Gatlinburg Christmas Lights 2025

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are an annual event that takes place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The event begins in early November and runs through the end of December and features over 5 million Christmas lights that transform the city into a winter wonderland.

The Christmas lights are spread out over Gatlinburg’s main strip and include a variety of displays, including traditional Christmas trees, animated figures, and festive scenes. The lights are turned on each night at dusk and remain lit until 11:00 pm. In addition to the Christmas lights, the event also features a number of other activities, including parades, concerts, and craft fairs.

If you are planning to visit Gatlinburg during the Christmas season, be sure to check out the Christmas lights. The event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beauty of the season.

Gatlinburg Christmas Lights 2025

Millions of Christmas lights
Spans over Gatlinburg’s main strip
Variety of displays
Traditional Christmas trees
Animated figures
Festive scenes
Nightly lighting ceremony
Other holiday activities

Millions of Christmas lights

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights event features over 5 million Christmas lights that are spread out over Gatlinburg’s main strip. This makes the event one of the largest Christmas light displays in the United States.

Millions of lights: The event features over 5 million Christmas lights, making it one of the largest Christmas light displays in the United States.
Variety of displays: The lights are arranged in a variety of displays, including traditional Christmas trees, animated figures, and festive scenes.
Nightly lighting ceremony: The lights are turned on each night at dusk and remain lit until 11:00 pm. There is also a nightly lighting ceremony that takes place at 6:00 pm.
Holiday atmosphere: The Christmas lights create a festive and magical holiday atmosphere in Gatlinburg.

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a must-see for anyone who is visiting Gatlinburg during the Christmas season. The event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beauty of the season.

Spans over Gatlinburg’s main strip

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are spread out over Gatlinburg’s main strip, which is a 3-mile stretch of Parkway that runs through the heart of the city. This means that visitors can easily walk or drive to see the lights.

The lights are strung up on trees, buildings, and other structures along the main strip. This creates a festive and magical atmosphere that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

In addition to the main strip, the Christmas lights also extend into some of the side streets and alleys. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to explore and find new and unique light displays.

Variety of displays

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights feature a wide variety of displays, including traditional Christmas trees, animated figures, and festive scenes.

The traditional Christmas trees are decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. They are a classic symbol of the Christmas season and are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

The animated figures are a fun and festive addition to the Christmas lights. They depict a variety of Christmas characters, such as Santa Claus, snowmen, and reindeer. The figures are often interactive and will move or talk when you approach them.

The festive scenes are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. They depict a variety of Christmas scenes, such as a winter wonderland, a Nativity scene, and a Christmas village. The scenes are often very detailed and are sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Traditional Christmas trees

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights feature a variety of traditional Christmas trees, which are a classic symbol of the Christmas season. The trees are decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel, and they are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

The Christmas trees are located throughout Gatlinburg’s main strip, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of the trees are small and simple, while others are large and elaborate. No matter what size or shape, all of the trees are beautiful and festive.

In addition to the traditional Christmas trees, the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights also feature a number of other Christmas-themed displays. These displays include animated figures, festive scenes, and even a life-size Nativity scene. However, the traditional Christmas trees are always a favorite among visitors.

Festooned with enchanting animated figures

The Animated figures are a fun and enchanting addition to the Christmas lights. They depict a variety of Christmas characters, such as Santa Clause, snowmen, and reindeer. The figures are often full of life and character, and many will even interact with visitors.

Interactive figures: Many of the animated figures are interactive and will move or talk when you approach them. This makes them a lot of fun for children and adults alike.
Variety of characters: The animated figures depict a wide variety of Christmas characters, so there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Festooned throughout: The animated figures are located throughout the entire Christmas lights display, so you’re sure to see plenty of them as you walk around.
Add to the magic: The animated figures add to the magic and excitement of the Christmas lights display. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

The animated figures are a must-see for anyone visiting the Christmas lights display. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of the season.

