Gatlinburg Set to Pop With New Year's Fireworks Show and Ball Drop
The Gatlinburg Space Needle will take center stage as the site of the New Year’s Fireworks Show and Ball Drop. The first one fired off in 1987, and this year’s display, which will usher in 2024, is sure to be another free, memorable event for tens of thousands of visitors.
No New Year’s shindig is complete without live entertainment, so get ready to dance in the streets with Masterpiece Band ATL performing at the Shade Tree lot on Airport Road next to the Convention Center. They consist of many talented and high-energy members: 4 vocalists, 4 brass players, and a 4-piece rhythm section. Their music styles are eclectic, reaching a wide audience of fans of jazz, rock, and even big band music. In fact, it sounds like they don’t leave out any genre in their repertoire. Masterpiece Band ATL will begin performing at 9:30.
An intriguing new addition to the festivities will be a drone show just prior to the ball drop at midnight. The crowds below will be able to view a pre-game light display which will somehow show reverence to the area. This has my attention more than just the fireworks show, as I am quite interested to see how this plays out leading into the countdown to a new year.
Of course, the Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop is free to the public, and the sheer volume of people attending means you should secure parking and a vantage point early. If you want to enjoy the party without being there, the official Visit Gatlinburg Facebook page will have a live stream of the event, which includes the drone show at 11:50.
Will you be in town to kick off 2024? Again, pack your patience! This will culminate what the locals call “Hell Week” in Gatlinburg. Why? Well, to put it quite simply and directly, you won’t see it any busier than it is during this time. I know from our last experience back in 2019 that you’ll need to expect waits and lines everywhere. Good luck…and enjoy!
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