Best Places to Ring in the New Year in the Smokies

We’ve compiled a list of the best places to ring in the new year in the Smokies. From live entertainment to fireworks, there’s something for everyone!

Junction 35 Spirits

Join Junction 35 Spirits as they kick off the new Roaring 20s with a live 17 Piece Swing Band, Casino, Dancing, Cigar Bar, Heavy Hor d’oeuvres and more! Benefiting Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center of the Smokies.

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Where: Junction 35 Spirits, 2655 Teaster Lane Suite 280, Pigeon Forge
Tickets: bootlegball.com
Info: Event Details

The Island in Pigeon Forge

New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island with country-recording artist, Tyler Rich. Fun, games and giveaways all evening along with an appearance by free-style rap comedians, The Free Daps. The night ends with a FREE concert from Tyler Rich with openers Temecula Road, a countdown to midnight and a fireworks show! .

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 8:00 pm – 12:30 am
Where: The Island in Pigeon Forge, 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge
Tickets: This event is FREE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Event Details

Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Make this New Year’s Eve one to remember. The SkyLift Park has the absolute best view of the Gatlinburg fireworks and ball drop, looking directly across at the Space Needle from above and without the crowds on the street. We’re throwing an after-hours viewing party with the SkyCenter open for hot drinks, food, and beer, and great fireworks viewing locations across the entire SkyBridge, on every level of the SkyDeck, and from the upstairs bar in the SkyCenter. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the Lights Of Gatlinburg event before the fireworks.

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am
Where: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg
Tickets: shop.gatlinburgskylift.com
Event Details

Gatlinburg Space Needle

On Tuesday, December 31, Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for it’s 33rd Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show. Since 1987, this family-friendly celebration has been one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation, and this year’s end-of-the-year celebration will be a spectacular start of a new decade.

With live music, fabulous downtown celebrations and activities, the streets of Gatlinburg come alive to offer plenty of exciting ways to celebrate the last night of the year, all while leading up to a midnight firework show and ball drop at the base of the 400-foot Space Needle.

This year, DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band, joins the downtown celebration with an exciting live performance beginning at 10:30 pm. The party is adjacent to the Space Needle at 120 Historic Nature Trail.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials offered by many Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses.

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 10:30 pm – 12:00 am
Where: 120 Historic Nature Trl, Gatlinburg
Tickets: This event is FREE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Event Details

Ober Gatlinburg

Dance into the New Year to the sounds of our favorite DJ and Live Music. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 8:00 pm. Party is in the Restaurant and Lounge. Limit of 250 people total. Must be 21 or over to enter. Tickets are $65 per person

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
Where: 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg
Tickets: www.obergatlinburg.com/newyears
Event Details

Hard Rock Cafe

Rock in the new year with Hard Rock Pigeon Forge! Get your ticket now for our New Year’s Eve Bash. $70 a couple or $40 per person in advance, $50 person at door, includes one (1) adult beverage, champagne toast, and party favors. Standing room only tickets will be available after 10:00 pm for only $10 per person (DOES NOT include a drink ticket, champagne toast, or party favors).

When: Tuesday, December 31 from 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Where: 2050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
Tickets: www.hardrockcafe.com
Event Details