Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas: 2025 In-Depth Celebration Guide

Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas transforms Gatlinburg’s mountaintop park into a winter wonderland of over a million lights, immersive seasonal entertainment, and signature holiday eats. From the sparkling Treetop Skywalk to festive food trails and live shows across Firefly Village, Black Bear Village, and Vista Gardens, the entire park brims with holiday cheer. Whether you’re seeking family magic or a romantic snowy escape, celebration in Anakeesta sets the Smokies aglow with storybook fun from November well into the new year.

Event Dates and Hours

From mid-November to early January, the mountaintop glows with nightly magic.

• 2025 Event Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026
• Lights & Festivities: Sparkle nightly during park hours (always check Anakeesta’s calendar for any special hours or last-minute updates). The park is open on Christmas Day.

Magic on the Mountain: Where the Holiday Fun Happens

Ride up the Chondola to festive villages, dazzling Skywalks, and sweeping views.

Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas takes over Anakeesta Mountain, located at 576 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. Begin your visit with a scenic Chondola ride or board the Ridge Rambler from the base; you’ll arrive at Firefly Village, Black Bear Village, and Vista Gardens, all lavishly lit and dressed for Christmas.

The famous 14-bridge Treetop Skywalk, the AnaVista Tower, and interactive mountain villages create a walkable, photo-perfect setting—ideal for memory making at every turn. Specialty shopping, themed dining, whimsical lights, and panoramic mountaintop views await at every village.

Glow O’Clock: When Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas Lights Up

Arrive before dusk for mountain vistas, then watch the lights transform the night.

The magic runs nightly from November 15 to January 5. Arrive before dusk for beautiful mountain views, then watch as the evening’s lights and festive displays come to life. Most attractions—including the Skywalk and gardens—are included with general admission. Come Christmas Day, Anakeesta welcomes visitors for a special dose of holiday spirit.

For Families, Romantics, and Memory Makers

Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas is crafted for all ages and styles:

• Families: Enjoy easy access, straightforward logistics, and kid-centered fun like elf-led shows, arts and crafts, and memory-rich activities (including “Breakfast with Santa”).
• Couples: Snuggle by fire pits, enjoy festive cocktails, wander romantic light trails, and take in mountain sunset views together.
• Planners: Pack your itinerary with everything in one spot: live music, shopping, dazzling lights, photo ops, seasonal treats, and unique attractions.

What Makes This Holiday Bash Special

Light trails, themed dining, live carolers, and Breakfast with Santa set it apart.

• Signature Light Displays: Over a million twinkling lights throughout the park, including the magical Treetop Skywalk (America’s longest tree-based bridge) and Vista Gardens—ideal for breathtaking photos.
• Themed Villages: Unique experiences in each area, from the warmth of Firefly Village’s shopping and dining to Black Bear Village’s live music and sunset vistas.
• Live Entertainment: Daily shows featuring the Anakeesta Carolers, Holly and Jolly’s Holiday Hijinx (a comedy gameshow with elves), and Toyland Tales with Tinsel, Sprinkle, Jingle, and Jangle racing to fix Santa’s Magic-O-Matic Dispenser.
• Playful Characters: Spot Colonel Candy Cane (larger-than-life toy soldier) roaming the park for meet-and-greets and photos.
• Hot Cocoa Crawl: Sip your way through creative cocoa flavors (such as Peppermint Twist, Cookie Crunch, Jolly Citrus, Sparkle & Swirl, and more). Collect a souvenir mug ornament when you complete the crawl.
• Limited-Time Dining: Restaurants across Anakeesta feature exclusive holiday menus, such as Beef Wellington, Spiral Ham (with seasonal sides), Salmon Wellington, bread pudding limoncello, festive feast turkey sandwiches, and holiday desserts like cannoli and dulce de leche churros.
• Breakfast with Santa: Available select dates ($87.99 includes breakfast, early park access, entertainment, arts & crafts, photo with Santa, special souvenir).
• Astra Lumina Add-On: Extend the magic after dark with Astra Lumina—a celestial immersive light trail experience (separate ticket required).

Park & Sparkle: Easiest Places to Stash the Car

Early arrival means smoother parking and more time in the twinkle.

Located conveniently on Gatlinburg’s main Parkway, Anakeesta is accessible from several nearby paid lots and garages—just minutes’ walk from the Chondola and Ridge Rambler loading areas. For the best parking (and easiest exit), aim to arrive early, especially on peak weekends in December.

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