Celebrating Easter In Gatlinburg
Christ is risen! The most glorious Sunday of the year gets more glorious each subsequent year here in the Great Smoky Mountains where we have a large and incredible Christian base of spirituality and devotion, and many of our tourism hotspots absolutely celebrate it as part of their contribution to our visitors’ desire for an unforgettable Spring vacation with the family in the Smokies. When Lent ends and the parishioners exit the narthex doors just short of noon, families and similar-minded groups with children immediately start moving towards where to enjoy an Easter “Dinner” (which, in classical Southern parlance, could be any grand meal served between 7AM to 11PM) and celebrations with the Easter Bunny, searching for Easter Eggs, sunbathing with Easter Lizards, feeding the Easter Ducks and Easter Geese at the Gatlinburg Municipal Parks… we like balancing tradition with novelty with Easter in Gatlinburg here as part of our holiday bottom line.
How can you join in the early Spring celebrations along with us? Glad you asked! Here are the events and recommendations you can expect to look forward to for Easter fun in Gatlinburg:
* Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show *
What: An arts and crafts showcase/expo in downtown Gatlinburg with additional fun things planned like live music and craftwork demonstrations.
Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Official Description:
“The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts show hosts unique hand made gifts created by artisan members of the community at the annual Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
This free-to-the-public show, filled with handcrafted work of demonstrating local artisans and featuring guest craftspeople from all around the USA, is an event to visit while in Gatlinburg. 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 Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show.”
See more information on https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com/.
* Spring into Color: See Our Egg-citing Views *
What: The Gatlinburg SkyBridge and SkyLift park puts on a special Easter Egg display for visitors leading up to the Easter holiday.
Where: The aforementioned Gatlinburg SkyBridge and SkyLift park complex.
Official Description:
“See local artists and students paint our Easter egg display and visit the SkyBridge to see these vibrant eggs in person!”
Visit Gatlinburg SkyBridge online at https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/.
* Blooms and Tunes *
What: Anakeesta’s above-city park decorates and hosts live music for the Spring season, with some Easter in it as well.
Where: Anakeesta Theme Park.
Official Description:
“Anakeesta is ushering in spring with “Blooms and Tunes,” an event to heighten the anticipation of the season. Beginning April 15th and running through June 4th, the mountain will feature larger-than-life spring-themed art installations, live music seven days per week, chef-inspired seasonal menu items and thousands of new blooms at Vista Gardens.
As the sun sets over the Smokies, guests can enjoy the warmer evenings on the mountain. The park comes to life at night with twinkling lights and colorful light displays throughout Vista Gardens. The Treetop Skywalk transforms into Firefly Forest with lights projected above and below the canopy giving the sensation of being surrounded by thousands of shimmering fireflies!”
Visit Anakeesta online at https://anakeesta.com/.
* Easter Eggstravaganza *
What: Full-on Easter celebration in downtown Gatlinburg.
Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Official Description:
“Join us for free Easter fun on the plaza outside the Aquarium! Spring into the weekend with craft booths, coloring stations, games, and more. Even shop seasonal plants at this outdoor event!
FREE EVENT! Aquarium entry is not required.
EGGS GONE WILD!
Get hopping on this egg-citing quiz and enter for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour for four at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, presented by Kinder Joy®.”
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium online at https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/.
* Ober Gatlinburg’s Easter Sunrise Service *
What: A Christian Easter service held on Ober Gatlinburg at sunrise while overlooking the city.
Where: The aforementioned Ober Gatlinburg.
Official Description:
“Ober Gatlinburg’s Annual Easter Sunrise Service will be enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies when the community and its visitors gather at Ober Gatlinburg for this memorable worship service. The 30-40-minute mountain service will begin at 6:30 A.M. and be led by local pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association. The offering collected during the service will be used by the Association, assisting those in need.
As host for the Sunrise Service, the staff of Ober Gatlinburg will provide guests with complimentary Aerial Tram rides to the mountain top beginning at 5:00am and continuing until the service begins at 6:30am. Complimentary parking at Ober Gatlinburg will be provided for those who prefer to drive up the mountain. In the event of inclement weather, the Service will be held indoors around the Ice Rink at Ober Gatlinburg. A breakfast (brunch) buffet will be available at Ober Gatlinburg’s Seasons of Ober Restaurant from 7:15 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.”
Visit Ober Gatlinburg online at www.obergatlinburg.com.
