Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Guide: 7 Things to Check Out

Big golden turkeys. Creamy mashed potatoes. Crispy green beans. Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday stuffed with not only mouth-watering food but also with friends and family to appreciate all that life has to offer. If you’ve never hosted a destination Thanksgiving, think of how big feasts will be enhanced by smiling faces surrounded by the best that nature has to offer. 

A Gatlinburg Thanksgiving offers a quaint mountain backdrop and with everything you need to prepare a big Thanksgiving Day feast. To top it all off, the Great Smoky Mountains are only a stone’s throw away.

Operating hours for businesses and activities may vary during the Thanksgiving season. Double-check hours and reservations as your trip approaches for the most up-to-date information.

1. Have a Gatlinburg Thanksgiving Dinner in Town or in Your Cabin

Are you the kind of traveler who prefers someone else to cook and wonder what’s open in Gatlinburg on Thanksgiving? 

There are countless restaurants in Gatlinburg open on Thanksgiving that serve authentic Smoky Mountain delicacies, so you can relax and avoid dishes this year. Note that some restaurants listed require reservations in advance to secure a table on the busy holiday.

• Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que: Authentic, slow-smoked BBQ with all the fixings.
• Howard’s Restaurant: Classic American fare in a relaxed riverside setting.
• Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse: Hearty steaks and Southern-inspired favorites.
• Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant: Homestyle comfort food made with farm-fresh ingredients.
• The Old Mill: Southern classics served in a historic mill.

While there are plenty of options to eat Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg, TN, sometimes nothing beats a home-cooked meal. All our cabin rentals feature a kitchen loaded with all the tools you need to cook a memorable Gatlinburg Thanksgiving dinner. Stop at one of many grocery stores within a short drive of your luxury cabin rental.

• Food City: Full-service grocery store with a wide selection of produce and pantry staples.
• Whole Earth: Natural foods market featuring organic produce and eco-friendly products.
• Old Dad’s General Store: Charming local store stocked with snacks and picnic supplies.
• Paula Deen Store: Specialty store with Southern-inspired kitchenware and Paula Deen branded food items.

2. Attend Winterfest Festivities

There are endless things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during Thanksgiving week as the towns transform into bustling holiday centers, offering a variety of events that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re strolling through the magical Winterfest Lights or savoring the flavors at the Gatlinburg Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

• Winterfest Lights: Walk through the city as millions of twinkling lights light Gatlinburg’s streets and landmarks.
• Festival of Trees: Enjoy a magical display of Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses and organizations.
• Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show: Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, perfect for holiday shopping.
• Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta: Experience an early holiday celebration with dazzling lights, festive decorations, and seasonal entertainment.
• Winter Magic Tunes and Tales: Enjoy live music, storytelling, and carolers filling the streets of Gatlinburg.
• Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff: Try chili recipes from local vendors while enjoying live music and entertainment during this annual kickoff event for Winterfest.

3. Visit Local Attractions

A Gatlinburg Thanksgiving doesn’t end on Thursday. There’s no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg throughout Thanksgiving week. This bustling town features endless winter activities to get you in the holiday spirit as the turkey settles. 

• Ice Skating at Ober Mountain: Glide across the ice at Gatlinburg’s only indoor ice skating rink.
• Trolley Ride of Lights: Hop on a trolley and tour the magical light displays throughout the city.
• Polar Express Train: Take a family-friendly magical ride complete with hot chocolate, storytelling, and a visit from Santa Claus.
• Holiday Window Displays: Stroll along The Parkway to admire local shops’ festive window displays and holiday decorations.

4. Get Ahead on Holiday Shopping

Gatlinburg is a treasure trove of charming local shops to find unique holiday gifts and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted jewelry, rustic home decor, or sweet treats, these spots offer a delightful shopping experience.

• The Village Shops: Stroll through this European-style village with boutique shops, including artisan crafts, specialty foods, and unique clothing.
• Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: If you’re headed to Gatlinburg early, snag handcrafted goods from local artisans to spice up your Thanksgiving tablescape.
• The Potter & The Park: Shop handmade ceramics and gifts inspired by the Appalachian region.
• Smoky Mountain Popcorn: Treat your Secret Santa to a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors, from classic butter to inventive sweet and savory blends.

5. See the Fall Colors

Many people believe the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains is during fall, as autumn colors breathe crisp beauty into the landscape. Whether you prefer a leisurely drive, a hike through vibrant trails, or a high-elevation lookout, Gatlinburg in November offers endless autumn activities to enjoy the scenery.

• Scenic Drives: Explore the beauty of the mountains from the comfort of your car by driving along popular routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Newfound Gap Road.
• Hiking Trails: Immerse yourself in the autumn colors by hiking trails like the Alum Cave Trail for a 360-degree experience.
• Gatlinburg Sky Lift: Ride up to the SkyLift Park for sweeping views, which is one of the best ways to see fall colors from above.
• Clingmans Dome: Visit the highest point in the park for a panoramic view of the fall foliage.

6. Hit the Slopes

Embrace the changing seasons in Gatlinburg as late fall turns into a winter wonderland of excursions. Dive into snowy adventures that capture the magic of the season, like snow sports at Ober Mountain, speeding down a snow tubing lane, or trekking through snow-covered trails. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the crisp, cool beauty of winter in the Smokies.

• Ski or Snowboard at Ober Mountain: Hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding with trails suited for all skill levels.
• Snow Tube: Experience the thrill of snow tubing at Ober Mountain’s dedicated tubing lanes, perfect for an afternoon of family fun.
• Winter Hikes: Explore snow-dusted trails in Smokies to enjoy peaceful winter scenery.

7. Explore the Great Outdoors

Fall in the Smoky Mountains is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re into challenging backpacking or leisurely hikes. Before heading out, remember that Gatlinburg’s weather during Thanksgiving can be unpredictable. Layers are essential to stay comfortable in fluctuating temperatures, and visitors should prepare for possible rain. 

• Backpack the Smokies: Embark on a single- or multi-day backpacking trip and immerse yourself in the fall splendor of the Smokies.
• Hike the National Forest: Trek along trails like Rainbow Falls to experience the stunning autumn foliage up close.
• Camp Under the Stars: After your Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving celebration, set up camp in one of the park’s designated campgrounds and enjoy a brisk evening under the stars.

         

Book A Gatlinburg Cabin For Your Turkey Day Festivities

A Gatlinburg Thanksgiving blends festive charm with natural beauty. From savoring a delicious meal with loved ones in cozy cabins to exploring the breathtaking fall foliage, the Smoky Mountains provide the perfect scene for lifetime memories. As you engulf yourself in festive local events, you’ll be in the holiday spirit in no time. 

Find a cabin large enough for the whole family to enjoy a Thanksgiving you’ll never forget.