Gatlinburg Winter Magic Festivities Begin November 5

Visitors of all ages can marvel at the traditional mountain scenes, colorful winter displays, playful teddy bears and other familiar, much-beloved displays both downtown and along Hwy. 321 which have been making Gatlinburg a must-see destination for both the young and young at heart for years.

Adjacent to the famous Parkway, River Road features a “magical” touch along the popular Riverwalk area, where the romantic arched walkway is enhanced by a pair of graceful 40-foot swans and several ornate floral representations to set the tone for romance in lovers of all ages.
The convergence of the Parkway and River Road forms the landmark downtown triangle that is transformed into a cluster of tall evergreens swirled in color, certain to become a popular photographic backdrop as visitors enter the above two sections on foot or via the Parkway. Smoky Mountain Romance touches are added in several display areas after the holidays, with wild animal scenes, winter forests and swirling trees accenting the season.

“With Gatlinburg Winter Magic, we will continue to glorify the winter landscape of Gatlinburg forever,” said Perella. “You’ve not experienced winter until you see the lights of Gatlinburg again.” Gatlinburg Winter Magic has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales begins during the holiday season, where visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway weekend evenings.

Seven quartets of holiday carolers dressed in traditional Victorian era costumes will roam the streets of Gatlinburg on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 20. The carolers will be delivered throughout the city by horse drawn wagons & carriages and sing a capella classics of the season.

During the magical Friday and Saturday nights of Winter Magic Tunes & Tales, Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus will be on hand to meet with children of all ages at the Riverbend Mall. Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear will also be skipping hibernation this year to make appearances and greet holiday visitors on the streets.

On Friday nights on the Parkway, a Yule Log fireside sing-along will take place for the whole family to get together and sing their favorite holiday season songs.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Department of Tourism