Christmas Comes Early to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and it is not even March yet! Christmas is coming early to Gatlinburg, Tennessee as Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves, helpers and reindeer from around the world prepare for the jolliest event ever seen - Celebrate Santa 2009.

Sleigh bells will be ringing as the Celebrate Santa Convention kicks off on March 16, 2009 at the W.L. Mills Auditorium and Convention Center with the opening ceremonies. The convention will continue until Wednesday March 18. For three days, workshops, exhibits, entertainment, vendors showcase and even a parade fill the agenda.

"Our workshops feature subjects that are important to Santas." Said Tim Mack, Executive Director of Celebrate Santa. "We have everything from history to hair care and beyond. There are even eight workshops for Mrs. Clauses and three for reindeer handlers. We are very pleased to have the Reindeer Owners & Breeders Association joining us with their own convention."

Special exhibits will be brought in from the National Christmas Center's curator Jim Morrison. Cases of historic artifacts of Santa Claus, Indiana will be on display from the Candy Castle's owner Kevin Klosowski. In addition, Santa memorabilia from the private collection of Santa Phillip L. Wenz will also be on display.

There will be entertainment offered by the local theaters of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Shows include The Black Bear Jamboree, The Comedy Barn, and the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show. "A lot of the shows will be putting on their "Christmas Shows" during our convention." Mary Moore, co- coordinator of Celebrate Santa stated. "The whole region is rolling out the red carpet for us!"

The local public is invited to attend the spectacular Santa Showcase on the main floor of the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The showcase runs for the course of the convention. Everything from Santa suits to a personalize painting and Christmas related items will be featured. The Santa Showcase is open to the general public and admission is $3.00.

St. Nick meets St. Patrick in one of the most unique parades you will ever see. On March 17 the Holly and Shamrock Parade steps off in downtown Gatlinburg at 4:30PM. The parade will have floats, Santas, Mrs. Clauses and even Santa's spectacular Cyber Sleigh.

"We look forward to all the excitement that Celebrate Santa will provide for our attendees and the regional communities." Commented Joe Moore, co-coordinator. "If you have Christmas in your heart, then you will want to be at 'Santa Central' in beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the most fun and the best experience any Santa or Mrs. Claus could ever have!"

About Celebrate Santa
Celebrate Santa is an annual gathering and exposition for those who bring joy and happiness to children young and old through the portrayal of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This annual event begins 2009 on the 70th anniversary of the very first official gathering of Santas in New York in 1939.

The three day event includes over 30 comprehensive workshops for those who wish to learn and improve upon their personification of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The in-depth educational sessions are conducted by seasoned Santa Claus professionals. Open during the event will be Santa's Showcase - a unique exhibition open to the public featuring thousands of Christmas and Santa Claus related products and services.

Information courtesy of PR Web

7 Ways to Save on your Gatlinburg Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!