river along the Chimney Tops Trail in the winter

Top 5 Things to do in Gatlinburg in the Winter

November 23, 2020

If you are attending an event or tournament at Rocky Top Sports World during the winter season, make it an extended vacation to enjoy everything that Gatlinburg has to offer! You will find plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Gatlinburg during the winter season, including both indoor and outdoor attractions! Here are the top 5 things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter:

1. Experience the Snow Activities at Ober Gatlinburg

We know that the kids attending a sports tournament at Rocky Top Sports World love to stay active, so take advantage of all the awesome snow activities at Ober Gatlinburg! This popular mountain top destination features skiing and snowboard opportunities on a variety of slopes that range from Beginner to Advanced. There are plenty of equipment rentals available so that you don’t have to worry about bringing any gear with you! Ober Gatlinburg also offers snow tubing, ice skating and freestyle terrain park for your enjoyment!

2. Go Hiking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg covered in snow during the winter. Another one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter is hiking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park! After all, Gatlinburg is right on the doorstep to this beautiful national park where you will find hundreds of scenic hiking trails! Start your visit with a stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you can watch a free movie about the park and discuss the best winter hiking options with a park ranger!

3. Play the Arcade and Redemption Games at Fannie Farkle’s

If the weather is a bit too chilly for outdoor activities, head on over to Fannie Farkle’s in downtown Gatlinburg for some exciting arcade action! This entertainment center features all of your favorite games, ranging from arcade classics like PacMan to the hottest games of today! You can also try your luck at playing some of the redemption games, where you can win points and redeem them for some cool prizes! The game card system at Fannie Farkle’s eliminates the need for quarters and paper tickets, so just purchase your card and you’ll be ready to play!

4. Enjoy the Winterfest Light Displays

A Winter Magic lights display in Gatlinburg with singing snowmen. One of the highlights of the winter season in Gatlinburg is all of the Winterfest light displays! As you drive down the Gatlinburg Parkway, you will be amazed by the millions of small, twinkling lights that shine throughout the winter months! Many of the intricate displays feature animals native to the Smoky Mountains, so be sure not to miss this unique opportunity! If you want to see even more light displays, just head up the Parkway as you will find displays throughout Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as well!

5. Visit the Attractions at Gatlin’s Fun Center

Gatlin’s Fun Center is a perfect winter destination in Gatlinburg because you can enjoy several indoor attractions, including a blacklight miniature golf course themed to an undersea adventure! As you play along this challenging course, you will come across a giant octopus, a beautiful mermaid, playful dolphins, tropical fish and perhaps even a sunken pirate ship! Gatlin’s Fun Center also features the largest laser tag arena in the Gatlinburg area, as well as themed escape rooms, bumper cars and a laser maze!

Now that you know the top things to do in Gatlinburg in the winter and have your tournament scheduled, check out all of our recommended lodging options to finish your plans! We look forward to seeing you this winter at Rocky Top Sports World!