7 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg in November
The month of November is a very exciting time to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee! As fall gives way to winter, the Smoky Mountains usher in the holiday season with a variety of special events and traditions. To help you plan your getaway, Visit My Smokies has put together a convenient guide to all of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in November:
1. Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration
Patriotism runs deep in Gatlinburg, so when it comes to honoring the troops, our Smoky Mountain city is second to none. On November 11, Gatlinburg will commemorate Veterans Day with a moving ceremony at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. This free event starts at 11 a.m. and is open to the public. The Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration is a can’t-miss event for anyone with a personal connection to the U.S. armed forces.
2. Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff
What better way to celebrate the start of winter than with a piping hot bowl of chili? Gatlinburg officially kicks off its annual Winterfest with an old-fashioned chili cookoff. The Chili Cookoff begins at 5 p.m. on November 9, and the whole celebration runs until 8 PM. See the city’s holiday lights on full display for the season and sample some stick-to-your-ribs chili. Guests will also enjoy live music from On The Border, The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band. VIP tickets are $50 per person, and general admission tickets are $20 per person.
3. See the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights
If you think your neighbors have a lot of Christmas lights, wait until you come to Gatlinburg! With over 5 million LED lights throughout the city, Gatlinburg is transformed into a winter wonderland from November 9 – February 18. These twinkling light displays celebrate the Gatlinburg area, with depictions of bears, deer, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, and traditional Christmas scenes.
4. Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
Although the skiing and snowboarding season doesn’t start until December, November is a great time to go snow tubing at Ober Mountain! With their powerful snow machines, the slopes at Ober are expected to open for tubing starting on November 18th. Unlike other winter sports, snow tubing requires no prior experience – as long as you can sit, you can enjoy a thrilling ride down the mountain. Snow tubing is fun for anyone ages 3 and up.
5. Celebrate Thanksgiving in a Cabin
Getting away to Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving is one of the best ways to celebrate Turkey Day! Rather than dealing with the hassle of hosting the entire family at your house, you can relax in one of the area’s beautiful cabins. Virtually all of the cabin rentals in Gatlinburg come with fully equipped kitchens, so you’ll have everything you need to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. If you would rather take the day off from cooking, the Gatlinburg area offers a wide variety of restaurants ready to whip up a delicious meal for your family. For a complete guide to holiday dining in the Smokies, check out our list of Gatlinburg Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving.
6. Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show
Anyone looking for some unique Christmas gifts will love shopping at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show. Visitors will find handcrafted items made by the artisans who belong to Gatlinburg’s famous Arts and Crafts Community, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, quilts, candles, brooms, baskets, dulcimers, and so much more. The crafts show will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from November 21 – 26. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
7. The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit! Elaborately decorated Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes will line the Gatlinburg Convention Center from November 22 – 26 to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. In addition to the incredible variety of trees, there will be fun activities and a chance to have your photo taken with Santa Claus himself. It’s easy to see why the Festival of Trees is one of the most beloved things to do in Gatlinburg in November!
For an up-to-date guide to everything going on in the Gatlinburg area throughout the year, check out our Smoky Mountain Events Calendar!
