Celebrate the holiday season at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Contact: Kenzie Connor

Gatlinburg, Tenn- Embrace the spirit of the season with two festive events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this December. Visitors are invited to celebrate Appalachian holiday traditions and create new memories during the Festival of Christmas Past, Present, and Future on Saturday, December 13 and the Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, December 20.

Festival of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Saturday, December 13 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This event offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Park rangers, volunteers and artists from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts will demonstrate traditional Appalachian arts and crafts. Guests can enjoy live music by the Grassy Creek Bluegrass Band from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., explore a nostalgic display of Christmas trees from different decades and participate in hands-on holiday crafts for children.

Holiday Homecoming
Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Saturday, December 20 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The celebration continues with the Holiday Homecoming event, featuring a day of seasonal activities. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can take part in hands-on traditional crafts and activities. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy traditional music and caroling, offering a joyful and immersive holiday experience for everyone.

Both events are free and open to the public. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road, two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road, just north of Cherokee, NC.

Special thanks to our partners, Friends of the Smokies and Smokies Life, for their generous support in making these holiday celebrations possible.

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