Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks

Gatlinburg New Year's Eve centers on the Space Needle, where a giant LED ball drops down the tower at midnight as fireworks launch from the top. The free celebration has been held every December 31 since 1987, with a live concert in the evening and a drone show just before the countdown. Tens of thousands of people fill the streets around traffic light #8 to ring in the new year.

The evening

Live music, around 9 to 10:30 PM

A free concert at the base of the Space Needle opens the night. Past years have brought show bands and country performers playing pop, country, Motown, and classic rock to keep the crowd going.

Drone show, around 11:50 PM

About ten minutes before midnight, synchronized drones light up the sky above the Gatlinburg Convention Center, forming pictures inspired by Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

Ball drop and fireworks, midnight

At midnight, the Mega LED Ball, more than 15 feet tall, drops about 200 feet down the Gatlinburg Space Needle while fireworks launch from the top, timed to music.

Check gatlinburg.com for this year's schedule and performers.

Road closures

Roads around the Space Needle usually start closing around 10:30 PM. Airport Road closes from the Parkway to Cloverleaf Lane, the Parkway closes in both directions from Reagan Drive and Maples Lane to LeConte Street, and Historic Nature Trail becomes walking-only from the Parkway to Cloverleaf Lane. Times and routes can change, so check gatlinburgtn.gov before you head in.

Parking

Downtown fills up fast on New Year's Eve. Options include street parking on River Road, which runs alongside the Parkway, the parking garage at Ripley's Aquarium, the McMahan parking garage at traffic light #3, and private lots on River Road. The easiest choice is the free Park and Ride at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center or City Hall, then the free Gatlinburg Trolley into downtown. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg.

Tips for the night

Get downtown early — the best spots near the Space Needle fill well before road closures start.

Dress warmly — you'll be standing outside for hours on a cold mountain night, so bring layers and hand warmers.

Ride the trolley — park at the Welcome Center or City Hall and ride in free.

Eat first — have a warm dinner before you claim your spot. Many restaurants and bars stay open late.

Watch the sky at 11:50 — the drone show is above the Convention Center, so find a clear view.

Enjoy the lights — the Winter Magic lights are still glowing downtown.

Nearby that night

Before the countdown, play some games at Arcadia at the base of the Space Needle, or grab dinner on the Parkway from our list of Gatlinburg restaurants. Spend the day at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, check Anakeesta for special New Year's Eve hours, or ring in the new year somewhere warm and quiet at Alibi Speakeasy. See all Gatlinburg events.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Gatlinburg New Year's Eve celebration?

At the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, at traffic light #8, where the Parkway meets Historic Nature Trail.

Is it free?

Yes. It's free and family-friendly.

What time should I arrive?

Early evening. Road closures begin around 10:30 PM, and the area fills well before that.

What is the Mega LED Ball?

A giant LED ball, more than 15 feet tall, that drops about 200 feet down the Space Needle at midnight.

What time is the drone show?

Around 11:50 PM, above the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

How long has Gatlinburg held the ball drop?

Since 1987.

Is it OK for kids?

Yes, but it's a late, cold night with a big crowd. A cabin close to downtown makes it easier to get home and warm soon after midnight.