The 49th Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg Continues the Tradition
Gatlinburg will kick off its 49th Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade to a tradition of fanfare and flamboyance. That’s nothing new, as thousands of festival-goers in the mountain town will once again be singing, dancing, and watching the action pass by on December 6, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Along with the million-plus Winter Magic lights in Gatlinburg, there will be floats, marching bands, balloons, and tunes filling the air and streets of the popular tourist destination. It’s little wonder why tens of thousands of visitors descend from points near and far to see this jubilant celebration.
The Co-Grand Marshals for the big parade will be rising country music singer/songwriter, Emily Ann Roberts, and established country artist, Colton Dixon. Roberts got her big break auditioning for NBC’s The Voice back in 2019 on Season 9, and was a finalist for Team Blake (Shelton). She is no stranger to the area, as she has performed in Gatlinburg previously at the Convention Center, and hails from nearby Knoxville. She is definitely gaining traction as a singer in the rough and tumble world of the music business.
Colton Dixon has already had a good taste of success in the business. Like Emily Ann Roberts, he has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage, and performed for large audiences throughout the country. He has made many appearances on national television shows, while earning credibility as an artist with hit songs, including the Christian #1 single, “Build A Boat.” Dixon’s rise to fame also came with appearance on a singing competition—a “little” show called American Idol—back in 2012. He has also won 2 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for best Rock/Contemporary Album in 2013 and 2015.
The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will begin at 7:30 PM near the Baskins Creek Bypass on 321 (East Parkway). The parade will proceed through the downtown Parkway all the way to light #10. The event is free, but you can secure grandstand seating at the Convention Center and at light #3 for $50. To purchase tickets, click here. You may bring one child under 5 with you for free to sit on your lap. These are great seats if you don’t want to mingle with the crowds on the Parkway. Below is a map if you’d like a clearer picture of the parade route.
If you’ll be in Gatlinburg during this time, please plan your route accordingly. Float staging will begin around 4:30 PM, which will result in the outbound 321 traffic to be reduced to one lane. The inbound lanes will switch to one at 6:50, with all traffic along the entirety of the route shutting down at 7.
Yes, chairs will be lining the Parkway days in advance, and this is definitely one of the largest events in Gatlinburg, with a comparable one being the New Year’s Eve Celebration. I enjoyed my first one last year, and while I didn’t stick around to the end, I understand why it’s such an awesome tradition in this popular tourist mountain destination. I’ll see y’all there!
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