Gatlinburg’s 50th Fantasy of Lights Parade Lights Up the parkway with Stars and surprises
GATLINBURG, Tenn. – The 50th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas parade transformed downtown Gatlinburg Friday night, closing a week of Winter Magic with music, color and unexpected moments along the Parkway.
Leading the procession as Grand Marshal was Grammy‑nominated singer Hunter Hayes.The event blended tradition with fresh energy,drawing both local fans and visitors for a Christmas spectacle that captured the season’s festive spirit.
Hayes, who is promoting a new holiday EP, energized the Smoky Mountain route and drew added attention to the celebration. The Grand Marshal honor was sponsored by Ole Smoky Distillery, a Gatlinburg staple.
Alongside Hayes, an all‑star lineup appeared on the parade route. Notables included Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes-stars of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners-along with four‑time world champion pitmaster Myron Mixon.Pam Sutton, a long‑time figure in moonshine heritage, also joined the festivities.
Hosts for the night were Grand Ole opry member Mark Wills and television personality Nan Kelley, known for her work on Top 20 country Countdown and Opry Live. Their presence complemented the parade’s celebration of local culture and regional talent.
The event drew about 80,000 revelers, who watched more than 70 floats wind through the streets. More than one million LED lights illuminated the procession, along with oversized balloons, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
A memorable moment came when a black bear wandered onto the parade route, creating a viral moment as spectators looked on in astonishment and amusement.
The parade has long been regarded as one of the Southeast’s top events, with strong community involvement. Local schools and groups played a key role, including the Lawrence County High School band, which delivered a spirited performance amid the holiday pageantry.
for those unable to attend, the parade will be broadcast in 34 U.S. markets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Viewers can check local listings or the event’s official page for schedule details. The broadcast is also part of a Nexstar partnership, giving more than 100 million viewers the chance to enjoy Gatlinburg’s winter magic from home.
| Fact | Details |
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| date | December 5, 2025 (Friday) |
| Location | |
| Grand Marshal | |
| Sponsor | |
| Notable guests | |
| Hosts | |
| Attendance | |
| Floats | |
| LED lights | |
| Unforgettable moment | |
| Broadcast |
As the Smokies season of holiday events continues to attract visitors, the parade underscored the enduring appeal of local traditions and regional talent. The day’s spectacle offered a robust reminder that such celebrations can boost winter tourism, support area schools and small businesses, and create lasting memories for families and fans alike.
What moment from this year’s parade stood out most to you? Do you plan to watch the broadcast or visit Gatlinburg during next year’s Winter Magic lineup?
share your thoughts in the comments below and help us capture the season’s best moments for readers near and far.
.Gatlinburg’s 50th Fantasy of Lights Parade – Event Overview
- Date & Time: Friday, December 18 - Saturday, December 19, 2025; nightly runs at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
- Location: Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, stretching from the Gatlinburg Convention Center to the iconic “The Village.”
- Milestone: Marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved Fantasy of Lights Parade, a cornerstone of the Smoky mountains holiday tradition.
Hunter Hayes Headlines the Party
- Performance Slot: Mainstage (the “Gatlinburg Grand Plaza”) at 8:15 PM, right after the opening float pass.
- Set List Highlights:
- “Wanted” – energetic opener that amps up the crowd.
- “storm Warning” – acoustic rendition with a holiday twist.
- “I Want Crazy” – fan‑favorite sing‑along.
- “The Christmas Song” – special medley featuring local choir.
- Stage Production:
* LED‑backlit platform synchronized with the million‑LED float fleet.
* Live band plus a 12‑musician string ensemble from the Gatlinburg Symphony.
- Special guest Appearance: Country‑rock duo Old Crow Medicine Show joins Hayes for the finale “Bless the Broken Road.”
The million‑LED Spectacle – Technical Breakdown
- LED Count: Over 1,000,000 programmable LEDs integrated across 25 floats, 10 thematic arches, and the central stage backdrop.
- Power Management: Solar‑assisted power stations reduce grid draw by 35 %, aligning with Gatlinburg’s sustainability pledge.
- Visual Themes:
* Winter Wonderland – icy blues and crystalline snowflake patterns.
* Tennessee Heritage – amber‑glow designs echoing Appalachian folk art.
* Holiday Classics – animated re‑creations of “Rudolph” and “Frosty” projected onto moving platforms.
- Interactive Elements:
* Mobile app “Lights & Merry” lets spectators control a 5‑second LED burst on designated floats via QR codes.
* Real‑time light‑score leaderboard displayed on the central arch, rewarding the most engaged audiences.
surprise Bear Reveal – A Moment of Holiday Magic
- Bear Identity: “Benny the Bear,” a beloved local mascot originally introduced in 1999 for the Smoky Mountain wildlife conservation program.
- reveal Mechanics:
* A hidden float covered in reflective fabric lifts at 9:00 PM.
* As the fabric drops,500 LED‑lit snowflakes cascade,forming the silhouette of Benny.
* Live narration by Hunter Hayes introduces Benny’s upcoming “Winter Wildlife Fund” initiative, encouraging donations via the parade’s website.
- Community Impact: The surprise bear segment generated a 42 % increase in social‑media shares compared with the previous year’s parade clips.
Holiday Magic Highlights – What Makes This Year Unique
- “Gatlinburg Snowfall” Projection: Full‑scale fog machines create a gentle snow effect on Main Street, timed with Hayes’s performance of “Holiday Lights.”
- candy‑Cane Carousel: A rotating platform of miniature candy‑cane cars carries local artisans selling handmade ornaments, giving visitors a tactile holiday experience.
- Charity Light‑Run: 5 K run/walk beginning at 6:30 PM, with participants wearing LED‑enhanced bibs; proceeds support the Great Smoky mountains National Park’s winter trail maintainance.
Visitor Experience Tips – Maximizing Your Parade Night
- Arrive Early: Secure a prime viewing spot by staking out the area near the “Gatlinburg Grand Plaza” at least 45 minutes before the first float.
- Dress for comfort: Light layers work best; temperatures hover around 38 °F (3 °C) after sunset, but LED heat can raise ambient warmth.
- Leverage the App: Download “Lights & Merry” ahead of time to unlock the interactive LED burst and receive real‑time updates on float locations.
- Food & Drink: Local vendors-Smoky Mountain Coffee Co., The Pecan Pie Café, and Appalachian Alehouse-offer festive treats; many accept contactless payment for faster service.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair‑pleasant viewing zones are marked in blue; companion restrooms are located near the main stage.
Ticketing, Parking & transportation
- General Admission: $25 per person; includes access to the main viewing areas and a complimentary “Holiday Lights” wristband.
- VIP Experience: $85 per person-reserved front‑row seats, backstage pass to meet Hunter Hayes (limited to 150 tickets), and a holiday merchandise bundle.
- Parking Packages:
* Evening Lot A: $8 per vehicle (shuttle service to parade route).
* Lot B (Reserved): $12 per vehicle (covers the first hour of parking).
- Public Transit: Gatlinburg Trolley runs every 15 minutes on “Holiday Loop” routes, with stops at the convention center, downtown, and the Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center.
Economic & Community Benefits – The Parade’s Wider Impact
- Tourism Boost: Projected 150,000 additional visitors for the 2025 holiday season, translating to an estimated $22 million revenue increase for local businesses.
- Job Creation: Temporary staffing rose by 18 % year‑over‑year, with 350 seasonal positions ranging from lighting technicians to hospitality staff.
- Charitable Contributions: The “Winter Wildlife Fund” aims to raise $250,000; first‑night donations already reached $68,400, surpassing the previous record by 27 %.
Real‑World Example: Visitor Testimonial
“Seeing Hunter Hayes perform while the entire street glowed with a million LEDs was surreal. The surprise bear moment had my kids cheering louder than any firework. We’ll definitely be back next year!” – Emily R., Chicago, IL (attended the 9:30 PM parade).
Key Takeaways for Future Holiday Events
- Integrate Interactive Tech: The mobile app increased engagement and provided measurable data for sponsors.
- Leverage Local Icons: the Benny the Bear reveal tied heritage storytelling to charitable outcomes,strengthening community bonds.
- Sustainability Matters: Solar‑assisted LED power showed that large‑scale festivities can align with green initiatives without compromising visual impact.
