If you love all things Christmas, then you should definitely add Anakeesta to your vacation itinerary during the holiday season. Anakeesta at Christmas is a magical winter wonderland filled with exciting opportunities to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! Read on to get the inside scoop on what to expect!
FAQs
Before we dive into all of the festive fun you can expect at Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas celebration, we want to answer a few frequently asked questions that often come up about this popular Gatlinburg attraction.
Can I drive to Anakeesta?
No, there are 2 ways you can get to the top of Anakeesta– the Chondola or one of their Ridge Rambler adventure vehicles. The gondola chairlift option can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at Anakeesta with the exception of service animals.
Can I leave and come back?
Yes! General admission to Anakeesta includes unlimited access to the park for the entire day, including unlimited Chondola or Ridge Rambler rides and other major features such as the Anavista Observation Tower, the Treetop Skywalk, the Vista Gardens, the TreeVenture Challenge Course and Adventure Area, BirdVenture, and more!
Overview
Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta begins in November and goes through the beginning of January, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the Winterfest festivities in the Smokies. From riding the mountain coasters and exploring the adventure areas to eating delicious food and relaxing with hot cocoa by the fire pit, you and your family will love the unique blend of thrilling activity and relaxing atmosphere, while surrounded by twinkling lights and mountain views!
Christmas Lights
Anakeesta decks the mountaintop with millions of holiday lights, spruced-up trees, and holiday decor galore. During the day, you’ll have plenty of family-friendly activities to keep you busy, and at night, the entire adventure park will come alive with twinkling Christmas lights that will take your breath away! You’ll find numerous places to take beautiful family photos; it also could be the perfect time and place to pop the question!
Holiday Shopping
Firefly Village is the perfect place to do a little holiday shopping! Fur Trader features all kinds of mountain-themed apparel, souvenirs, toys, plush animals, and so much more. The Mercantile offers plenty of unique items for the foodie or cook in your life, and Catching Fireflies Boutique provides a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories, candles, home goods, toys, and more. Willow’s Workshop is a toyshop haven that Santa himself would be jealous of– its unique nature and adventure theme focuses on one-of-a-kind items for children of all ages, from slime and telescopes to building blocks and more.
Food & Entertainment
The highlight of visiting Anakeesta at Christmas has to be the incredible live entertainment and seasonal treats! Participate in the hot cocoa crawl and try all the yummy flavors at stations throughout the park. You’ll receive a mug ornament as a souvenir for trying them all! Anakeesta’s restaurants and eateries will also serve seasonal menu items including glazed ham, beef wellington, a loaded festive turkey sandwich, and many holiday desserts such as cannoli, bread pudding limoncello, and more.
As for the entertainment, Anakeesta’s Carolers will be singing in the streets, Holly and Jolly will be putting on a daily Holiday Hijinks show, and the Toyland Tales Christmas elves Tinsel, Sprinkle, Jingle, and Jangle will be singing and dancing during an all-new show. And don’t forget to get a picture with Colonel Candy Cane, the larger-than-life toy solder. Check out their events calendar for the full daily lineup!
Where To Stay
Want to find a great place to stay in Gatlinburg? Take a look at our affordable hotel rooms and learn more about our top-notch service and amenities! We hope you get to experience Anakeesta at Christmas this year!
