Gatlinburg Press Releases

Winterfest marks final phase of LED lighting conversion

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – As the fantastic fall landscape gives way to the serenity of winter, Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration comes alive and transforms the city into a winter wonderland of Winter Magic lights, festivities and “green” holiday cheer.

For two decades, Winterfest has delighted visitors to Gatlinburg. The highlight of the holiday season for both vacationers and residents is Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the lights spectacular which features three million lights and illuminates the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains with animated displays of holiday themes and wildlife. This year, Winter Magic realizes the final phase of a three-year conversion from incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights, further enhancing the winter landscape which has been attracting visitors to Gatlinburg for years.

“Winter Magic is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to come to Gatlinburg and celebrate the warm spirit of the holiday season,” said Dave Perella, executive director, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. “Our transformation to LED lighting, along with other conservation methods, symbolizes the community’s commitment to preserving both the environment and natural beauty of Gatlinburg. LED bulbs require 95 percent less electricity than the bulbs they are replacing, and they’re manpower-friendly.”

Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse joined the lineup which includes animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as many of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to, now converted to crisp LED.

From November through February, visitors can experience the wonder of a winter mountain vacation in Gatlinburg with activities from old fashion wagon rides, arts and crafts shows and live entertainment, to dazzling fireworks and grand parades.

Listed below is a sampling of the events taking place this winter in Gatlinburg:

For more information on winter travel in Gatlinburg and other special events, please contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

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