Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve: 13 best ways to celebrate

Are you planning to be in Gatlinburg on New Year’s Eve?

Well, get ready to say goodbye to 2022 and ring in 2023 in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas.

There are plenty of events in the Smokies to get you in the celebration spirit. And best of all, some of them are free.

So if you’re ready to get out of your beautiful cabin and enjoy a night out, here are the best places to be in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas for New Year’s Eve:

Editor’s Note: While our staff will work to keep this list up to date, events are subject to change. Check back for updates and call ahead when possible to confirm your plans. 

13. Dave & Buster’s (Sevierville)

We would have ranked this celebration a bit higher up on our list but it’s hard to justify a high rank when your party stops at 7 pm.

Regardless, this family-friendly celebration, albeit an early New Year’s Eve celebration, features an appetizer buffet, a $20 power card per guest, unlimited video game play more.

They will also have a ginger ale toast at 6 pm.

Tickets are $36.99 and are available for purchase on online. Taxes and gratuity are not included.

This event will run from 4 pm-7 pm on New Year’s Eve.

Dave & Busters is located at 1554 Parkway in Sevierville, TN.

12. Arcade City (Gatlinburg)

This year at the new Arcade City in Gatlinburg, guests will receive a $50 Arcade City Playcard, special non-alcoholic beverages and a cider toast while they enjoy incredible views of the downtown fireworks display at midnight from the second-floor balcony.

The ticket also includes a Chicken Guy combo meal.

Tickets are now available online for $50 per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included.

Arcade City is located in downtown Gatlinburg.

11. Camp Riverslanding (Pigeon Forge)

Guests staying at Camp Riverslanding RV resort can celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with live music, food and refreshments from 9 pm-midnight.

The evening will include live music by Kevin Wilson, dancing and snacks.

Events are free with a paid weekend stay.

Camp Riverslanding is located at 304 Day Springs Rd in Pigeon Forge.

10. Dick’s Last Resort (Gatlinburg)

For this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration, Dick’s Last Resort in Gatlinburg is offering free entertainment, free insults and a midnight toast (for guests 21 and up).

Dick’s Last Resort is located in downtown Gatlinburg.

9. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House (Pigeon Forge)

Harpoon Harry’s is taking reservations for their New Year’s Eve celebration on Resy.

This year, Harpoon Harry’s will be celebrating with live music from Kitty Wampus at 8 pm on Dec. 31. There is no cover charge for this event.

Harpoon Harry’s is located at 112 Community Center Drive in Pigeon Forge, TN.

8. DreamMore Resort (Pigeon Forge)

Celebrate 2023 with a variety of events happening at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort.

On Dec. 31 guests can enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner in Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery as well as live entertainment, including jazz, acoustic music and a family-friendly DJ.

As midnight approaches, Dolly will appear on screen to countdown to 2023 with a fireworks display in the background.

This event is open to resort guests and guests dining in Song & Hearth only.

DreamMore is located in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Read Also: Is DreamMore worth it? An honest review of Dollywood’s resort

7. Hard Rock Cafe (Pigeon Forge)

The New Year’s Eve party at the Hard Rock Cafe will feature live music by Tuatha Dea from 9 pm to midnight. Tuatha Dea is an Americana band with a rock edge.

There will be a countdown and a toast at midnight. Learn more on their website.

Hard Rock Cafe is located at 2050 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN.

6. Anakeesta (Gatlinburg)

Anakeesta is open until midnight on New Year’s Eve and knows how to put on a memorable celebration with lights, live music and a great view of the downtown Gatlinburg fireworks display.

This year’s featured entertainers include local favorite Monroeville (from noon-3 pm) at Black Bear Village and Jolly the Juggler from 12:30-6 pm.

Anakeesta’s celebration is included with the price of general admission. For more information, visit their website.

The perfect place to watch live entertainment and the city’s fireworks will be from the deck of the Smokehouse restaurant in Firefly Village.

Anakeesta is located in downtown Gatlinburg.

5. Ole Red (Gatlinburg)

Ole Red in Gatlinburg will be featuring live music throughout the day until midnight on Dec. 31.

This year’s lineup of talented singers includes Sara Collins, Aaron Walker and Cole Sitzlar. For more information, visit the website here.

Ole Red is located in downtown Gatlinburg.

4. The Pines (Sevierville)

The Pines is celebrating the New Year with a Retro Bash in downtown Sevierville.

The event will feature a video jockey, party favors and a midnight toast. Guests will also be able to enjoy duckpin bowling, games, cocktails and tasty treats. Tickets are available on EventBrite.

The Pines is located at 230 Court Ave in Sevierville.

3. SkyLift Park (Gatlinburg)

SkyLift Park in Gatlinburg is traditionally a popular viewing spot to see the city’s fireworks.

The Lights of Wonder event allows guests to watch the Gatlinburg fireworks and the ball drop from the best view in town.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is best known for its iconic SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in North America.

Guests can also enjoy a scenic walk along the SkyTrail, grab snacks and beverages at the SkyCenter and soak in the views from the SkyDeck.

This event notoriously sells out early. For more information, visit their website.

SkyLift Park is located in downtown Gatlinburg.

Read Also: Anakeesta vs. SkyLift Park: Which attraction is better?

2. The Island (Pigeon Forge)

Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge on New Year’s Eve for an Island Fountain show and a midnight fireworks display.

This year, The Island will be open from 10 am to midnight. Restaurant and shop hours may vary. The event is a blast that is one of the most popular events in town. For more information and updates, visit their website.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is located along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

1. City of Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in town.

Each year, guests gather around the base of the Space Needle to watch the ball drop and a midnight fireworks show.

But if you plan to attend this popular event, be sure to get there early to secure a parking spot.

The iconic tower is located at 120 Historic Nature Trail.

What are YOUR plans for New Year’s in the Great Smoky Mountains in January? Let us know in the comments!