Lights Over Gatlinburg Glows at the New Gatlinburg Skypark
Some of you already know that the Skylift isn’t so simple anymore. They underwent a name change and new ticket booth/gift shop on the Parkway to usher in the changes that’ll be ongoing at this attraction in Gatlinburg. The biggest draw is the Skybridge, which is one of the most scenic spots in the country and the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. They also have a Tulip Tower, accessed by two rope bridges. This structure is a 70-foot steel tower with four elevated viewing platforms. The SkyTrail is a hiking trail connecting the two ends of the Skybridge, featuring fantastic views of the mountains. Now it’s time to spotlight the glowing spectacle of their Winterfest display on Crockett Mountain.
They are trying to up the ante with this year’s Lights over Gatlinburg display by making it bigger and better. For the 2023-24 season, they’ve brought in thousands of new Christmas lights, a Christmas tree that towers 38 feet, and a tunnel of lights on the Skybridge spanning the entire length—similar to the one on the sidewalk in front of the Ripley’s Aquarium below, only without the magnificent mountain views.
While this is a special sight (and site) for kids and adults, the kids especially will be excited to learn that Santa himself will be making visits to the SkyPark on November 28th from 10-12 in the morning; December 9th from 6:30-8:30 in the evening; December 16th, also from 6:30-8:30.
Lights Over Gatlinburg is of course a daily event, which plans to last through the end of January. So if you can’t come during the holidays, you’ll be delighted to know the lights stay on long past the holiday hangover wears off. There is no extra admission cost to see the Lights Over Gatlinburg, but you’ll want to get the SkyPass to access the SkyPark in the day and see the lights at night. Go to the Gatlinburg SkyPark website to gather all of the information for your potential visit.
Some of you also know (well, you do now) that I work at Anakeesta, so my bias swings to our attraction on the other side of the street. But still, I have an obligation to show you everything there is to see and do in this spectacular tourist town, and that has always been my mission, and will continue to be as I move forward.
Thank you for reading and staying interested in all of the happenings in my life, as it relates to events, and how I feel about people, places, and things in this glorious mountain town! I hope you’ll stay tuned for more in the weeks and months to come. I appreciate you very much!