Acorn Cabin Rentals is excited to welcome guests to our cabins to enjoy the many exciting Christmas events in Gatlinburg. One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Gatlinburg Christmas parade, locally known as the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This popular annual event is expected to bring over 80,000 spectators to downtown Gatlinburg, so we recommend planning ahead to attend the event! To help you prepare, we have put together 5 things you need to know about the Gatlinburg Christmas parade:

1. What to Expect

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition consisting of many parade entries of floats, performers, balloons, marching bands, and of course Santa Claus himself!

2. Cost of the Parade

The parade is completely free to attend! Most folks stand or sit along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg for the best views of the parade. For optimal views, spectators can purchase a bleacher seat.

3. Date and Time

The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is set to kick off at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, December 4th at Baskins Creek Bypass. Therefore, your actual start time may vary depending on where you choose to view the parade. The parade ends at traffic light 10. Note that the entire parade is expected to last until 9 p.m.

4. Parking Information

There are plenty of parking areas throughout downtown Gatlinburg. One of the best garages that is within walking distance to the parade is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This garage has plenty of spaces, but be sure to arrive early to grab your spot.

Note that there are also parking spots along River Road, which are generally free. However, if these are not available, there are also several privately owned paid parking facilities situated on River Road. As with any large event, arrive early for the best parking options and allow plenty of time to walk to your desired viewing area.

5. Parkway Closures

Remember that the Parkway through downtown Gatlinburg will not be open during the Christmas parade, and that it will be closed for a short period of time before and after the parade. Therefore, we recommend driving into downtown Gatlinburg early to enjoy dinner in town and to secure an excellent viewing spot for the parade. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants to enjoy while you look forward to the start of the event. Make an evening out of it and enjoy the magical holiday spirit with your family or friends!

Where to Stay

When searching for the best accommodations for attending the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade, look no further than the affordable vacation rentals from us! Our properties have everything necessary for a wonderful holiday getaway in the Smoky Mountains. Choose from a cozy one bedroom cabin for a romantic winter vacation or book one of our five bedroom cabins for a festive family reunion. Our Gatlinburg cabins come with a collection of fantastic amenities to enjoy, such as hot tubs, fireplaces, full kitchens, and breathtaking views of the mountains. Check out these benefits of spending Christmas in a Gatlinburg cabin.

Are you excited to spend the holiday season with us? Look through our Gatlinburg cabins and book one today!