b'Winter in Gatlinburg is a wonderland of lights and amazement. Winterfest bringsmillions of spectacular lights and lighted displays illuminate the smokies with fanciful snowmen, holiday themes and animals that the area is 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, with children under 3 are to ride on an adults lap. You can enjoy one-of-a-kind LED displays all along the Parkway and River Road that display the latest $1.6 million-plus rollout of custom designed sections featuring winter forest, evergreen and romance themes. The trolley tours do not run on Christmas Eve or Day.Although Winterfest fills the season with fun for the entire family, there are other options depending on when you are visiting the smokies. First up is the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, held on December 4th in downtown Gatlinburg. The 45th Annual parade rolls through downtown in celebration of the holiday season and the beginning of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Floats are decorated with one-of-a-kinddisplays of LED lights, marching bands, large balloons, dancers and holiday characters. It is a must see event in the smokies that is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and welcome Christmas in style. There are few things that can get your Grinch out of the way quite like the amazing Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade.If you are celebrating ringing in the New Year with us here in the smokies, the New Years Eve Ball Drop and Firework Show in downtown Gatlinburg is a must see. On Thursday December 31, Gatlinburg will ring in the New Year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle with its 33rd Annual Ball Drop and Firework Show. Since 1987, this family-friendly celebration has been one of the largest organized New Years Eve events in the nation, and this years, end-of-the-year is set to be a spectacular end to 2020 and of all theyears that needs to becelebrated for ending, 2020 has to top the list. Check out our calendar of events on page 19 for more fantastic events that you can find in Gatlinburg and the sister cities in the smokies this winter. Just because it is cold outside doesnt slow down the great family fun in the smokies during the winter months!SmokyMountainNavigator.com 93'