterfest kickoff festival: “For over 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated the kickoff of Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual foodie festival, Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff Presented by Bush’s Chili Beans. On November 12, 2020, the tradition continues with live…