Winter in Gatlinburg is a magical wonderland thanks to Winterfest and Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic. Every night, millions of spectacular lights and lighted displays illuminate the winter with fanciful snowmen, holiday themes and animals that the smokies are famous for. You can take in these amazing light displays at your own pace in the comfort of your vehicle, or you can enjoy the Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights in the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley. Departing from downtown Gatlinburg at 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30, these specially designated trolleys allow you to sit back and soak up the spirit of the winter magic for only $5. If the Winterfest lights are not enough for you though, make sure that you attend the 42nd Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 1st. The parade begins at 7:30 on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. More than 60,000 people come to view the award winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus! Bleacher seats are now available to purchase, which comes with a Santa hat and a digital download of the Parade with each seat purchased. Those seats can be purchased on the chamber website at gatlinburg.com! Make sure to end your year off right at the 29th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Firework Show at the space needle in downtown Gatlinburg. At midnight on December 31st, you can welcome in the New Year in grand style at this family friendly celebration, which is one of the largest in the nation. Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of the Parkway and Historic Nature Trail, where at the stroke of midnight fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot tall Space Needle with special music choreographed for the fireworks show. Winter in the mountains is a magical time as the landscape of the smokies gets blanketed by snow and winter magic fills the air. Joining the changing season is a new and exciting attraction to experience in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta. It is located right on the Parkway of Gatlinburg just before light #5. Anakeesta actually a two-part attraction, with Anakeesta Village Parkway and Anakeesta Mountain/Arial Quest. The Parkway location features over 50,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, and an outdoor plaza. The mountain area is over 65 acres and is connected to the Parkway by an aerial lift that will take riders to activities such as aerial trekking, dual racing zip lines, canopy walks, a mountain coaster, an observation tower and more. It is an adventure that is built within the canopy of the forest, offering a modern experience within a natural wonderland and there are few better spots to look down onto the winter wonderland of the Smokies! 91 SmokyMountainNavigator.com