Things to Do in Gatlinburg

The month of December is a special time for many people. There is Christmas and New Year’s to look forward to, hot chocolate to drink while it snows outside, and time to spend with your close friends and loved ones. But sometimes you just want to escape from the daily grind and take a vacation somewhere instead. If you are looking for an ideal spot to visit during the holiday season but do not want to deal with tons of tourists and heavy crowds, you will find that the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee fits the bill. Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this quiet snow-covered town has lots to see and things to do in Gatlinburg in December .

Christmas Shopping

You can’t beat the Christmas shopping that is available in Gatlinburg, as you will be able to find many specialty items for gifts that are not available anywhere else. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop where you will find shops that feature the handcrafted work of over 120 artists. You can buy homemade quilts, candles, pottery, baskets, stained glass, dolls, wood carvings, jewelry, paintings, and more. And if you would rather do your shopping all in one place instead of walking the 8 miles to find that perfect gift, you can go to downtown Gatlinburg and attend the Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where all the artisans and their crafts are gathered at one location.

The Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights

Gatlinburg is famous for having some of the best Christmas light displays in the southeast region. Not only are there the characteristic holiday scenes of Santa and his reindeer, there are also animals that are native to the Smokey Mountains such as squirrels, bears, foxes, and rabbits which are depicted in the winter wonderland of lights. And the best way to experience the magic of the lights is to hop aboard a trolley that will take you on a full tour to see it all. The trolleys are enclosed and even heated so you won’t be cold while embarking on the memorable journey throughout the downtown Gatlinburg area. A tradition that has been going on for 23 years, this is one of the things to do in Gatlinburg in December that cannot be missed!

Winter snow activities at Ober Gatlinburg