Spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Planned for the Gatlinburg Ball Drop

The city of Gatlinburg will be celebrating 2015 in style with its 27th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show! If you will be ringing in the New Year in East Tennessee, you do not want to miss this Smoky Mountain tradition. Parkside Cabin Rentals has put together a complete guide with everything you need to know about this popular event.

(See Also: Record Breaking Number of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors)

Gatlinburg Ball Drop Location

The Gatlinburg Ball Drop and Fireworks Show takes place around the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, located just off the Parkway at 115 Historic Nature Trail. The massive 400 foot tall tower is easy to find!

Gatlinburg Ball Drop Parking Information

There are many parking options available in the vicinity of the Space Needle, including street parking and privately owned lots. Most of the parking spots along River Road, which runs parallel to the Parkway, are free. However, these spots will likely fill up early as crowds begin to arrive to the event. There are several privately owned parking facilities along River Road that normally charge a flat fee. Other options include the large city-operated parking garages at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and at the Fred McMahan Parking Garage at Traffic Light #3. Both of these garages are within easy walking distance of the Space Needle.

Gatlinburg Ball Drop Event Details

Crowds will gather around the base of the Space Needle as the lighted Gatlinburg Ball Drop counts down to 2015. At the stroke of midnight, a beautiful fireworks display will be launched from the roof of the Space Needle accompanied by special choreographed music. To make the event even more spectacular, rhythmic LED lights have been added to the Space Needle. The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks show in Gatlinburg is a completely free event and is sure to be a fantastic celebration!

You can learn more about all of the New Year’s Eve festivities here.

Additional New Year’s Activities in Gatlinburg

The entire city of Gatlinburg joins in with the New Year’s Eve festivities as many local restaurants and businesses offer celebration specials. As thousands of people are expected to attend the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show, come down to Gatlinburg early to get a great parking spot and enjoy many of the area attractions and restaurants. Full details on New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg are available by contacting the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-588-1817.

Gatlinburg Attractions Near the Ball Drop  

There are many fun attractions to enjoy within walking distance of the Space Needle including the Amazing Mirror Maze, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens, Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Guinness World Records Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Combine your New Year’s Eve with a visit to one or two of these great Gatlinburg attractions, and then stay for the evening festivities!

Gatlinburg Restaurants Near the Ball Drop

You’ll want to have a full stomach as you prepare for the New Year’s Eve event, and there are dozens of options near the Space Needle! The Historic Nature Trail features Bones BBQ Joint, Bearland Grill & General Store, and the Log Cabin Pancake House. Just south of the Space Needle, diners will find Blaine’s Grill and Bar, Five Guys, and the Mellow Mushroom. Options north of the Space Needle include Pizza Hut, Johnny Rockets, and Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Bar.

Gatlinburg Cabins Close to the Ball Drop

Parkside Cabin Rentals offers a number of wonderful vacation rentals just minutes away from all of the New Year’s fun in downtown Gatlinburg. With full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and bubbly Jacuzzi tubs, our cabins have everything you need for an amazing stay in the Smokies. Visit our Cabins in Gatlinburg page to make your New Year’s reservations today!