For the 28th year in a row, the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Smokies invite you to join thousands of other guests as they celebrate the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016. Gatlinburg has plenty in store for you to enjoy leading up until midnight, including free music near the Gatlinburg Convention Center at traffic light number 8. For other fun-filled activities on the schedule for New Year’s Eve, check out these local attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Ball Drop and Fireworks at The Space Needle
Built in 1970, the Gatlinburg Space Needle has been a favorite Gatlinburg attraction for decades. This family-owned and –operated attraction offers one-of-a-kind, panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. And on New Year’s Eve, the Space Needle transforms into the one of the best places in the city to celebrate the start of a new year! The annual New Year’s Eve ball drop and fireworks show will begin at the base of the Space Needle late Thursday night, December 31. Plan to get there early so you can get a good spot for the special fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee. Their choreographed fireworks display is set to include a whole lot more than a few sparklers. You’ll enjoy a broad range of fireworks set to music with added LED lights for a New Year’s Eve ball drop that rivals NYC!
Live Music and Fireworks at The Island
Although it’s only a few years old, The Island has quickly become one of Pigeon Forge’s best family attractions. With shops, restaurants, and the famous Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (if you’ve never been, that’s a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that overlooks the Smokies—it’s one of the tallest attractions east of the Mississippi!), The Island is an exciting attraction to visit all year round, but especially on New Year’s Eve! Kicking off on Thursday evening at 7 p.m., New Year’s Eve at The Island will feature live music and a countdown to ring in the New Year. The live concert, brought to you by Fairview Union, will start at 8 p.m. with fireworks at midnight to follow. This event is free and family-friendly, making it a great choice for your New Year’s Eve celebration in the Smokies this year!
A Masquerade Ball at Three Jimmy’s
If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve event that’s a little less crowded but offers the same amount of fun, sign up for the Three Jimmy’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Three Jimmy’s is a family restaurant/hang out spot located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg. With award-winning wings and “the best hamburger in Gatlinburg,” we know you’re going to love the menu any time you visit, and you’ll especially love the fun that’s in store for their New Year’s Ball. Tickets for the Masquerade Ball include your choice of smoked prime rib, salmon, and Champagne Chicken—you know you’ll be eating in style! And $1,500 of cash prizes will be given to best-dressed guests and couples! For more information on buying your ticket to the ball, call the restaurant at (865) 325-1210.
Live Show and Celebration at the Country Tonite Theatre
Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge on Showplace Boulevard, the Country Tonite Theatre is one of the best venues in town for a live country music show. But they have something special in store on the night of New Year’s Eve. For the first half of the night’s performance, enjoy highlights from their shows throughout the year, and during the second half, enjoy a final celebration of the holiday season. After one last visit from Santa Claus and his friends at the North Pole, you’ll be ready to ring in the New Year in country style. Besides complimentary gifts and surprises for every guest, you’ll enjoy a huge batch of balloons that will fall from the ceiling at the stroke of midnight, a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider or punch to toast the New Year with, and a classic performance of “Auld Lang Syne.” Bring the entire family for a New Year’s Eve bash you’ll always remember!