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It's the most wonderful time of the year! December is my favorite time in Gatlinburg because it offers so much. The city is glittering with Christmas lights (millions, in fact) and cinnamon and spice fill the shops. The local stores are decorated for the season and are playing all my favorite songs. People are bustling up and down the streets and there are a number of events for the entire family. Restaurants are serving special dishes and snow and ice are blanketing some parts of the mountains. It's the perfect time to visit with kids or to have a romantic escape. Here are some of the things going on in December:
Things to Do
Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Once again the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will bring their unique and impressive crafts to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the city's most festive time of the year. It's the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping and get some really wonderful finds
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
The Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade always impresses! There are beautiful floats, good music and of course, an appearance by Santa Claus. Bundle up, bring a cup of hot chocolate and get downtown early to find a good spot. Gatlinburg always does Christmas up big, so you won't want to miss this!
Christmas on Ice
You can enjoy indoor ice skating year round at Ober Gatlinburg, but for two days during December, local skaters will showcase their skills as they skate to the sounds of the holiday season. Come out and enjoy a nice atmosphere and great entertainment.
Ober Gatlinburg winter sports
Ober Gatlinburg will start its winter sports as soon as weather permits. This usually happens mid-December. Along with indoor ice skating, there will be skiing, snowboarding and more.
New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks
If you're looking for a fantastic way to end the year, don't miss the New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show in Gatlinburg. The party will be held at the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the Base of the Space Needle. There are lots of great restaurants and bars from which to enjoy the show, or you can camp out on the street – just be sure to bundle up! Eat, drink and be merry as you watch the night sky light up with an incredible fireworks display at the end of the night.
Popular Attractions
Here are a few attractions you may want to visit in December: