b'Winter in Gatlinburg is a wonderland of lights and amazement. Winterfest bringsmillions of spectacular lights and lighted displays illuminate the winter with fanciful snowmen, holiday themes and animals that the smokies are famous for. Adding to the already amazing light displays is Anakeestas Enchanted Winter of Lights running from Nov. 11Feb. 14. Enchanted Winter is a celebration of tens of thousands of twinkling lights throughout their mountain top park!Firefly Village is aglow with holiday lighting as you shop for the perfect holiday gift.Black Bear Village resonates with the music of the season from the centrally located musical stage as you relax by the fire and take in a sunset view of the smoky mountains.Stroll through their EXPANDED Arctic Alley with TENS of THOUSANDS of winter lights programmed to festive seasonal soundtracks.Discover the BRAND-NEW sensory walk on the Vista Gardens boardwalk and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.Then, follow the glimmering lights in the forest as you stroll along the iconic TreeTop SkyWalk at night.Anakeesta comes to life at night this Enchanted Winter!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 3rd in downtown Gatlinburg. The 46th 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 holidaycharacters. 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 the perfect event for you. On December 31, Gatlinburg will ring in the New Year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle with its 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. Rounding out the events for winter is Santas Village at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Santa will arrive at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies on November 26th at 10 AM. There is a Santa Village area inside the Aquarium where kids and adults can greet Santa and have their photos made for family Christmas cards. Each child that visits Santa will receive a free Christmas coloring book and a candy cane. Santa will appear from 10 AM4 PM WednesdaySunday. His last day will be December 24th to deliver toys. SmokyMountainNavigator.com 93'