Why Your Family Will Love a Gatlinburg Winter Getaway

Planning a winter getaway to Gatlinburg? You’re in luck! This time of year, our cozy mountain town shines with holiday lights, glistening snow, and tons of adventures and opportunities for you to get out (or stay in) and enjoy it all. If you want to plan a getaway your family will love, check out our recommendations for winter fun below, and be sure to book your trip directly with Venture Smoky Mountains for incredible local perks and up to $400 in free daily activities every day of your stay.

What’s the Weather Like in Gatlinburg, TN, in Winter?

From December to February, you can expect daily highs to be in the mid-40s and lows to be in the high 20s. While snow isn’t a constant all season long, you can expect to see occasional flurries even if there’s no accumulation. On average, the area sees about 5 to 10 inches of snow per year, with higher elevation points in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park receiving the majority.

What Is There to Do in Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Experience the variety of Gatlinburg winter activities when you visit popular family favorites like Ober Gatlinburg and Anakeesta, or simply enjoy the calm of your cozy cabin as you take in the calm of the season. Regardless of how you spend your time, there’s plenty to do in Gatlinburg in winter.

Winter Magic at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is the heart of Gatlinburg’s winter activities, and you can easily spend a half or full day enjoying everything this mountaintop park offers. Families love it because there’s something for every age and activity level—quiet mountain views for some, and hands-on winter thrills for others.

Things to Do at Ober Gatlinburg

• Snow Tubing: The park creates its own snow, so you can count on reliable conditions throughout the season for snow tubing. Plus, the regularly groomed lanes make for a consistently even ride.
• Skiing & Snowboarding: 10 runs carve down Ober Mountain, offering options for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Lift tickets start at $49 for adults and $39 for juniors. And lessons are also available for those new to winter sports.
• Ice Skating: Indoor ice skating is open daily, year-round, but is especially fun in winter. It’s also a nice fallback on days when the weather isn’t cooperating. Skates are available to rent and aids are offered for little ones and adults.
• Tennessee Flyer: This mountain coaster takes you for a ride up to 25 mph down Ober Mountain, letting you take in the gorgeous snowy scenery as you twist and turn your way over the 3,750-foot track.

Warm Up at Wild Bear Falls Water Park

Enjoy summer fun in the middle of winter when you visit Wild Bear Falls Water Park. Even in winter, kids are always ready to splash and play, and this popular indoor oasis is one of the easiest ways to make that happen. 

What You’ll Find at Wild Bear Falls

• Comfortable, heated water and air temps
• A lazy river and zero-entry children’s area
• Multiple slides for older kids
• On-site dining for quick meals and snacks 

If you’re looking for a break from the elements, this is a great activity to add to the itinerary. Day passes are available starting at $35 for guests 14 years and older and $25 for children aged 4-13.

Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas

Throughout December, Anakeesta lights up its mountaintop village with sparkling walkways, holiday decorations, music, and much more. Experience the glow of more than a million lights as you take in the festive displays. Fire pits and hot cocoa invite you to sit and take in the magic, while live entertainment and Santa sightings will keep the family entertained for hours.

• Dates: November 14 – January 4
• Tickets: Adults start at $28.99 | Children ages 3-11 start at $16.99

Enjoy a Scenic Drive

Seeing the Smokies in winter is a stunning sight to behold. If the conditions are favorable, a drive up to Newfound Gap or across the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a great way to see some sights while keeping warm. The Cades Cove Loop Road also offers chances for winter wildlife sightings and the opportunity to get out and explore historic landmarks and trails on foot.

Winter Hikes Anyone Can Do

Winter hiking is different from any other season. Without the lush canopy, the forest opens up, revealing rock formations, ridgelines and views you can't always see in summer. Trails are generally quieter too, which makes quick family hikes even more enjoyable.

A few winter-friendly options include:

• Abrams Falls: Located in Cades Cove, this popular hike delivers incredible waterfall views.
• Cove Hardwood Trail: At just .75 miles, this short hike takes you through one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth.   
• Metcalf Bottoms Trail: Another short but “worth it” choice, this trail leads you to historic Little Greenbrier—a ghost town with a schoolhouse, old cabin and graveyard.

These are excellent choices for those looking for snow activities in Gatlinburg that don’t involve a lift ticket or gear rental.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg

If your trip includes the holidays, Gatlinburg offers one of the region’s most family-friendly celebrations. Kicking off at 10:30 PM, this free party runs through midnight, so rest up in your Venture Smoky Mountain rental before making your way downtown at nightfall.

Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve

• Live entertainment leading up to midnight
• Countdown at the Space Needle
• Special drone show
• A fireworks show that lights up downtown

The Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Celebration features the largest LED-lit NYE ball in the world AND the longest ball drop on the planet—that alone makes it worth the trip! Be sure to get there early so you can find parking and get a good spot for the festivities.

Make Your Winter Stay Easy with Venture Smoky Mountains

Featured Property: Whispering Pines #33

After cold-weather fun, it feels good to head back to a place where you can unwind. Picture warming up by the fireplace, sinking into a hot tub while a light snow falls outside your cabin. That’s the kind of winter trip that brings families back year after year.

Venture Smoky Mountains offers vacation rentals across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Wears Valley, giving you options close to the activities you care about most. And when you book directly with us, you’ll lock in the best rental at the best rate, avoiding third-party fees that keep money out of your pocket. Check out our hot tub rentals or view our entire inventory and find your dream winter escape today. 

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