All the Details About the 2024 Gatlinburg Christmas Parade
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events of the holiday season! Everyone loves watching as Christmas cheer is spread throughout downtown Gatlinburg. This parade is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit in the Smoky Mountains. If you have plans to visit Gatlinburg the first week of December, this is a must-visit event! We have all the details on the Gatlinburg Christmas parade and why you should attend!
About the 2024 Gatlinburg Christmas Parade
The 2024 Gatlinburg Christmas Parade will be one you definitely don’t want to miss. The Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is expected to draw in more than 60,000 spectators. The parade has been voted one of the best holiday events in the country! The route begins at Baskins Creek Bypass and ends at Traffic Light #10. This year’s parade will feature one-of-a-kind floats decorated with LED light displays, marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, and large balloons. The event is free and open to the public, but you’ll want to get there early to guarantee you get a viewing spot along the Parkway!
The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade will be broadcasted on local TV stations in over 100 markets in the United States. That means millions of Americans will have the chance to experience the magic of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains right at home!
When is the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade?
The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is December 6 at 7:30 p.m. on the Parkway downtown. Make plans to arrive early in order to get a good parking spot and an even better seat! The entire parade is expected to last about an hour and a half. City officials will host a tree lighting ceremony before the parade begins at about 7:25 p.m. at Traffic Light #3.
Who is the grand marshal of the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade?
This year, the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is featuring not one, but two, grand marshals! Emily Ann Roberts, a rising country music singer and songwriter, and Colton Dixon, a chart-topping contemporary artist will be co-grand marshals of the parade. Roberts was a contested on NBC’s The Voice and toured with Blake Shelton, and Dixon has toured in more than 120 cities and performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, and more.
Where can I park?
If you arrive early enough, you might be able to find a parking spot along River Road, which is free. If there aren’t any open spots, don’t worry! There are a handful of parking lots along River Road that charge a small fee. You can also park in one of the two city-operated parking garages, one at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and one near Traffic Light #3. Parking for the event will fill up quickly, so you’ll want to plan in advance!
More Things to Do During Christmas in the Smoky Mountains
While you’re in town for the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade, be sure to enjoy some of the other incredible holiday festivities in the area! Take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights in Pigeon Forge, attend Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, or do some holiday shopping. You’ll have endless opportunities for ways to celebrate the holiday season. For more ideas of things to do, check out these ways to celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains.
