Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Events

Four weekends. Four Chapters. One unforgettable Halloween adventure.This October, the shadows grow longer, the campfires burn brighter, and the mysteries of the Smokies awaken. Join us at Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain KOA for an epic four-week Halloween journey where each Friday unveils a brand-new chapter in an interactive story unlike anything you've experienced before.Our adventure comes to the finale October 30th–1st with "The Halloween Finale" Search for legendary artifacts, solve clues, play themed games, and become part of the unfolding story as you help uncover the secrets hidden within the shadows.At the Camp Store, every adventurer can pick up an official Halloween Passport. Throughout the month, complete challenges, participate in activities, and collect stamps as you progress through each chapter. Finish a weekend's quest to earn a commemorative certificate, and complete all four adventures to become a true Guardian of the Smokies.But an even greater mystery watches from the darkness.For generations, the legend of the Wampus Cat has been passed down through Cherokee folklore. Known as the mysterious guardian of the forest, she is said to roam beneath ancient trees where the oldest secrets of the Smokies are kept. When twilight swallows the mountain ridges and moonlight paints the water like liquid silver, some claim to see her glowing eyes peering from the shadows.As each weekend passes, the story will draw you deeper into the mystery. The spirits of Shadow Creek, forgotten relics, and ancient legends all seem connected to a force hidden within the mountains themselves. With every clue uncovered and every challenge completed, you'll move one step closer to the truth.Will the Wampus Cat remain hidden among the ancient trees?Or by the fourth and final weekend, will she finally reveal herself?Gather your family, decorate your campsite, and prepare for a month filled with mystery, adventure, legends, and Halloween magic.The mountains are calling. The shadows are stirring. The adventure begins this October at Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain KOA.Do you dare answer the call?

Come to the Smoky's and join us for a beautiful Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkey, Ham and Pie Provided. Bring your favorite Dish to share with others. We look forward to sharing a meal full of thanks with you.

We can't think of a better way to celebrate America turning 250 than enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes - Camping! America will be celebrating 250 years in 2026 with events, media features and lots of memory sharing. Be part of the fun and create lasting memories during this milestone year in America's history!

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Experience the magic of autumn in the Smoky Mountains during Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall Festival. Enjoy Halloween-themed décor, seasonal food and drink specials, and local craft beer tastings with a scenic mountaintop view. Wander through nature-inspired pumpkin carvings in Vista Gardens and experience Anakeesta at Night, when the village glows in enchanting shades of orange, purple, and green. This family-friendly fall event blends natural beauty with festive fun in the heart of Gatlinburg.

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Dollywood goes all-in on fall September 14 through October 31, 2026.
After dark, more than 12,000 hand-carved pumpkins glow for the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights; by day, catch Southern gospel and bluegrass and grab a slice of pumpkin spice funnel cake. The biggest fall event in the region, and worth the drive out. About 40 minutes away (25 miles).

Ober Gatlinburg is celebrating October with a fantastic festival featuring Bavarian-style food, drink, and music, but you don't have to don your finest lederhosen or dirndls to be a part of the fun. Oktober at Ober is about 30 minutes from camp (17 miles) and runs from September 25 through November 1, 2026. A live band, in authentic costumes, will perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels, and more with daily shows and multiple performances every day during Oktoberfest. Special Oktoberfest Biers will be served along with traditional German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels and more.

Experience the ultimate Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg at Ober Gatlinburg—home of the Original Oktoberfest celebration in the Great Smoky Mountains. This must-visit fall festival returns October 1 through November 1, 2026, bringing authentic Bavarian tradition to one of Tennessee's top mountain destinations.Celebrate Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg with festive blue-and-white décor, vibrant fall foliage, and picture-perfect photo ops throughout the resort. Guests can enjoy live Oktoberfest bands on the outdoor stage, along with crowd-favorite stein-holding competitions that capture the spirit of a true Bavarian celebration.Take in breathtaking Smoky Mountain views from the mountaintop biergarten while sampling a curated selection of German beers from Yee-Haw Brewing Company. Pair your drinks with classic Oktoberfest food favorites like chicken schnitzel, bratwurst, turkey legs, and oversized pretzels. Don't miss seasonal desserts, including apple strudel, pumpkin fudge, and other sweet fall treats.Plan your fall getaway around Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg and discover why Ober Gatlinburg remains one of the top Oktoberfest festivals in Tennessee.

