3 Things to Know About the Ball Drop and Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg

December 15, 2023
Things to Do in Gatlinburg

When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains, there is no better destination than Gatlinburg TN! You’ll find several great ways to enjoy this special evening, ranging from amazing dinners at restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg to fun celebrations at your favorite local attractions! Of course, the best way to count down to midnight is with Gatlinburg’s Ball Drop and Fireworks show around the base of the Space Needle! Here are the top 3 things to know about the Ball Drop and Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg:

1. What to Expect

Gatlinburg’s Ball Drop and Fireworks show is a free, family-friendly celebration that has been one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation since 1987! The action takes place at the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, where a ball drops from the top of the 400 foot tower to count down to the stroke of midnight. Fireworks will also blast off from the rooftop of the tower, complete with special music that is choreographed to the show. The Space Needle has even added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a truly spectacular display to welcome in the New Year!

2. Time and Location Information

Since the entertainment doesn’t start until later in the evening on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a meal in town and maybe even a few local attractions! Live music begins at 10 PM at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which is located just off the Parkway on Historic Nature Trail. Note that starting at 10:30 PM, Historic Nature Trail will close from the Parkway to Cloverleaf Lane. At approximately 11:00 PM, a portion of the parkway will also close from Reagan Drive to LeConte Street. Event organizers encourage those attending the celebration to arrive in Gatlinburg early to avoid traffic, find parking and secure a good viewing spot to watch the fireworks display!

3. Where to Stay

You’ll definitely want to stay close to the action if you’re planning on attending the Ball Drop and Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg! Therefore, make the most of your vacation by staying at our affordable hotel in downtown Gatlinburg! Our hotel is perfectly situated in a peaceful location along River Road that is just steps away from the Parkway. In fact, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is less than a 10-minute walk away so that you don’t have to worry about the hassles of dealing with traffic and parking on New Year’s Eve! Our spectacular location is just one of the many reasons that you’ll love staying with us — all of our hotel rooms feature private balconies overlooking a mountain stream, gas fireplaces, Keurig coffee makers and all the necessities for a relaxing stay in Gatlinburg! While staying at our hotel, you can also take advantage of our free continental breakfast, complimentary wireless internet access and free on-site parking (some of which is covered)!