Winter Fun in the Smokies: 7 Fun Events & Activities

5. Ski/ice skate at Ober Gatlinburg

If you love skiing you are in luck, as Gatlinburg is home to the only ski resort in the state. Snowmaking starts each season when the temperature drops below 28 degrees. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for beginners. I heard that the terrain here is great for beginners. I’ve always wanted to ski, but honestly I am a bit scared so I stick with cross country skiing for now. Maybe someday!

Nothing says Christmas is around the corner quite like ice skating. I skate at least a few times each season and even own my own skates (rentals are pricey, so they basically paid for themselves after just a few sessions). Skating is festive, fun, and burns tons of calories.

There is a year-round rink at Ober right in the middle of the shops and restaurants. The large rink (140 by 75 ft) is large enough to accommodate plenty of skaters. Ice skating is available as part of a package wristband deal ($49 for the tram and all activities). Hours are 10am-6pm.

Ober Gatlinburg is located at 1001 Parkway #2.

Visit the Ober website for slope conditions, current pricing information, and hours.

6. Escape the cold at the Wild Water Dome Indoor Water Park

What better way to warm up during the brisk winter months than a trip to Tennessee’s largest indoor water park? Wild Water Dome, located inside the resort, is a fantastic choice for those craving some fun-in-the-sun during a bleak and cold time of the year. We stayed here while I was running the Santa Hustle half marathon because we got a discount.

With toasty 80+ degree weather all year-round, a pool bar, and snack shops, it’s hard to believe it’s’ cold outside. I appreciated the warm tropical ambiance after running 13 miles out in the cold. The hot tub is super nice too. It felt so great to just relax after a really hard and long run and an even longer drive.

This massive water park features most of the traditional water park features, including a wave pool, a massive indoor/outdoor hot tub, a thrill ride, a family raft ride, a Surf Rider experience, and even a kid’s area. Guests staying at the resort receive free admission to the park each day of their stay, so basically it’s a great value. I love indoor waterparks so I don’t’ have to worry about sunscreen and burning eyes!

The resort is rustic themed and loaded with numerous amenities such as on-site restaurants, gift shops, an arcade and much more. It’s a great choice for a family vacation with lots of kids activities. Bonus points for the festive holiday touches everywhere.

7. Take a stroll around The Village Shoppes

The Village Shoppes in downtown Gatlinburg is a charming Bavarian themed village home to more than 20 independent shops. I love the Old World ambiance and the festive decor around the holidays. I recommend treating yourself to a fresh donut or cinnamon roll at The Donut Friar, warming up with a coffee at Coffee & Co (Gatlinburg’s oldest roaster), and browse through the wonderful Master’s Edition art gallery.

It is so hard to walk around this shop without buying anything. Overall, this is just a great place to stroll around and enjoy the theme or shop for holiday gifts.

The Village Shoppes is located at 634 Parkway. Hours are 10am-10pm, 7 days a week.

More wintertime fun

Check out a museum – Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to a lot of quirky museums. A few to add to your bucket list include: the Titanic museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker museum (I’ve never seen so many oddball shakers all in one place!), and the Hollywood Star Cars museum (I loved seeing so many famous cars like the Jurassic Park jeep and the Batmobile).

Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast – The entire Smokies region is home to more pancake houses than you could possibly count. The Pancake Pantry is super popular with tourists and conveniently located in the center of downtown Gatlinburg. I’ve never been here personally as the line is so long.

One day, I stopped in Crockett’s. They serve hearty American fare in a charming rustic setting (I love the newspaper menus). The ambiance is super cozy with an attractive cabin style design. Their burritos and biscuits are both awesome.

Wine tastings – Simply take a stroll around the main drag in Gatlinburg and you will find an abundance of wineries offering free tastings.

Hike to a waterfall – Assuming there is no snow or ice on the ground, consider hiking to one of the breathtaking waterfalls located within the Smokies National Park. The park is just a quick drive from Gatlinburg and many of the best waterfalls are easily accessible. The best-of-the-best in my opinion is 80 foot Laurel Falls, a beauty at the end of a 1.5 mile trek along a paved path.