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 entertaining – there are exciting and fun celebrations planned to help you ring in the new year. Let’s send 2022 out with a bang and look forward to 2023!
1. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
Since 1987, revelers have gathered on Dec. 31 under the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle to celebrate the coming year and watch the ball drop.
Fireworks take place at midnight, and this year are choregraphed specially by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, TN. Then, the LED light show has been added to the tower as well! 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!
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.
2. New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island
Make plans to join in the New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Guests are sure to enjoy the dazzling midnight fireworks production to ring in the New Year on December 31st. The Island’s rides, retail and dining establishments will operate as scheduled, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
The Island in Pigeon Forge will be open on Saturday, December 31st from 10 a.m. to midnight.
3. Dollywood
You can’t stay until midnight, but Dollywood IS open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Also, the theme park is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. both days.
Fireworks take place nightly on Friday and Saturday nights when weather permits.
Plus, Christmas lights and shows continue through Jan. 3rd!
4. Enchanted Winter at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a theme park located on 70 acres of forested land in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.
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 noon – 3pm 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 up folk, country, and alternative music. and best of all, this performance is included in your regular ticket price!
After that, at night, Anakeesta is aglow with twinkling lights and Christmas carolers. You can even take a selfie in a life sized snow globe! #doitforthegram
Winter cocktails are flowing at The Bar at the Top of the World this December. Plus, 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, so feel free to dress it up!
Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
5. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Bash
Ring in the New Year with Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Afterall, live music begins at 9:30 p.m. and plays all night long until 12:30 a.m. on New Years Day.
Also, you’ll get to see the Appalachian Rock band Tuatha Dea play their brand of cutting edge Americana music to keep you dancing long into the night.
Additionally, it’s only $20 per person or $70 for a table of 4 people. The event is 21+ and includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Purchase tickets in advance: https://www.exploretock.com/hardrockcafepigeonforge/
Hard Rock Café is located at 2050 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
6. Two area restaurants!
Meanwhile, two local restaurants are throwing a party to ring in 2023! Loco Burro and Crawdaddy’s offer up an opportunity to keep you dancing late into the night and live music is offered at both locations. Furthermore, this year admission can even include Loco Burro’s rooftop bar.
Tickets start at $25 for access to the parties, and $35 to access the rooftop bar party. Book your tickets here.
Then the party begins at 8 p.m. with a champagne toast at midnight. 21+ only.
7. Country Tonite’s New Years Eve show
Country Tonite has once again been voted the Best Show in Pigeon Forge. So, why not 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 2022. Your favorite Christmas songs performed by talented singers and dancers are made even better by stunning costumes & brightly decorated sets. So, 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-alcoholic drink while you mingle with the cast after the show.
Book your tickets today – and take advantage of this steal at only $38.50 for adults and $28.50 for kids 13-17. Furthermore, kids under 12 are free!
Country Tonite is located at 129 Showplace Boulevard on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Classic New Years Eve Music
Then 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
Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns – 1759-1796
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint stowp!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.
Book a winter wonderland cabin!
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. Therefore, book today and let us know how you plan on spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains in 2020!
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.
See our Pinterest board Gatlinburg Luxury Cabins. For more adventures, go to our Smoky Mountain Travel Guide
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Happy New Year!
