4 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night
When the sun goes down in the Smoky Mountains, there is still plenty of fun to be had! From activities and attractions to local restaurants and live entertainment, tourists and locals alike will find all kinds of ways to spend a great night out on the town. To help you make the most of your date night in Gatlinburg, or just a fun evening during your vacation, we have put together a guide to a few of the best things to do in Gatlinburg at night.
1. Take a Ghost Tour
A guided tour with Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg is one of the spookiest (and most fun) ways to spend a night in the Smokies. A local storyteller will lead you through the streets of Gatlinburg and take you to some of the city’s most haunted locations. You’ll hear gripping tales from Gatlinburg’s past and some truly chilling ghost stories along the way and might just get a glimpse of the supernatural for yourself! The tour is about 1 mile in length and usually lasts about an hour. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
2. Experience Astra Lumina at Anakeesta
Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is a must for anyone looking for unique things to do in Gatlinburg at night! The observatory grounds transform at night as the stars descend from the night sky. You can expect this night walk to be nothing short of magical, with projections, sound, and lighting that are both cosmic and enchanting. This add-on experience is not included in general admission tickets to Anakeesta; however, it’s absolutely worth it!
3. Enjoy Live Music
Gatlinburg is a great place for live music in the Smoky Mountains! The Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler is one of the area’s most popular distilleries offering live bluegrass music, and a couple of our favorite spots to hear some tunes while you dine include Ole Red and Jason Alden’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar. You can also find live entertainment on most weekends at many other local restaurants, such as Loco Burro, Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill, Shamrock Pub, and Smoky Mountain Brewery. If you have a great set of pipes (or you’re comfortable with public humiliation), be sure to check out Shamrock Pub’s fun karaoke nights!
4. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
While the Gatlinburg SkyLift is fun to ride during the day, it is even better at night! You will enjoy breathtaking views of Gatlinburg’s glittering lights from high atop this scenic chairlift ride. Once you reach the top, you can relax around a firepit and soak in the views, enjoy food and drinks at Clayton’s Landing, and more. You won’t want to skip crossing the iconic SkyBridge either! If you are planning a romantic night out with your sweetheart, a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift is the perfect way to end the evening. Couples can even get a special souvenir photo taken of them riding the SkyLift!
Are you ready to experience a night out in the Smokies? For a complete guide to the best things to do in Gatlinburg at night as well as during the day, check out our Gatlinburg Attractions page!
