New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Celebrate the New Year in Gatlinburg!

Welcome to the New Year in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Around this season, the snow is falling and the leaves are gone, but the holiday spirit is alive in the Smokies and is exciting everyone around. Join in the celebrations and bring your loved ones with you to enjoy the festivities. At the stroke of midnight on January 1st the ball in Gatlinburg drops for the thousands of visitors who come from all over. Since 1987 The Gatlinburg Winterfest’s Ball Drop has become one of the largest organized New Year's Eve events in the nation. With fireworks and live music to entertain everyone, this event is one you will never forget and will be a memory for you and your loved ones to forever enjoy together. 

A Few Tips

You will want to arrive several hours early as parking fills up quickly. But don’t worry, there is plenty to do in the meantime! Beginning at 11 p.m. the roads surrounding the ball drop will close, giving visitors enough space to enjoy the festivities. At 10 p.m. bands perform live to bring in the New Year along with plenty of other fun activities.

Enjoy Every Moment

The ball drop is not the only Winterfest festivity you should look forward to though. When you are coming up to celebrate the New Year, don’t forget to take a drive or a walk to see the beautiful Christmas lights that decorate Gatlinburg each year. Another fun activity is the Snowpeople Scavenger Hunt which you can participate in by downloading the Visit Gatlinburg app. With so much to participate in you will never be bored. Prepare to launch the New Year with your loved ones and with a joyful celebration in Gatlinburg!