Your Smoky Mountains Escape Guide

Celebrate the Start of the Holiday Season with the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Written by Bailee Wilson | Nov 28, 2023 4:59:52 AM

Gatlinburg is magical during the holiday season. One of the highlights of the season is the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This annual event has been delighting visitors for almost 50 years. It is one of the most popular Christmas parades in the country! You don't want to miss it! 

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/gatlinburgtn/photos 

This year's Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, December 1. This will be the 48th parade! More than 60,000 people are expected to show up to watch the floats, marching bands, and giant balloons wind through town. 

The parade will begin with a tree lighting ceremony in Parkway Plaza at Traffic Light #3. Then, at 7:30 p.m., the parade will launch from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway. From that point on, "a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10."

Since Gatlinburg gets congested on parade day, visitors are encourage to arrive early in order to snag a spot with a good view. You can line up along the parade route, or you can find a spot at one of the restaurants or shops along the way.

Want to guarantee a great view? Purchase grandstand seats here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade-grandstand-seats-tickets-731269355327?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/gatlinburgtn/photos 

Looking for an extra dose of fun? Come down to Ole Red for a Countrified Christmas Parade Party. Tickets to the party include...

  • A selection from our snack menu
  • A specialty cocktail or draft beer in a souvenir glass (plus 1 refill)
  • One merch item
  • A seat on the Ole Red patio along the parade route

Find out more here: https://olered.com/gatlinburg/event/ole-reds-countrified-christmas-parade-party/ 

Come kick off the holiday season in Gatlinburg! We'll see you at the parade!