Celebrate winter with these great things to do in Gatlinburg in December. Here is a Gatlinburg vacation guide with the best attractions and activities to keep you busy during your winter visit.
From experiencing the great outdoors to cozying up indoors, there’s something for everyone in Gatlinburg this time of year.
If you’re looking for a festive and wintery vacation, Gatlinburg is the perfect spot. This charming Tennessee town comes alive in December with holiday lights, events, and attractions.
Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in December!
Where To Stay In Gatlinburg, TN?
Embark on a new adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bear’s Wilderness Lodge, exclusively offered by GSM Family Vacations.
Nestled amidst the serene wilderness, this charming cabin offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, inviting you to discover the true essence of mountain living.
Festivals & Events in Gatlinburg in December
- Winter Tunes & Tales (Select dates from Nov 28 – Dec 20, 2025)- If you are as big of a Dickens fan as I am, you are going to love the weekends in Gatlinburg during the Christmas season. On Fridays and Saturdays, storytelling characters dressed in Dickens-style attire, take to the streets to sink tunes and tell some tales. You don’t want to miss this!
- Ober Gatlinburg Ski Season- It’s the most wonderful time of the year…in Ober Gatlinburg. If you have always wanted to Ski in the Smokies, December is a great time to do so!
- Ole Red Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade Patio Party (December 5, 2025)- Enjoy dinner, drinks, and the best parade views from the heated patio — a festive night of food, fun, and Christmas cheer.
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show (Nov 25 – Dec 7, 2025)- From handmade ornaments to mountain-made treasures, it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and soak up the holiday spirit in Gatlinburg.
Things To Do In Gatlinburg in December
There’s a chill in the air, but the mood is warm and festive as Gatlinburg enters the winter season.
What are you waiting for, pack your bags and check out the best things to do in Gatlinburg in December!
Ober Gatlinburg in Winter is the perfect place to enjoy winter activities and snow adventures. There are a variety of things to do in Gatlinburg in December, from skiing and snowboarding to tubing and ice skating.
Ober Gatlinburg also offers a variety of winter shopping and dining options, making it the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation.
When: December 5, 2025
This is an annual event that attracts visitors from all over the world. The parade features lavish floats decked out in thousands of lights, as well as live performances and appearances by Santa Claus himself.
The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is truly a magical experience that you won't want to miss!
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the winter scenery. The park offers many different trails to choose from, so you can find one that fits your fitness level and interests.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed in the winter due to snow and ice. Be sure to check the park website before you go.
The Village Shops is the perfect place to find gifts for all occasions. Whether you're looking for a birthday present, a holiday gift, or just a little something to show your appreciation, you'll be sure to find it here.
From Appalachian Art and Crafts to local gourmet foods, you're sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
Book a cabin in December and get away from the cold! With winter temperatures in Gatlinburg averaging in the low 50s, you'll be able to enjoy all the winter activities the area has to offer without having to worry about being too cold.
Plus, with a cabin rental, you'll have your own private space to relax in after a long day of exploring. So why wait? Book your winter getaway today!
Not only do you get a closer look and hang out with penguins, sharks, turtles and other sea creature, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies have something in store for you this holiday season.
Anakeesta is excited to present the all-new Enchanted Winter of Lights! This family-friendly event will feature over one million lights and numerous holiday activities, making it the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
The Enchanted Winter of Lights will run from November 14, 2025 -January 4, 2026.
November 6, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Attracting thousands of visitors every year, Lights Over Gatlinburg is a must-see attraction in December. With over 20,000 more light bulbs, new dancing trees, and more, visitors will experience an even better and brighter holiday getaway at Gatlinburg's Skylift Park.
See the Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle on December 31st. Visitors will be entertained with free concerts before the countdown and fireworks display.
Does it snow in Gatlinburg TN in December?
In December, Gatlinburg has an average high temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
The record high temperature for Gatlinburg in December is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and the record low temperature is -17 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gatlinburg usually sees 3-6 inches of snowfall each year. However, weather patterns can vary greatly from year to year.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you venture out so you can dress appropriately.
And if you’re wondering if there are bears this time of the year, well, while you could technically see a bear if you were lucky (or unlucky) enough to spot one out in the wild, most bears are hibernating by December.
What Clothes To Pack For Gatlinburg in December?
If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg in December, you’ll want to make sure you pack the right clothes. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack layers that will keep you warm.
Here are a few items to consider packing for your trip:
- A jacket or coat: You’ll need something warm to wear when the temperatures start to drop at night.
- Long pants: Jeans or other long pants will help keep you warm when the temperature starts to cool off.
- Sweaters or sweatshirts: These can be worn as layers under your jacket or coat for extra warmth.
- Hats and gloves: These will come in handy when the temperatures really start to dip.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll want to make sure you have comfortable shoes to walk around in. Gatlinburg is a pretty hilly place, so sneakers or other sturdy shoes are a good option.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Winter Packing List For The Smoky Mountains!
Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
There’s something magical about the Smoky Mountains during the holiday season. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy your winter getaway in December, be sure to check out our post on Smoky Mountains Christmas lights which will surely get you in the festive mood.
Since everybody’s into vlogging these days, why not capture your winter getaway with one of these awesome cameras for youtube? Coz why not!