4 Chistmas-y Things You Can Do In Gatlinburg
By Leif Palmer
Posted on December 13, 2017
There's less than two weeks until Christmas Day, which means a lot of you are probably starting to get a little panicky about all that shopping you haven't quite gotten around to yet. Or maybe you have an office holiday party to plan. Or maybe your neighbors are complaining because all the Christmas light displays in your yard are so bright they're keeping them up at night.
Yes, the holidays can be a stressful time, but don't forget that this is supposed to be a joyous season worthy of celebration. It's important that we not get so caught up in the busy-ness and obligations of Christmas that we overlook the many positive and fun things that can transpire if we put in a little effort. So this week, we're passing along four simple ideas for things you can do in Gatlinburg that might help your heart grow three sizes this Christmas.
The best part is that you can do all of these things simply by walking up and down the Parkway. Just take advantage of our public parking in Gatlinburg and let your feet (or the downtown trolley) handle the rest.
1. Shop
Yes, shopping is one of those pesky holiday obligations, but one reason we often procrastinate is that we honestly don't know what to buy for a lot of the people on our lists. If you're in downtown Gatlinburg, you'll find such a variety of specialty shops that you're bound to come up with some unique gift ideas you might never have thought of otherwise. Sometimes, browsing can be a great source of gift-giving inspiration.
2. Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
There's only a few days left for this one, but if you're in town, this live performance of music and storytelling is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Costumed characters and carolers will roam the Parkway this Friday and Saturday evening, sharing Yuletide cheer with all they meet. The hours are 5 to 9:30 p.m., and the music covers everything from Appalachian to bluegrass and country.
3. See the Lights
Downtown – and all of Gatlinburg, for that matter – is shining bright this season with Winterfest lights. Colorful fixtures and beautiful animated displays light up the night in dazzling, festive style. You can see a lot of them on foot, or you might want to take a Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. These specially designated trolleys carry guests through downtown and U.S. Hwy. 321, with trolleys departing the downtown trolley station at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, and kids 3 and younger are free if sitting in an adult's lap.
4. Bah Humbug!
This vaudeville-style holiday variety show – presented at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre on the Parkway – is anything but Scroogy. Filled with music, dance and comedy routines, this stage presentation bills itself as the world's shortest version of Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol. The Great Victorian Amusement Company will have you laughing and singing your way into holiday cheer in no time.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.