places to visit in tennessee in december

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s full of holiday cheer and Southern charm, look no further than Tennessee․ From the snow-capped mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains to the twinkling lights of Nashville’s Music City, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State this December․ So pack your bags and get ready for a festive adventure you’ll never forget!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored․ With over 800 miles of hiking trails, you can choose from a leisurely stroll to a challenging trek through the snow-covered peaks; For a truly unforgettable experience, take a drive along the scenic Newfound Gap Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s majestic mountains and pristine forests․ And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife—you might just spot a black bear, white-tailed deer, or even an elk!

Here are some tips for planning your winter visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park⁚

• Check the weather forecast before you go․ Winter weather in the Smokies can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything․
• Dress in layers․ The temperature can fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s best to dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions․
• Wear sturdy shoes․ You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure your shoes are comfortable and supportive․
• Bring plenty of water and snacks․ There are no restaurants or stores in the park, so it’s important to bring your own food and water․
• Be aware of your surroundings․ The park is home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for animals and stay on designated trails․

With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to experience the magic of winter in Tennessee․

Gatlinburg

Nestled at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town that comes alive during the holiday season․ With its twinkling lights, festive decorations, and abundance of shops, restaurants, and attractions, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas in the Smokies․
One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which features over 10,000 sea creatures from around the world․ For a more hands-on experience, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains․ And no trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without a visit to Anakeesta, a mountaintop theme park with zip lines, treehouses, and a suspension bridge that offers breathtaking views of the Smokies․
Here are some tips for planning your winter visit to Gatlinburg⁚

• Book your accommodations in advance․ Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season, so it’s important to book your hotel or cabin well in advance․
• Purchase a Gatlinburg Trolley Pass․ The trolley is a convenient and affordable way to get around town, and the pass gives you unlimited rides for one day․
• Dress warmly․ The weather in Gatlinburg can be cold in December, so be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes․
• Be prepared for crowds․ Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for large crowds, especially during the weekends․
• Allow plenty of time for parking․ Parking can be limited in Gatlinburg, so be sure to allow plenty of time to find a parking space․

With its festive atmosphere, abundance of attractions, and stunning mountain scenery, Gatlinburg is the perfect place to experience the magic of winter in Tennessee․

Pigeon Forge

Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is another popular tourist destination in the Smoky Mountains․ With its wide variety of attractions, shows, and restaurants, Pigeon Forge is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially magical during the Christmas season․

One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, a theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton․ Dollywood features a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages, including the Lightning Rod, one of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world․

For a more unique experience, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction, which features a half-scale replica of the Titanic and hundreds of artifacts from the ship․ Or, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Smokies․
Here are some tips for planning your winter visit to Pigeon Forge⁚

• Book your accommodations in advance․ Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season, so it’s important to book your hotel or cabin well in advance․
• Purchase a Pigeon Forge Trolley Pass․ The trolley is a convenient and affordable way to get around town, and the pass gives you unlimited rides for one day․
• Dress warmly․ The weather in Pigeon Forge can be cold in December, so be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes․
• Be prepared for crowds․ Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for large crowds, especially during the weekends․
• Allow plenty of time for parking․ Parking can be limited in Pigeon Forge, so be sure to allow plenty of time to find a parking space․

With its festive atmosphere, abundance of attractions, and stunning mountain scenery, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to experience the magic of winter in Tennessee․

Nashville

No trip to Tennessee would be complete without a visit to Nashville, the state’s vibrant capital city․ Known as the “Music City,” Nashville is home to a thriving music scene, with live music venues and honky-tonk bars lining the streets of downtown․

During the holiday season, Nashville transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations and events throughout the city․ One of the most popular attractions is the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, which features a spectacular Christmas display with over 2 million lights, animatronic characters, and live entertainment․

For a more traditional Christmas experience, visit the Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson․ The Hermitage is decorated for the holidays with period decorations and offers candlelight tours during the evenings․

Here are some tips for planning your winter visit to Nashville⁚

• Book your accommodations in advance․ Nashville is a popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season, so it’s important to book your hotel or Airbnb well in advance․
• Purchase a Nashville Music City Pass․ The pass gives you access to some of Nashville’s most popular attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum․
• Dress warmly․ The weather in Nashville can be cold in December, so be sure to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes․
• Be prepared for crowds․ Nashville is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for large crowds, especially during the weekends․
• Allow plenty of time for parking․ Parking can be limited in Nashville, so be sure to allow plenty of time to find a parking space․

With its world-class music scene, festive atmosphere, and abundance of attractions, Nashville is the perfect place to experience the magic of winter in Tennessee․