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Experience the best sunrise in Gatlinburg with a Sunrise Event at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ticketed guests enjoy early access to the Gatlinburg SkyLift before dawn, ascending to breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city below.This exclusive Gatlinburg sunrise experience includes live music and a light breakfast featuring breakfast burritos, danishes, hashbrowns, coffee, tea, apple juice, and orange juice—plus a souvenir mug to take home. Your ticket also provides full-day access to top SkyPark attractions, including the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, SkyDeck, SkyTrail, SkyCenter, and Tulip Tower.Perfect for photography, special occasions, and proposals, this is widely considered one of the top things to do in Gatlinburg at sunrise. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance. Enjoy the flexibility of all-day admission with the ability to leave and re-enter the park throughout operating hours.

Christmas is a magical time at Dollywood!About 40 minutes away (25 miles), from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027.  Dollywood transforms into a 6-million-light winter wonderland for Smoky Mountain Christmas,
Peppermint Valley replaces the Country Fair, a towering tree anchors the nightly show, and indoor productions like Christmas in the Smokies keep you warm between displays.
Named America's Best Christmas Event for over a decade running, and worth every minute of the short drive

The Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff is a flavorful fall tradition where local chefs, restaurants, and talented home cooks compete to serve up their best chili recipes. About 30 minutes away (16 miles), Gatlinburg kicks off the holiday season with its Chili Cook-off and Winter Magic Celebration on November 12, 2026, along the Parkway between the Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg SkyPark. Local restaurants compete for chili bragging rights while the town's Winterfest lights flip on for the season. A genuinely fun way to mark the unofficial start of winter in the Smokies.

A handmade gift makes the holidays feel a little more special! The Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show brings local artisans and their handcrafted creations to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. From browsing for thoughtful Christmas gifts to finding a keepsake from your Smoky Mountain getaway, this free holiday craft show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers a cheerful outing to enjoy with the family.Book your basecamp here.

Bundle up and enjoy a little Christmas magic in downtown Gatlinburg! The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade fills the Parkway with glowing floats, marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and holiday entertainment. This beloved Gatlinburg Christmas event brings families together for an evening of twinkling lights and cheerful sights—a sweet way to make holiday memories during your Smoky Mountain getaway.

Count down to 2027 with a little Smoky Mountain sparkle! Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks brings families and friends together around the iconic Space Needle for an exciting midnight celebration. With fireworks lighting up the sky and cheers filling downtown, it's a memorable way to welcome a fresh year with your favorite people during a winter getaway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

A winter weekend filled with big serves and team spirit! Winterfest at the Rock brings youth volleyball teams and their families to Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Presented by ProTWENTY5, this two-day tournament features competition for ages 12U–18U. For families cheering on their favorite players, it's a chance to celebrate teamwork and make memories together in the Smoky Mountains.

A weekend of dancing, learning, and cheering each other on! Epic Dance Showcase brings its dance convention and solo, duet, and trio competitions to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. For dancers and their families, this Gatlinburg, Tennessee, event offers a chance to share their love of dance, build skills, and celebrate hard work while making memories together in the Smoky Mountains.

Faith, friendship, and a little mountain time! Accelerant Youth Conference brings teens and youth leaders together in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for a weekend of worship, teaching, and encouragement. This Christian youth gathering offers young people a chance to grow in their faith, connect with friends, and make meaningful memories together during a winter visit to the Smoky Mountains.

A little gospel music and a big birthday celebration! Jason Crabb brings his Smokey Mountain 50th Birthday Bash to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for a weekend of uplifting live music. For families who enjoy sharing songs of faith and an evening together, this Gatlinburg, Tennessee, concert offers a memorable addition to a March getaway in the Smoky Mountains.