50th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Name: 50th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Start: 2025-12-05T19:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-12-05T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg

Schedule

Fri Dec 05 2025 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Downtown Gatlinburg | Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg celebrates a major milestone this holiday season with the 50th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, taking place Friday, December 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg. This year’s parade features one of its most exciting lineups to date, including GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum artist Hunter Hayes as Grand Marshal, presented by Ole Smoky Distillery. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot along the parade route.
Hunter Hayes continues to redefine musical boundaries with his genre-bending sound. With five GRAMMY nominations, over 3 billion global streams and multiple platinum and gold certifications, his global fanbase and standout performances have earned him stages alongside Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and numerous international tours. His role as Grand Marshal brings notable national attention to one of the Smokies’ most cherished traditions.
As the parade celebrates its 50th year, Gatlinburg is proud to showcase an all-star roster of special guests and celebrities:
Nelson - The chart-topping rock duo Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, known for their 1990s hit “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection,” are continuing the legacy of their father, Ricky Nelson, and grandparents, Ozzie and Harriet.
Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes - Stars of the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners and partners with Sugarlands Distilling Co., known for their craftsmanship and deep Appalachian roots.
Myron Mixon – Four-time world champion pitmaster, bestselling author, restaurateur and widely recognized as “the winningest man in barbecue.”
Pam Sutton – Widow of legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, working alongside Ole Smoky Distillery founder Joe Baker to preserve Popcorn’s storied legacy.
Watch LIVE:
In addition to the live event, the parade will be broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across 38 markets, reaching more than 100 million viewers and bringing Gatlinburg’s holiday magic to viewers nationwide. Can't make it to the parade? Watch live on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: https://www.gatlinburg.com/where-to-watch/
Our Hosts:
Mark Wills – Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum country artist known for hits such as “19 Somethin’,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “I Do (Cherish You).” A longtime country music favorite, Wills is celebrated for his smooth vocals, chart-topping singles, and authentic Southern style.
Nan Kelley – Award-winning television host and producer best known for her work on Great American Country’s Top 20 Country Countdown and Opry Live. A proud Southern storyteller, Kelley has built her career celebrating music, food, and community with warmth and charm.
Grandstand VIP Seating:
Grandstand VIP seating is available for $50 per person, offering bleacher seating, a commemorative Santa Hat, and prime viewing of the parade at either traffic light #3 or at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Seating for the grandstand begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m.
You may have one child on your lap without purchasing a ticket for that child, as long as the child is under the age of 5. No strollers are allowed in grandstand seats, and parking for strollers will NOT be provided.
Parade Route:
The parade route runs along the Parkway beginning at Baskins Creek Bypass and ending at traffic light #10 near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Lane Closure Information:
The outbound lanes of East Parkway will be switched to one lane to make room for float staging at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The inbound lane will be closed at approximately 6:50 p.m. All traffic on the parade route will shut down approximately at 7 p.m.
As always, we would ask that people be aware of their surroundings and vigilant about personal safety. Officers and EMS will be posted throughout the parade route and available for assistance if needed.
Volunteer:
We need volunteers for multiple aspects of this event. Balloon handlers, banner carriers, judges, integration, and so much more. People of all ages can volunteer for this event! Sign up to volunteer: https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/volunteers/
Know before you go: https://www.gatlinburg.com/blog/post/gatlinburgs-guide-to-the-fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/