The Thanksgiving extended weekend begins on the last week of November for 2024 and that’s when Gatlinburg begins its long-standing tradition of having a lot of events going on in town throughout the week to celebrate both Thanksgiving but also begin the Christmas holiday portion of Winterfest.
Here are the events going on for this year. Take a look and reserve soon so you and the family can make some new holiday memories in the Smokies!
* Candy Canes & Cocktails
November 26, 2024
From the website:
“Join us for an evening of light appetizers and signature drinks at our annual Candy Canes & Cocktails event at the Gatlinburg Convention Center! This preview party starts the 51st Gatlinburg Festival of Trees and features a Silent Auction.
All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you! The dress code is festive cocktail attire.”
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/candy-canes-%26-cocktails/911/.
* Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show
November 26, 2024 – December 1, 2024
From the website:
“The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show runs from November 26 – December 1. Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans makes its home in Gatlinburg, TN.
The Tennessee artist and craftsmen here create beautiful and useful things with techniques handed down for decades. Find gorgeous quilts, old-fashioned straw brooms with hand-carved handles, exquisitely woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, Victorian ceramic pitchers, pottery, dulcimers, stuffed bears, leather vests, and more. There is handmade jewelry unlike any you’ll find back home. Painters capture scenes of landscapes and mountain life, while potters and weavers work magic with clay and cloth.”
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/great-smoky-arts-%26-crafts-community-thanksgiving-show/442/.
* Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
November 27, 2024 – December 1, 2024
From the website:
“This year marks the 51st year of Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees. Hospitality Solutions is honored to participate as the Presenting Sponsor again in 2024. The proceeds from Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees 2024 will benefit Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains serve more than 1,600 local youth across Sevier County. The clubs offer youth a safe place to learn and grow through programs designed to build character and strengthen life skills while not at home or school.
We are very pleased to announce that the proceeds from the Festival’s 50th year netted a donation of $100,000 to Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and $17,500 to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund. With your help and participation, we hope to continue to make this 51st year’s festival another successful one.
The Festival of Trees runs from November 27th to December 1st and kicks off with Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception on the evening of Tuesday, November 26th. The Festival will feature a children’s craft and play area, photos with Santa Claus and, of course, the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths.”
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-festival-of-trees/29/.
* Annual Thanksgiving Feast
November 28, 2024
From the website:
“Ahhh, Thanksgiving…..that time of year when we come together to celebrate the love and blessings shared amongst family and friends. And of course, that time of year when we all look forward to some of the best comfort foods in existence!
Every year our culinary team puts together the most amazing Thanksgiving buffet and every year many of you join us and allow our family to welcome you into our home. If you haven’t ever shared in our Thanksgiving Feast then I urge you to make this the year you treat yourself and your family and start a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Check out our menu by clicking the link to our site, and for those of you who prefer to dine a little later in the evening, our Vista Grill will also be offering a couple of special Thanksgiving entrees from 6-9pm.”
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/annual-thanksgiving-feast/907/.
* Winter Magic Tunes and Tales
November 29, 2024 – December 21, 2024
From the website:
“Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns this winter to entertain Gatlinburg visitors! Tunes & Tales is street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s. Daily performances will be from 5 – 9 PM.”
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/winter-magic-tunes-and-tales/221/.
