New Years Eve Gatlinburg: Your 2024 Guide on Where to Celebrate
On the hunt for a New Year’s Eve retreat this year? We know an ideal spot to usher in the new year!
Nestled in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg New Years offers up the ideal mix of festivities, charm, and coziness. The city of Gatlinburg is a rustic ski town that we simply can’t get enough of. Ideal for an end-of-the-year Gatlinburg New Years Eve getaway, visitors will be treated to rustic cabins, delicate snow, and evergreen trees.
Listen up as we spill every last detail on how to have an epic Gatlinburg New Years Eve!
It’s one of the smaller towns in Tennessee, but that doesn’t stop a Gatlinburg TN New Years Eve from showing off with plenty of sights to see and things to do.
As a bonus, it’s close to Pigeon Forge, which means there are even more opportunities for fun and New Year’s Eve celebration, just a short drive away.
Natural beauty and tourist attractions come together with an unforgettable fireworks display to create a New Year’s Eve destination for the books!
Read on as we’ve compiled the best can’t-miss events taking place on Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Gatlinburg Events
35th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Last year Gatlinburg’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show at the Gatlinburg Space Needle garnered nearly 50,000 guests. If you attended the celebration, you would have been treated to the tower making a spectacular display.
In 2022 the Gatlinburg Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights for even more flair. Flocks of locals and visitors alike congregated for the show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle.
This winter, late-night revelers will once again make the journey to the Needle for the spellbinding ritual of the fireworks show and ball drop. To snag a simply VIP-worthy view of the fireworks we suggest snatching up your NYE Lights of Wonder tickets early.
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This premier package affords you exclusive fireworks viewing on top of the SkyPark’s mountain and SkyBridge. Savor this explosion of New Year cheer from the best spot in town, enjoy the Lights Over Gatlinburg lights after hours at the SkyPark, and enjoy visits to the SkyPark the very next day.
Even better? Groove, jive, and shimmy your way into the new year with the help of your friends at Ear Jams Silent Disco. Get wild before midnight as you watch the SkyDeck transform into the most dazzling Gatlinburg dance party. Included in your VIP Ticket will be your own personal Studio Quality Headphones, letting you experience the thrill of a fully DJ-ed Silent Disco.
Watch the Gatlinburg Fireworks
Visitors can also get a good vantage point of the fireworks show from Park River Road if the party atmosphere isn’t for you.
No matter what you do, be sure to have a plan, as prime real estate along this road is occupied as early as possible in the day.
New Year’s Eve at Ober Gatlinburg
The charming Ober Gatlinburg serves as Tennessee’s only ski resort, so you know its standards are high. While there is no official party, this is the perfect place to cozy up for a relaxing New Year’s Eve!
Take a trip on the Aerial Tramway ticket to end the year on a high note.
Buckhorn Inn’s New Year’s Eve Fiesta
Pack your most colorful attire to attend this lively event at Buckhorn Inn! Upon your arrival, enjoy tequila tasting and take a shot at opening the piñata.
tequila tasting and take a shot at opening the piñata.
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A delicious Mexican dinner* by Chef Frank Downs will be the talk of the night! Ring in the New Year to the sound of live music.
*Please note this information is based on last year’s party proceedings. We are still awaiting the upcoming dinner party details.
New Years Celebration at the Island in Pigeon Forge
Magical midnight fireworks plus a free concert? Say less! Settle in for a rollicking evening of music, festivities, and family-friendly fun at the Island in Pigeon Forge.
Say so long to the old year, as you gather with your nearest and dearest for a dashing firework show plus musical offerings from headliner Stephen Goff and The Royals.
Attractions Open on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg
So you’ve made your evening plans, but it’d be a shame to waste any time in a beautiful city like Gatlinburg during the day! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to fill your daytime itinerary, too.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while you’re there:
- Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
- Anakeesta
- Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
- Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
- 7D Dark Ride Adventure
- Gatlinburg Christmas Comedy Tour
- Gatlinburg Comedy Walking Tour
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
The Best Eats on New Years in Gatlinburg
Wrangling a group full of varied tastes is never easy, but the myriad of great restaurant options in Gatlinburg certainly helps! Follow the flavors you’re craving to help decide where to go on New Year’s Eve for a taste of Gatlinburg.
Dining on New Year’s Eve means these excellent spots are bound to be bustling, so call ahead to ask about reservations and any holiday schedule changes.
Here’s Where to Go if You’re Craving…
Classic American cuisine
The restaurant Cliff Top in Anakeesta offers a mouthwatering dinner with a breathtaking view.
European fare
Our vote is Red Oak Bistro, which uses only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients.
A juicy steak
One of our favorites is Crystelle Creek. This restaurant also offers many other cuisine options, like pasta, chicken, and seafood.
Fresh seafood
At Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar, they source the freshest seafood from the coasts.
Hand-tossed pizza
Go to Smoky Mountain Brewery and thank us later.
Where to Stay on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg
Many Gatlinburg hotels also offer great views of the fireworks from their respective balconies. Just be sure you’re able to see the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle from your room!
If you can, you’ll be guaranteed a great view of the celebration. Make your reservations early, as hotels book up quickly on this holiday.
Book your hotel with Tripster to land a stay for a steal:
Pro Tip: Need help navigating Gatlinburg? Check out a map before you go! Keep in mind that Parkway and Historic Nature Trail are two of the main roads.
Celebrate Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve With Glowing Parties and Events
Make your way to Gatlinburg this New Year’s Eve for a ski town retreat that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a new year.
The city’s New Year’s Eve events will ensure you give the old year a proper farewell and start the new year off right!
If one of your resolutions is to save more money this year, book your tickets and hotel with Tripster! The best deals are yours for the taking.
Which Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Celebration Are You Most Excited About?
Tell us your plans for New Years Eve Gatlinburg in the comments!