Festive scenes

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights feature a variety of festive scenes, which are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The scenes depict a variety of Christmas themes, such as a winter wonderland, a Nativity scene, and a Christmas village. The scenes are often very detailed and are sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Variety of scenes: The festive scenes depict a variety of Christmas themes, so there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Detailed and impressive: The scenes are often very detailed and are sure to impress visitors of all ages.
Capture the spirit of Christmas: The festive scenes capture the spirit of Christmas and are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Perfect for photos: The festive scenes are perfect for taking photos, so you can capture the memories of your visit.

The festive scenes are a must-see for anyone visiting the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights display. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of the season.

Nightly lighting ceremony

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are turned on each night at dusk with a special lighting ceremony. The ceremony takes place at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and features live music, entertainment, and the official countdown to the lighting of the lights.

The lighting ceremony is a great way to kick off the Christmas season in Gatlinburg. It’s a fun and festive event that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

After the lighting ceremony, the Christmas lights remain lit until 11:00 pm each night. This gives visitors plenty of time to enjoy the lights and all of the other holiday activities that Gatlinburg has to offer.

The nightly lighting ceremony is a must-see for anyone visiting Gatlinburg during the Christmas season. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of the lights.

Other holiday activities

In addition to the Christmas lights, Gatlinburg also offers a variety of other holiday activities during the Christmas season. These activities include parades, concerts, and craft fairs.

The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is a highlight of the holiday season. The parade features floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. The parade takes place on the first Saturday of December and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Gatlinburg also hosts a variety of Christmas concerts throughout the season. These concerts feature local and national artists and are a great way to enjoy some holiday music.

If you’re looking for something to do during the day, Gatlinburg also offers a variety of craft fairs. These fairs feature handmade crafts from local artisans and are a great way to find unique gifts for your friends and family.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights:

Question 1: When is the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights display?
Answer: The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are turned on each night from early November through the end of December.

Question 2: What time are the Christmas lights turned on each night?
Answer: The Christmas lights are turned on each night at dusk.

Question 3: How long do the Christmas lights stay on each night?
Answer: The Christmas lights remain lit until 11:00 pm each night.

Question 4: Where is the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights display located?
Answer: The Christmas lights are located along Gatlinburg’s main strip, which is a 3-mile stretch of Parkway that runs through the heart of the city.

Question 5: Is there a cost to see the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights?
Answer: No, there is no cost to see the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights.

Question 6: What other holiday activities are available in Gatlinburg?
Answer: Gatlinburg offers a variety of other holiday activities, including parades, concerts, and craft fairs.

Question 7: Is there a nightly lighting ceremony when the Christmas lights are turned on?
Answer: Yes, there is a nightly lighting ceremony that takes place at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center each night at dusk.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.

Now that you know all about the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights:

1. Arrive early. The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a popular attraction, so it’s important to arrive early to avoid the crowds. The lights are turned on each night at dusk, so try to arrive at least an hour before sunset to get a good spot.

2. Dress warmly. Gatlinburg can get cold in the winter, so be sure to dress warmly when you visit the Christmas lights. Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf, and consider layering your clothing.

3. Bring a camera. The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a beautiful sight, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the memories. You’ll want to take pictures of the lights, the festive scenes, and your family and friends enjoying the display.

4. Park in a designated parking area. Parking can be limited in Gatlinburg, so be sure to park in a designated parking area. There are several public parking garages and lots located near the Christmas lights display.

We hope these tips help you make the most of your visit to the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights. Have a wonderful time!

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a magical and unforgettable experience. We encourage you to visit this holiday season and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a magical and unforgettable experience. The lights are beautiful, the atmosphere is festive, and there are plenty of other holiday activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

The Gatlinburg Christmas Lights are a major holiday attraction, featuring over 5 million Christmas lights.
The lights are spread out over Gatlinburg’s main strip and include a variety of displays, including traditional Christmas trees, animated figures, and festive scenes.
The lights are turned on each night at dusk and remain lit until 11:00 pm.
In addition to the Christmas lights, Gatlinburg also offers a variety of other holiday activities, including parades, concerts, and craft fairs.

We encourage you to visit Gatlinburg during the Christmas season and experience the magic of the Christmas lights for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!