Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a New Year’s Eve getaway. While it is popular year-round, the charming town of Gatlinburg really shows off during the holiday season, offering tons of family-friendly events and festivities.
Photo Credit: NDAB Creativity
Come ring in the New Year with us and see for yourself what makes Gatlinburg so special. Whether you prefer a festive New Year’s Eve party or a cozy night in your Prestige Vacation Rental, we’ve got everything you need for a magical New Year’s Eve celebration.
2024 New Year’s Eve Events
New Year’s Eve Lights of Wonder
Photo Credit: Bethany Lynn Photography
- Date: NYE 2024 starting at 10 pm
- Location: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN (Gatlinburg Skypark)
Nothing screams Happy New Year like Gatlinburg’s annual NYE Lights of Wonder event. Hosted by the Gatlinburg Skypark, people come from all over to participate in this annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, and fireworks show from the top of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Live music begins at 10 pm at the base of the space needle to kick off the ball drop countdown. For the best view of the fireworks display, visitors can buy a “VIP” ticket and head up to the Skybridge, roughly 100 feet above the Space Needle.
Be sure to stay for the main event – the ball drops at midnight 400 feet from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, covered in LED lights. It’s a sight to remember!
New Year’s Eve at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Photo Credit: Scott Heaney
- Date: NYE 2024 starting at 10 am
- Location: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN
Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, The Island at Pigeon Forge hosts an annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display and free concert all day long. The festivities begin at 10 am, with live music performances happening throughout the day before the grand finale: fireworks at midnight.
Bring your whole family for some daytime fun, then enjoy a late night full of merriment and fireworks to ring in the New Year. This event is free, and no tickets are needed.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar NYE Party
- Date: NYE 2024 from 6 pm to 1 am
- Location: 644 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Each year, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar hosts an epic NYE party in Downtown Gatlinburg. The Rooftop Bar party is a 21+ event that starts at 6 pm and lasts until 1 am. There will be live music all night long and a karaoke bar. Food is available until 12 am in the dining room.
Tickets are $50/person and can be found here.
Pro tip: This is a great spot to watch the Skypark’s fireworks display!
NYE Fireworks at Dick’s Last Resort
- Date: NYE 2024 from 7 pm to 12:30 am
- Location: 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
If you’ve driven down Parkway Street in Gatlinburg, you’ve seen Dick’s Last Resort. This festive restaurant throws events year-round, with their NYE dinner being a fan favorite every year.
Join them on their heated patio for a special NYE dinner, a fireworks show, and a champagne toast at midnight. The New Year’s Eve menu features a variety of entree choices, from NY strip to grilled salmon.
Adult tickets are $50/person and include a drink, shared appetizer, entree, and a glass of champagne at midnight. Kids are welcome to join in on the fun, too! Kids tickets are $25/person and include items from a special kids’ menu. Tickets and more event information can be found here.
Packing for Your Gatlinburg NYE Trip
The New Year brings chilly weather to the Great Smokies. You can expect high temperatures in the 40s and low temperatures in the 20s during your NYE getaway. There are a range of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay, so we want to make sure you pack appropriately for all of your options! Below is our recommended packing list:
- Warm outer jacket
- Thermal layers
- Scarves, gloves, and beanies
- Winter hiking gear
- NYE celebration outfits
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cozy clothes for your nights in
Other New YearsThings to Do in Gatlinburg
Visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Photo Credit: Shane Shelley
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most-visited national park in the country, and winter is a magical time to visit.
While the chance for snow is slim, NYE gets greeted by flurries from time to time. Even if it isn’t snowing, the Great Smokies will be showing off. We recommend grabbing a cup of cocoa and taking a scenic drive on the Roaring Fork Historic Nature Trail. A short drive from Gatlinburg, you’ll get a chance to see snow-topped trees, winter wildlife, and more from the warmth of your car.
Don’t be afraid to get out and go hiking in the Smokies to kick off New Year’s. There are tons of hiking trails to explore, including ones with frozen waterfalls! Just be sure to bundle up and wear winter gear on your hike.
Explore Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg is the place to be during the holiday season. During NYE, the charming Downtown square is still covered in Christmas decorations and lights, giving it a magical feeling.
We recommend grabbing a warm cup of coffee from Coffee & Company before hitting the Village Shops. From unique souvenirs to handmade home goods and more, each shop offers a one-of-a-kind experience. When you’re ready for some grub, check out our list of the best restaurants in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Enjoy Snow at Ober Mountain Adventure Park
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area brings the snow to you – no matter what the forecast says! This fun-filled adventure park offers every snow activity you can think of. From snow tubing to skiing to snowboarding, choose your adventure and enjoy family fun all day long.
Visitors can also partake in ice skating, shopping, and eating at one of the many restaurants at Ober Mountain Adventure Park.
Book Your New Year Stay in Gatlinburg
We may be biased, but we think Gatlinburg is an incredible place to visit year round. However, the holiday season is a crowd favorite for a reason. Between the magical Christmas lights and festive New Year’s Eve activities, you are in for an unforgettable NYE getaway.
Whether you choose to partake in one of Gatlinburg’s many New Year’s Eve celebrations, hit up the nearby outdoor adventures, or stay warm and cozy in your Prestige Vacation Rental, we can’t wait to usher in the New Year with you.
