The Gatlinburg Christmas parade, the “Fantasy of Lights,” takes place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Friday, December 4th. This incredible event has been labeled one of the top 20 events in the Southeast and will be TV-broadcast in over 100 markets.
Here is the information you need to know:
Location: The parade runs along Parkway, the main street in downtown Gatlinburg, starting around the Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at traffic light number 10, which is pretty much the end of town and the start of the entrance to the Smoky Mountains. So where you want to be is on the sidewalk on Parkway downtown (such as where the Historic Gatlinburg Inn is located). Parkway will be closed before and after the parade for some time.
Click here for a map of Gatlinburg to get a better idea of where you need to go.
Time: The parade starts around 7:30PM and lasts about an hour. Don’t wait until the last minute to find your spot! Get into town early, find parking, and find your place to watch the parade. It will be crowded, so please be patient.
What to Expect: The parade will have everything you would expect: marching bands, floats, classic cars, performers and Santa Claus. It will also have Johnny and Donnie Van Zant as the parade marshalls! Johnny is the singer for Southern rock giant Lynyrnd Skynyrd, and Donnie is the founder of 38 Special. They also have a band together, Van Zant.
The Fantasy of Lights is going to be a great time for all, so come check it out! Please remember that the Sevier County mask mandate is still in effect, so masks should be worn inside businesses.
Below is video of a previous Gatlinburg Christmas parade.