December 2, 7:30 p.m.

36th Annual Lights Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg

This is one event in Gatlinburg that you don’t want to miss, and Twin Islands and Crossroads Inn offer great parade watching locations with free downtown Parking!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic is already high gear, and the December 2 parade is icing on the cake!  Start the evening with Santa’s Autograph Party beginning at 6 p.m. at light #3.  This is at Riverbend Mall and a main parade viewing area.  You’ll want to find a spot early—parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on East Parkway (Hwy. 321) at light #1A and concludes at light #10 on the Parkway.

Earlier this year, Ripley’s won an International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle award for Best Sponsor for Gatlinburg Special Events. It only makes sense that parade Grand Marshals will be Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies characters, Sharky and Sharkette, in honor of Ripley’s commitment to Gatlinburg!  They will lead this hour-and-a-half parade of 100’s of participants including elaborate floats, marching bands from Tennessee and 4 neighboring states, giant helium balloons, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, and of course, Santas!

Bring your cameras and some warm gloves for a spectacular night you won’t soon forget!