Christmas is Just Around the Corner with Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
Christmas is one of the most magical times in the Smoky Mountains. The streets are aligned with sparkling lights and there are dozens of winter events that you do not want to miss! If you are grinning just thinking about the most wonderful time of the year, the good news is there is an upcoming event that will give you a sneak peak to all there is to come! Here is everything you need to know about Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees:
History of the Festival
This year will mark the 48th year of Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees. All the proceeds will once again benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. They serve more than 1,600 local youth across Sevier County. The club also offers youth a safe place to learn and grow through programs designed to build character and teach skills they may not get anywhere else.
Event Details
The 2021 Gatlinburg Festival of Trees will run from November 24th through November 28th. There will be a Candy Canes & Cocktails Preview Party on the 23rd and a silent auction to follow. The tickets for the sneak peek event are $35 and need to be reserved by November 18th. As far as the actual event, the admission is free! However, donations are appreciated to support the Boys & Girls Club. The event will be held at the W.L Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg. Parking will be available at the city parking lot on Reagan Drive.
What to Expect
The amazing festival will feature a ton of great activities for the whole family! There will be a children’s play and craft area where they can make some beautiful Christmas decorations to hang around the house. There will also be an array of live entertainment throughout the event to put you in the Christmas spirit. Oh, and what would a holiday event be without Santa Claus! Your kids will love the opportunity to have their picture taken with Jolly St. Nicholas while they tell him all about what they want for the upcoming season.
For the adults, there will be an array of beautiful wreaths and trees to browse through. You will feel like you have escaped reality and stepped straight into a Christmas Wonderland. All the trees and wreaths are uniquely designed and decorated by different organizations around the area. Once you find the one that speaks to you the most, you can buy it to add to your holiday collection at home. Again, all the money made from the trees and wreaths go to a thoughtful cause.
Other Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
While you are in town for Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees, there are plenty of other ways to welcome in the holiday season. The 32nd annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest begins November 13th and runs all the way through February 14th of next year. During this event, you can see more than 5 million holiday lights scattered throughout Pigeon Forge. Some of the popular events to attend during this time of year include Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and The Island in Pigeon Forge. At Dollywood, the park is filled with holiday music, amazing shows, fireworks, and a giant lit tree. When you visit The Island during the holidays, you will be treated to three different Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall!
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
At Smokies Stadium in Sevierville TN, you can drive through a multitude of light displays that are synchronized to some of your favorite holiday songs. As you enter Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, simply tune your radio to the predetermined station and sit back and enjoy the drive. Kids will also love taking a trip to Santa’s Village. This is where you will find a petting zoo, train ride, arts and crafts, and even Santa Claus. Admission into Santa’s Village is free with an admission to the light show!
Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
The annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is back this year and better than ever. This event will take place on December 3rd and is the official kickoff to Gatlinburg Winter Magic. During the parade, you will see a multitude of floats decorated with LED lights, marching bands, balloons, dancers, and so much more. There is no wonder it has recently been voted as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.”
Now that you know more about Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees and some other amazing holiday events, you can begin planning your visit to the Smokies this holiday season! Be sure to check out our full calendar of events so you know everything that is happening while you are in town!
