Gearing up for its 38th year, Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve celebration promises to cater to both residents and visitors looking for a festive way to ring in 2026. According to a recent announcement by the city, the free event is set to start at 9:30 p.m. with a live concert and will feature a drone show at 11:50 p.m., preceding the time-honored ball drop from the Space Needle at midnight. The grand finale will be a fireworks display that’s bound to bring the new year in with a literal bang.
While the celebration is designed to be family-friendly, those planning to attend should be aware of road closures starting at 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to ensure public safety. “Airport Road will be closed from its intersection with Parkway to Cloverleaf Lane,” according to the City of Gatlinburg’s announcement. “Parkway will close in both directions from its intersections at Reagan Drive and Maples Lane to LeConte Street.” The city has stated that detours will be available via River Road and advises everyone to arrive early to secure both parking and prime viewing spots for the event.
For those not familiar with the area, Black Bears roam the region occasionally, making appearances near populated areas, but they are not expected to disrupt the festivities. Ensuring a smooth and streamlined event, the Gatlinburg Police Department has strategies in place to manage any unexpected encounters safely. Meanwhile, families can look forward to an evening packed with entertainment before the countdown begins…