Smoky Mountain Events Calendar

GATLINBURG

January 1 - February 28
Gatlinburg Winterfest Illumination and Decoration Contest
Local businesses get into the spirit of winter by decorating for the season and compete in different categories, making Gatlinburg a "Fantasy of Lights."

January 1 - February 28
17th Annual Gatlinburg Winterfest
The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over 2 million spectacular lights in fantastic displays throughout town. Displays are sure to dazzle the spirit and bring out the kid in everyone. Special lighting displays added in January for "Smoky Mountain Romance" through February.

January
Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Rides of Lights
Enjoy a trolley ride of Gatlinburg's spectacular lights displays. Special group ride reservations are available. Departure is at traffic light #3, Visitor Center. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m.

January 2 - December 31
Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg
"Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg" is a walking night-time tour of Gatlinburg's most historic and "haunted" places which takes about one hour, and is approximately one mile in length. The walk is lantern-led and guided by a local storyteller dressed in costume. "Ghostwalk" is not a haunted-house tour. It is a storytelling experience with a twist of murder and mayhem. We get your attention, but we don't chase you around with chainsaws. The stories feature a combination of local legends, history, superstition, folk tales and fiction. The tour's purpose is to revisit many historic and forgotten stories of murder and chaos that took place during the past 100 years in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tours leave nightly at 9, 10:30 and midnight. Reservations required. 865-556-0674
www.ghostwalkofgatlinburg.com

January 3 - February 28
Night Magic Skiing
Monday - Friday (non-holidays), 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ober Gatlinburg. For more information please call (865) 436-5423.

January 29-30
Tennessee Winter Special Olympics Games
Ober Gatlinburg. 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Over 160 athletes with mental retardation will compete in Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Speed Skating in divisions based on age and ability. The traditional lighting of the Special Olympics flame will take place on Monday morning at 8:30 on top of Ober Gatlinburg. Award presentation will begin at 2:00 pm on Tuesday. For more information call 615-329-1375.

PIGEON FORGE

January 5-6
National Fishing Lures Show
Smoky Mountain Convention Center,865-908-3015
1-800-223-6707

January 13-21
17th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week
Wilderness Week in Pigeon Forge begins this year with a series of outdoor themed activities designed to connect visitors with the outdoor world of the Great Smoky Mountains. During Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week, nearly 100 experts on nature and the great outdoors will host walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on a wide variety of topics, including Smoky Mountain history and plant and animal life. A number of Wilderness Wildlife Week programs are designed for children.

Guided Wilderness Week hikes through the Smokies range from easy, relaxed walks to more strenuous, multi-mile treks. Topics vary with individual hikes. To properly prepare for daylong outings, hikers are encouraged to bring gloves, head cover, rain gear, lunch or trail snacks, a flashlight and an extra pair of socks.

Wilderness Wildlife Week offers activities for all ages and attracts thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge. The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week for its environmental and educational efforts.

Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge. Music Road Hotel & Convention Center is the headquarters for the event. For a brochure outlining all the activities of Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week, call 1-800-WINTERFEST or the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.

January 5-29
Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights
Funtime Trolley Station @ Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge. Mon, Wed, Fri.