It’s the holiday season, and there’s few places better to be than East Tennessee, according to HGTV.
The lifestyle television network ranked the 50 best small towns to visit this Christmas in the United States. One town from each state is included on the HGTV list. For Tennessee, Gatlinburg represents.
Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Its streets are packed with family-friendly attractions and small-town charm. During the holiday season, Gatlinburg is filled with a festive spirit.
HGTV recognized the East Tennessee town for its variety of holiday activities.
“Bustling Gatlinburg in the heart of the Smoky Mountains is worth a visit year-round; but in the holidays, the town roars to life with stores filled with Christmas decor, sauntering Clydesdales horses, skiing and snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg and the magic of nearby Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas,” the television network wrote in the review.
There’s always something to do in Gatlinburg, even beyond enjoying the natural wonder of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Here’s a look at some holiday activities in the area, plus the list of top Christmas towns, according to HGTV.
Christmas activities in Gatlinburg
In and around Gatlinburg, there are tons of things to do over the holiday season. Visitors can admire the holiday lights strung downtown, visit Dollywood, or go for a skate!
Here are just a few seasonal activities available.
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Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, through Jan. 3
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Wilderness at the Smokies Ice Rink, Wilderness at the Smokies, 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, through Jan. 11
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Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show and Ball Drop, near Gatlinburg Space Needle, 115 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.
What are the best small towns for Christmas in the South?
There is no numerical “ranking” for any of the towns included in the HGTV best Christmas towns list; the destinations are just listed alphabetically by state.
These Southern towns made the HGTV list.
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Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Knox News reporter Hayley Choy contributed to this report.
Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee town among HGTV’s 50 best places to visit this Christmas