Gatlinburg Winter Vacation Things to Do

Rafting in the Smokies is the Real Deal!

TripAdvisor selects Gatlinburg as a Top Winter Vacation Getaway Destination in the Country

And for very good reason!  If you’ve not traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains in the wintertime, you’re missing out!  It’s not the time of year for whitewater rafting in Gatlinburg, but there is skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, beautiful mountain scenery, spectacular light displays, and a whole lot of free family fun.

Wintertime Family Fun
Photo by David Joyce

January 2-31, 2012
Night Magic Skiing – Purchase a lift ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6-10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg.  Call 865.436.5423 for cost and additional details.  Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park.

January 7, 14, 21, 28
Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Saturday evenings throughout January, 2012, enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Tickets are $5 per person.  Get your tickets and reservations by calling 865.436.0535.

January 7-14, 2012
Wilderness Wildlife Week – A full week of hikes, lectures, and educational seminars to teach you about the Great Smoky Mountains and help you and your family make the most of your visits to the National Park.  Pigeon Forge.

January 16, 2012
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration – Choirs, speakers and more at the First Baptist Church.  Call 865.429.7729 for full celebration details.  Downtown Sevierville TN.

Throughout January, 2012
Most outlet malls and shopping centers are running after Christmas sales and clearances.  Take this opportunity to stock up for next year’s Christmas decorations, gift items, and winter school clothes.  We would be remise not to mention Honeysuckle Rose Boutique for the most unique, eclectic selection of jewelry, gifts, and Made in the USA products!

Now through February 28, 2012
Smoky Mountain Winterfest – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the Winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays and scenes featuring thousands and thousands of brilliant all-LED bulbs.  Lights also remain throughout Sevier County in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Rent a Wildwood Acres cabin and bring the family to the Smokies this winter.  You’ll have a warm, wonderful getaway that will probably make for a new winter tradition!