Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is a fun way to ring in the new year surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Both towns offer a lively mix of family-friendly events, live music, special dinners, and fireworks displays, making it easy to find the perfect way to celebrate. Whether you’re toasting at one of our cozy Smoky Mountain cabin rentals, enjoying a local restaurant’s New Year’s Eve menu, or watching fireworks light up the sky, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a memorable setting to welcome the year ahead.
Check out these New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Smokies to ring in 2026:
Gatlinburg New Year's Events
New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop: December 31st @ 9:30 PM
Gatlinburg’s NYE celebration, a staple since 1987, is known as “one of the best in the South.” The festivities, taking place at Gatlinburg’s Space Needle, will start at 9:30 PM. There will be a drone show, live entertainment, a ball drop under the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, and of course, a fireworks show! As one of the biggest NYE events in the area, we highly recommend arriving early to secure the best spot and parking.
NYE Lights of Wonder: December 31st @ 9:30 PM
Ring in the New Year at Gatlinburg SkyPark! Ear Jams Silent Disco will bring the party to Clayton’s Landing, where you and your friends can dance the night away on top of the mountain. Your VIP ticket includes personal Studio Quality Headphones with a DJ curating the music, so all you’ll have to worry about is what dance moves you’ll break out! You’ll also get the best view of the City of Gatlinburg’s fireworks and drone show.
New this year is the bar, Smoky Mountain Sips, serving local and domestic favorites. Food provided by Smoky Mountain Smash.
New Year's Eve at Jason Aldean's: December 31st @ 6:00 PM
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Jason Aldean's with live entertainment from 7:00 pm until close. Tickets to the event give you access to the full venue, including the main dining room, rooftop, and WannaB’s Karaoke. Food will be available until 12:00 am, and there will be live entertainment from 7:00 pm until close.
Loco Burro Annual NYE Party: December 31st @ 9:00 PM
Puckers, LBG Main Floor, LBG Rooftop, and Myron Mixon are hosting Gatlinburg’s largest 2026 NYE Party! Tickets include access to all participating locations, live DJs, dance floors, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $35. This event is for 21+.
Pigeon Forge New Year's Events
New Year’s Eve Celebration: December 31st @ 7:00 PM
Toast to the New Year with Pigeon Forge’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Island. One of the biggest NYE celebrations in the Smokies, you can expect amazing live entertainment, a festive atmosphere, and an incredible fireworks display at midnight. This year, live music will be brought to you by the Stephen Goff Band and Emily Ann Roberts. The event is FREE to attend.
NYE Celebration at the Mountain Mile: December 31st @ 4:00 PM
Ring in 2026 at the Mountain Mile New Year’s Eve Celebration! Join us starting at 4 PM for family-friendly fun, door prizes, live entertainment, and festive vibes all night long! PLUS a grand prize $2026 shopping spree giveaway and the best firework show in town at 10:00 PM to close out the year!
New Year’s Eve at the Hard Rock Cafe: December 31st @ 9:00 PM
Spend your New Year's Eve in Pigeon Forge with Hard Rock and ring in 2025 like a Rock Star! There will be party favors, live music from the Kincaid Band, and a champagne toast at midnight for guests 21 and over. Reservations are recommended, but not required, for the family-friendly event.
NYE at Ole Red: December 31st @ 11:00 AM
Ring in 2026 with good food, good company, and the best live music in the Smokies. Ole Red’s all-day NYE event starts at 11:00 AM with Bailey Callahan, followed by Adam Calvert and Grace West. Come throw a couple back with fellow music lovers and watch the ball drop on our state-of-the-art screen. Make this one countryfied NYE to remember!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gatlinburg do anything on NYE?
Yes, Gatlinburg throws one of the largest NYE events in Tennessee, which takes place at Gatlinburg’s Space Needle. There is a ball drop, a drone show, and a fireworks display.
Does Pigeon Forge do anything on NYE?
Yes, Pigeon Forge’s NYE celebration is held at the Island. Expect live music, a festive atmosphere, and a dazzling fireworks display.
Is Gatlinburg busy during NYE and New Year’s?
Gatlinburg sees a large number of visitors during this time of year, especially on Christmas and NYE/New Year’s Eve. Gatlinburg’s NYE event typically sees upwards of 50,000 people.