Will you be in Gatlinburg during November? You may be wondering what you can do during this time of year in the Smokies, and we want to share some of the best things with you! Check out these 5 things you can only do in Gatlinburg in November:
1. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cook Off
During mid-November, the kickoff for Pigeon Forge Winterfest and Gatlinburg Winter Magic happens. On November 9, 2023, you can participate in the kickoff for the holiday season with lighting of the lights and a chili cook off! This event takes place at 120 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 from 4 to 8 pm. It’s kind of like a festival where you can enjoy delicious chili, look at the lights, and listen to live entertainment.
2. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour
Even if you don’t make it for the kickoff, you can still enjoy looking at the lights! Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour is a self-guided tour around town of the Winterfest lights that are put up every year. You can drive around in your own vehicle, or you can take the Gatlinburg trolleys for a different experience! This is something fun to do in Gatlinburg in November you don’t want to miss.
3. Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
Although you can enjoy snow tubing at Ober Mountain any time during winter, it does start back up in the month of November! People of all ages will have a blast flying down the snow hill at the ski resort. They make their own snow, so even if it hasn’t snowed yet, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy your hour’s worth of snow tubing time! You may even be able to ski and snowboard while you’re in town, but if you can’t, Ober Mountain has plenty of other fun activities too!
4. Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
Want to gear up for the holiday season early or just enjoy seeing beautiful things people have made? Then you should go to the Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show. This year, the show runs from November 21-26, 2023. On Tuesday through Saturday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, the event is open from 10 am to 4 pm. Guests will be able to walk around several booths to see the beautiful creations people from the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community have created. You’ll find handmade jewelry, woven baskets, stuffed animals, handmade instruments, pottery, and much more.
5. Gatlinburg Festival of Trees
Every year in Gatlinburg in November, the Festival of Trees event takes place. It gears people up for the holiday season, and proceeds are given to local charities. This event runs from November 22-26, 2023, and it starts off with the Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception. There will be a children’s craft and play area, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and jaw-dropping trees and wreaths decked out. People participate in silent auctions to benefit the chosen charities and programs, so you don’t want to miss out!
Now you know about some of the fun things to do in Gatlinburg in November. Planning on being here a little earlier? Don’t miss out on these other fun things to do in Gatlinburg in October.
While these are some event and time-specific things to do, there are plenty of year-round attractions that are fun to visit during this time! Check out these other attractions in Gatlinburg you don’t want to miss!