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February 2012 Gatlinburg & Townsend Special Events
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Enjoy Off Season Rates AND a FREE Night Stay!
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1-29
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs.
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2-5
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Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies - A celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A variety of presentations, storytelling, music, walks, exhibits, and tours—at the Visitors Center, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tremont, and other businesses and organizations around Townsend. Printable Schedule. www.smokymountains.org/winter-heritage.html
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March 2012 Special Events in Gatlinburg & Townsend
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6-June 3
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Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.
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15-17
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Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival - Hosted by the Townsend Artisan Guild, Fine Arts Blount, and the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau. This interactive fiber arts event connects the community with fiber arts activities. The festival will include Border collie sheep-herding, sheep-shearing, classes and workshops, arts exhibitions, educational demonstrations of fiber processes, spinning, weaving, needlecrafts, dyeing, hands-on projects with children and adults, Fiber Arts Market and more. See: www.smfaf.org
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April 2012 Events Calendar for Gatlinburg & Townsend TN
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1-June 3
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Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.
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4-7
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Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show.
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7
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Herb and Wildflower Day – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A tribute to the beauty and fascination of wildflowers, ferns, trees, and herbs. Visit with expert botanists, photographers, and naturalists. Buy locally grown plants, delicious baked goods, and fine hand-made pottery. Take a short walk in the woods or a longer exploration of a special place. See www.smokymountains.org/info/herb_wildflower.html
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7-8
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Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 12th Annual Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For more information, call 865-661-3474, visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com
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8
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Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg – Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 5:15 a.m. Service begins at 6 a.m. Breakfast buffet available.
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20-21
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Mountain Man Memorial March – This 4th annual 26.2-mile march starts in downtown Gatlinburg at 9 a.m. as a challenging tribute to our men and women in uniform. The course includes highway and rural road stretches in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. The event honors 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus who in 2007 was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. Pre-registration is required, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. Call 865-974-8858 or visit www.mountainmanmemorialmarch.com for more information.
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24-28
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62nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage – Celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the great outdoors. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 or visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org
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26
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Ribfest, Wings & BBQ – Enjoy a sampling of the area's most delectable ribs and wings as well as free live entertainment during this popular 11th annual event. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair from 5 to 9 p.m.
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May 2012 Events in Gatlinburg, Townsend and Cosby TN
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1-June 3
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Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.
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4-5
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20th Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival and Old Timers Day - 9 a.m.-10 p.m. each day. Bluegrass music, Young Pickers Talent Contest, arts and crafts, Appalachian skills, wildflower walks and garden tours, storytelling, BBQ and other good food. http://www.smokymountains.org/info/spring_festival/springfestival.html
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5
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Gatlinburg's 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival – Hispanic celebratory event at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza and No Way Jose's featuring an educational theme early in the day showcasing different types of Latin music, historical dress, crafts, activities and an evening of celebration highlighting the sights and sounds of the colorful culture.
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6
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The 59th Annual Cosby Ramp Festival
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18-20
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Smoky Mountain Highland Games - A celebration of Scottish Heritage with traditional games, gathering of the clans, dance, music, and athletic contests. http://www.smokymountaingames.org
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19
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Cosby in the Park - Cosby Campground. Opening at 10 a.m. at the Amphitheater. Demonstrations, traditional music, nature walks and more. A celebration of culture and heritage.
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19, 26
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway from May 19 through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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June 2012 Events Calendar for Gatlinburg & Newport TN
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1-3
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Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.
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2
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Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival - Enjoy the work of skilled artisans and see pottery being made at this juried show with 40 booths. There will be hands-on demonstrations by the featured guest potter, plus special firings by JoeFrank McKee, hand building by Hugh Bailey, 30 potters booths, Children's Tent with Carol Ware, music, and good food. www.smokymountains.org/pottery-festival.html
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2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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15-16
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25th Annual Moonshine Rod Run at the Newport City Park - Hundreds of antique and classic cars converge on City Park for two days of music, food and fun! Visit www.hardtimestreetrodclub.com
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15-August 11
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this seventh annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.
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July 2012 Special Events in Gatlinburg
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1-August 11
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this seventh annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.
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3
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4th of July Midnight Parade – Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 37th annual showcase is the "First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!" Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.
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4
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River Raft Regatta – Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon at Christ of the Smokies bridge and ends at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories.
4th of July Fireworks Show – Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation's "Independence Day" with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.
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7, 14, 21, 28
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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20-29
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Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.craftsmenfair.com
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August 2012 Events in Gatlinburg
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1-11
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this seventh annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.
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4, 11, 18, 25
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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TBA
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Vintage Views Film Premiere – Featuring classic film clips of Gatlinburg and the Smokies gleaned from family home movie collections, this nostalgic film produced by City Videographer Kevin Tierney debuts at W.L. Mills Auditorium. A reception featuring local artists and authors is part of the festivities.
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September 2012 Gatlinburg & Townsend Events
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1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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13-October 31
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Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays.
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20
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15th Annual Taste of Autumn – Sample signature dishes from the area's finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m.
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28-29
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20th Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day – 9 a.m.-10 p.m. each day. Bluegrass music, clogging, arts and crafts, sorghum molasses making and other Appalachian skills, artisan demonstrations, family activities, good food. http://www.smokymountains.org/info/heritage.html
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28-30
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Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival – This 8th annual family oriented fine arts festival at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts features juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont and the Sevier County Arts Council. (888) 240-1358 or www.gfaf.net
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29-30
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Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 13th Annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information call 865-661-3474 or visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com
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October 2012 Special Events in Gatlinburg
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1-31
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Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays.
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6, 13
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Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 13. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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11-28
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Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair – Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.craftsmenfair.com
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November 2012 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events
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7
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite.
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7-December 30
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets on sale October 15.
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7-December 31
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs.
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11
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Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. This 10th annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. This event is designated an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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20-24
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Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees – Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center's W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.
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20-December 2
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Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com
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23-24
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The Nutcracker "Sweet" – Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. Call (865) 680-7369 for ticket information.
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23, 24
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Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings through December 15 during this fourth annual event!
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December 2012 Gatlinburg Special Events Schedule
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1-2
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Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com
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1-30
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets on sale October 15.
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1-31
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Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs.
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1, 8, 15
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Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings through December 15 during this fourth annual event!
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7
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37th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10.
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31
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New Year's Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 25th straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. "Best New Year's Eve Show in the South."
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