4 Fun Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
4 Fun Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
There is no better place to ring in the New Year than the Smoky Mountains! You’ll find plenty of places to celebrate the big night with your family and friends, all just minutes away from our vacation rentals in the Smokies! From special dining menus and live music performances to dazzling fireworks displays, you’ll find all kinds of exciting activities to enjoy as you countdown to midnight! Here are 4 fun places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
1. Ole Red
Ole Red in downtown Gatlinburg is not only the best spot for live music in the Smokies, but the perfect place to ring in the New Year! This fun dining and live entertainment venue is going straight through to midnight with top country talent on stage, and the action kicks off as early as 11 AM! Come on out to throw a couple back with fellow music lovers and watch the ball drop on Ole Red’s state-of-the-art screen! You’ll also find a full menu of delicious burgers, sandwiches, and entrees to satisfy your appetite throughout the night!
2. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle is the place to be for the ultimate family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in Gatlinburg! The iconic observation tower is the site for the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show, and we recommend you show up early to get a good viewing spot (live music starts at 10 PM)! At the stroke of midnight, the ball will drop, and fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot-tall tower with special choreographed music! Rhythmic LED lights have also been added to the tower to enhance the spectacular display!
3. Mountain Mile
Another one of the fun places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the Mountain Mile! This popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, located along Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge, is welcoming the New Year with family-friendly activities and giveaways! You’ll find street performers, obstacle courses, face painting, hot chocolate, apple cider, and festive vibes all night long, capped with the best fireworks display in town at 10 PM! Don’t forget to register for some of the awesome door prizes, including a $2026 shopping spree!
4. The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Smokies and features a free concert, midnight fireworks display, and a festive atmosphere you won’t forget! The best part is that the event is completely free, so don’t miss this opportunity to create some cherished memories with your family and friends! While the official celebration kicks off at 7 PM with a DJ to get the party started, come on out to The Island early to enjoy the selection of tempting restaurants, unique specialty shops, and thrilling amusement rides!
Where to Stay for NYE in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg
From condos to cabins for couples, families, and groups, check out all of our vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains today to stay near these fun places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! We look forward to seeing you soon!