How will you bring in The New Year? New Year’s Eve is nearly here! If you haven’t made plans yet or are looking for something more interesting than sitting on your couch watching thousands of people freeze in Times Square, we have the best ideas for you – come to the Smokies!
In addition to the incredible views of The Great Smoky Mountains, beautiful cabins with hot tubs and plenty of room for entertainment – there are exciting and fun celebrations planned to help you ring in the new year. Let’s send 2023 out with a bang and look forward to 2024!
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2024 in unique style with its annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show around the base of the Space Needle at traffic light #8 late December 31.
On January 1, 2024, those gathering this festive event will be able to witness the ball drop and the fireworks blast off the rooftop of the Space Needle. Alongside the glowing display, there will be music that begins at 10pm, so come early and bring someone along to smooch at midnight! It’ll be epic!
Since 1987, revelers have gathered on Dec. 31 under the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle to celebrate the coming year and watch the ball drop.
Visitors are encouraged to get there early. 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg
Can’t make it, but still want to be part of the fun? Watch the live view from their webcam any time you’d like!
SkyLift Park
You can also watch the ball drop from atop Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, where a viewing party is planned at the SkyCenter, SkyDeck and the SkyBridge, located directly across the street from the Space Needle. This event, with live music, lights, food, beer and hot beverages, is sold out. If you already have tickets for this, you can begin loading the Skylift at 10 p.m. Read On for more info!
Bring in The New Year at The Island
Free to all, to bring in the New Year, The Island will host and will feature a live performance by an East Tennessee favorite, Stephen Goff and the Royals. Alongside the fireworks, local radio personalities Joey Tack and Nancy Barger will be there to showcase and announce the beauty and splendor over the air. So, if you can’t make it in person, you can still celebrate in Pigeon Forge by tuning into Knoxville radio station WIVK 107.7!
The Island is such a great place to bring in the new year. Plus, according to Davied Wier, VP of Operations, they’re looking forward to it as much as we are! “We are excited to once again be hosting such a fun event for the Pigeon Forge community. This event is always an energetic, family-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and we hope everyone enjoys this year’s lineup of activities!”
Click Here for more information.
Dollywood
Christmas is a magical time at Dollywood. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is filled with music, song, dance, lights, fantasy, joy and tasty treats! The adventures are going on now through Jan. 1.
“Explore a Christmas of many colors at Dollywood this holiday season!” Take a walk through the park and notice how each land tells a seasonal story through its unique and vibrant colors. “Discover Santa’s Village with its classic red and green, the crisp blues and whites of winter in Glacier Ridge, a soft candlelight glow throughout Craftsman’s Valley, and more, towering up to” dozens of spectacular 12-foot-tall Christmas trees. See Dollywood’s 6 million holiday lights via a the new Dollywood Express – a classic train ride.
Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright, Holiday Light! Fireworks return this season on Friday and Saturday nights. Watch as festive fireworks light up the night sky, dancing in tandem with cheerful holiday classics for singing along.
Glacier Ridge tells the “heartwarming story of a special Christmas miracle: The Smokies have iced over so that Polar Bear can visit his cousin Black Bear for the holidays! Cool blue and crisp white lights twinkle in the night, creating an icy home for these two furry friends—without the chill!”
Enjoy heartwarming holiday shows and holiday feasts and sweets with a new menu this year that includes gingerbread funnel cake, pork belly skillet and holiday lemonade.
Enchanted Winter at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a theme park located on 70 acres of forested land in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.
While there are no nighttime events planned for the 2023 season, an evening visit to Anakeesta is always an option! Open from 9a to 12 midnight on December 31, Anakeesta still has plenty to offer.
A daytime visit will offer up plenty of stellar views, meals, and shopping. Live music is planned from 1:30-4:30p this year. Monroeville, a popular East Tennessee band, performs on the Black Bear Village band stage. This engaging band, headed by band leader Matt Munsey and his wife Brittany, offers folk, country, and alternative music. Best of all? This performance is included in your regular ticket price!
Christmas Carolers
At night, Anakeesta is aglow with twinkling lights and Christmas carolers. You can even take a selfie in a life-sized snow globe!
Winter cocktails are flowing at The Bar at the Top of the World this December. The Hot Wassail Cider drink offers patrons the option to add the liquor of their choice from apple flavors to spicy cinnamon to classic bourbon.
Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
Country Tonite’s Brings in The New Year
Take the opportunity to ring in the New Year with some incredible performances?
The 9:45 p.m. showtime is your last chance to catch the Country Tonite Christmas Show in 2023. Your favorite Christmas songs performed by talented singers and dancers are made even better by stunning costumes & brightly decorated sets. Don’t miss your chance to see Frosty the Snowman, Santa, and even the Sugarplum Fairy from the Nutcracker.
Midnight brings a balloon drop while the band plays Auld Lang Syne. Your admission gets you party favors and a non-alcholic drink while you mingle with the cast after the show.
Book your tickets today – a steal at only $38.75 for adults and $33.50 for kids 13-17. Kids under 12 are free!
Country Tonite is located at 129 Showplace Boulevard on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Classic New Years Eve Music
At midnight, you’re going to need the words to the classic Auld Lang Syne. It was a Scotts-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788.
Book A Cabin for The New Year!
When the fireworks are finished, the kisses given and the song has been sung – you are going to need a place to lay your head. Let American Patriot Getaways help you plan your stay – whether you already are our guest or also are looking for a winter wonderland cabin.
When you book one of our Gatlinburg cabins , you’ll be close to all the action, excitement, and new attractions the area has to offer. Book today and let us know how you plan on spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains in 2023!
Give Us A Call
Give American Patriot Getaways a call at 800-204-5169. Let our experts help you find the right cabin and all the right fun, food and entertainment for an adult or family vacation that will have you wanting to come back as soon as possible.
Check our Pinterest boards for Pigeon Forge cabins with a view. Also, see our board on economy cabins.
If you need more help planning your Smoky Mountain Vacation, be sure to check out all our vacation guides, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
