Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Time: 7:30–9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Admission: Free and open to the public
VIP Seating: Grandstand seating is available for $50 per person. 

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This beloved Smoky Mountain tradition fills downtown Gatlinburg with illuminated floats, giant balloons, festive performers, marching bands, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

The parade begins at Baskins Creek Bypass and travels through the heart of downtown along the Parkway before concluding at Traffic Light #10 near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find a good viewing spot along the route. 

Parade Route:
The Parade route runs along the Parkway beginning at Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at traffic light #10 near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Lane Closure Information:
The outbound lanes of East Parkway will be switched to one lane to make room for float staging at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The inbound lane will be closed at approximately 6:50 p.m. All traffic on the parade route will shut down approximately at 7 p.m. As always we would ask that people be aware of their surroundings and vigilant about personal safety. Officers and EMS will be posted throughout the parade route and available for assistance if needed.