Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
First Friday in December, annually
A decades-old tradition that turns the Parkway into a procession of lighted floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and Santa — free, at 7:30 PM, with a tree lighting five minutes before. Arrive by mid-afternoon if you want a spot.
The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade, known as the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, fills the Parkway with lighted floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and Santa Claus on the first Friday of every December. It's free, it starts at 7:30 PM, and the city lights its official Christmas tree just before the parade begins. Tens of thousands of people line the street for it, so plan to arrive early.
When: the first Friday in December, 7:30 PM
Tree lighting: around 7:25 PM at traffic light #3
Route: down the Parkway from traffic light #3 to traffic light #10
Free; reserved grandstand seats sold separately
When and where
The parade starts at 7:30 PM on the first Friday in December. It begins at Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, turns at traffic light #3, and heads south down the Parkway to traffic light #10 near the national park entrance. Check gatlinburg.com for this year's exact date.
The tree lighting
Just before the parade steps off, the city lights the official Gatlinburg Christmas Tree at about 7:25 PM on the Parkway Plaza at traffic light #3. Be near light #3 by 7:20 to see it.
What to expect
Floats and balloons
Lighted floats built by local businesses and community groups, plus giant helium balloons drifting down the Parkway.
Bands and performers
High school and community marching bands, dancers, and musicians from around the region.
The Grand Marshal and Santa
A celebrity Grand Marshal, often a well-known performer, leads the way. Santa Claus always comes last.
Watching on TV
The parade has been broadcast on TV in many markets around Christmas, a fun way to relive it or share it with family who couldn't come. Check gatlinburg.com for this year's viewing information.
Grandstand seating
For a guaranteed view, reserved grandstand seating is usually sold each year, with bleachers at traffic light #3 or near the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Children under 5 can sit on a parent's lap without a ticket. Strollers generally aren't allowed in the grandstand areas, and there's no stroller parking, so plan ahead if you're bringing little ones. Check gatlinburg.com for current options.
Road closures
The city closes roads in stages before the parade. East Parkway lanes start narrowing in the late afternoon for float setup, more lanes close before 7 PM, and all traffic on the route stops until the parade ends. Times change each year, so check gatlinburgtn.gov or the City of Gatlinburg app before you head out.
Tips for attending
Arrive by mid-afternoon — the best viewing spots fill hours before the 7:30 start.
Dress warmly — bring layers, blankets, and hand warmers for standing outside on a December night.
Consider the grandstand — a reserved seat saves you from staking out a spot early, which helps with kids.
See the tree lighting — be near traffic light #3 by 7:20.
Download the City of Gatlinburg app — it posts road closures and parade updates.
The Winter Magic season
The parade is a highlight of Gatlinburg's Winter Magic season, which runs from early November into February. It starts with the Winter Magic Chili Cookoff on the first Thursday of November, when the downtown lights switch on, and the lights glow every night through the season. The Gatlinburg Trolley is an easy way to see the lights without driving.
More to do in December
Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November into early January, and the SkyBridge at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park looks out over the holiday lights after dark. Spend a parade-day afternoon at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, or ski and skate at Ober Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community holds its Christmas craft show in early December. See all Gatlinburg events.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade?
The first Friday in December, at 7:30 PM. Check gatlinburg.com for this year's date.
Is the parade free?
Yes. Reserved grandstand seating is sold separately if you want a guaranteed spot.
What's the parade route?
From Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway to traffic light #3, then south on the Parkway to traffic light #10.
When is the tree lighting?
Around 7:25 PM at traffic light #3, just before the parade starts.
When should I arrive?
By mid-afternoon for a good spot along the route.
Is it OK for young children?
Yes, with planning. Dress warmly, bring snacks, and consider grandstand seats. A cabin close to downtown makes it easy to head home after.
Walk to the parade from our cabins near downtown Gatlinburg, or plan a holiday trip with our Christmas cabins and cabins decorated for Christmas. Book early, since parade weekend fills fast. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.