Anakeesta at Christmas: 2024 In-Depth Celebration Guide

Imagine a winter wonderland like no other, nestled in the enchanting Smoky Mountains. As soon as the sun sets in the Smokies, Anakeesta Mountain transforms into a brilliant festival of light and joy.

From the mesmerizing tens of thousands of winter lights that adorn every corner to the twinkling lights of the AnaVista Tower, you’ll find yourself immersed in pure holiday spirit. Walk through Arctic Alley, visit magical villages, and indulge in delightful dining experiences that capture the essence of the season.

Discover why the Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta is unlike any other holiday adventure. Follow along as we share everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas at Anakeesta in 2024.

Date and Time

The Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta runs from November 10 until December 31, 2024. Get ready to immerse yourself in one of Gatlinburg’s most magical holiday experiences!

During theme park hours, you can plan your visit accordingly:

• Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 9 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM

Are you wondering, is Anakeesta open on Christmas Day? Yes, it is! You can enjoy the festive cheer and twinkling Anakeesta lights even on December 25th. For the best experience, download the Anakeesta mobile app. It’s your handy guide to staying updated with Smokies Anakeesta Mountain’s current opening times, special events, and more.

Anakeesta Gatlinburg Christmas Location

Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. The Enchanted Christmas will be held throughout the park, from the newly opened Stone Village to the iconic TreeTop Skywalk.

Read on for more details on what to expect and where to get discount tickets.

Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas Discount Tickets

Great news! 🎉 For a limited time, you can snag Anakeesta discount tickets on Tripster! Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer to experience the magic of Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta.

All the festive Enchanted Christmas events and attractions are included with your Anakeesta admission.

Breakfast with Santa Tickets

Santa is planning a stopover at Anakeesta! However, Breakfast with Santa tickets are sold separately. These prices include general admission:

• $104.99 for Adults
• $87.99 for Children ages 4-11
• $97.99 for Seniors aged 60 and over
• Children aged three and under can attend for free with the purchase of an Adult or Senior ticket, but a reservation is required.

Experience the magic of Christmas at Anakeesta with this special event that includes early access to the park! Read on for more details.

Anakeesta Vacation Packages

Excited for the holidays but looking to save some bucks? Forget looking for Anakeesta coupons! Use Tripster’s Anakeesta Vacation Packages for a budget-friendly holiday getaway that you and your family will cherish forever.

Not only do these packages include tickets to Gatlinburg’s best holiday attractions, but you’ll also receive exclusive Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas discount tickets. Experience the magic of Anakeesta at Christmas without breaking the bank! This festive season, make unforgettable memories without the stress of planning and extra costs. Book your perfect holiday escape now!

What to Expect

Light Up the Night at Anakeesta

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta transforms the park into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights! 🎄✨  Look forward to these exciting holiday-themed attractions:

• Firefly Village sparkles with festive lighting, offering the perfect atmosphere for holiday shopping. Find that elusive perfect holiday gift amidst the glow. 🎁
• At Black Bear Village, the air is filled with seasonal melodies from the central musical stage, providing the perfect backdrop to relax by the fire and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Smoky Mountains. 🌅🔥
• Newly opened, Stone Village radiates holiday cheer with bells, garlands, and a charming “Classic Christmas” Tree Farm. 🎄🔔
• Take a magical stroll through Arctic Alley, and watch in awe as tens of thousands of winter lights programmed to festive seasonal soundtracks light up the park. ❄️🎶
• Explore the kid-friendly sensory walk along the Vista Gardens’ boardwalk, immersing yourself in the soothing sights and sounds of nature. 🌿👂💚

Lastly, you must follow the enchanting glimmer of lights in the forest on Anakeesta’s iconic TreeTop Skywalk! Experience the magic and wonder of Anakeesta at Christmas as it comes alive at night. 🌲🌟

Mountains of Entertainment

Step into a world of enchantment with the family-friendly park’s diverse lineup of entertainment offerings:

• Feel the festive spirit with the Anakeesta Carolers, serenading you with timeless holiday tunes that evoke the magic of the season.
• Be captivated by the whimsical performances of Lolly Swirlycanes, a hoop artist in a candy cane-themed costume, as she takes you on a breathtaking aerial journey.
• Explore the newly opened Stone Village and marvel at the juggling stilt walker, enchanting you with incredible feats of dexterity and balance, all while charmingly dressed as an elf.

Astra Lumina

Forget Anakeesta fireworks. Be among the lucky few to explore Anakeesta’s newest attraction, Astra Lumina! Embark on a journey across mystical observatory grounds to uncover a celestial pathway filled with shimmering lights, cosmic marvels, and ethereal melodies. Then, dive into mesmerizing encounters and feel a connection with the stars before they ascend back to the heavens.

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta marks the 15th experience in the globally renowned Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series and is the first of its kind in the United States! Don’t miss your chance to witness this magical experience by adding Astra Lumina to your General Admission ticket.

Related Post: Things to Do in Gatlinburg in December

Seasonal Food and Drinks

This Christmas at Anakeesta, embark on a delectable culinary journey that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

• Clifftop Gatlinburg Restaurant: Savor the flavors of smoked herb-rubbed prime rib, perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes, Chef’s veggies, horseradish sauce, and rich pan jus.
• The Smokehouse Anakeesta Restaurant: Indulge in hickory-smoked ham glazed with pineapple, served with garlic herb beans, creamy mac and cheese, and golden cornbread.
• The Watering Can: Treat yourself to a whimsical Christmas tree waffle on a stick, complete with sauce options like chocolate, strawberry, or caramel, and your choice of two delectable toppings.
• Snack Shack: End on a sweet note with gingerbread funnel fries topped with cream, sprinkles, cookies, and cherries.

Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa! Stay warm and festive with the special Hot Chocolate Crawl, an exclusive treat available at five cozy locations: Watering Can, Pearls, Kephart, Rocky Top, and Tap House, ensuring you’re cozy and warm as you explore all Anakeesta has to offer.

Breakfast with Santa

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Anakeesta’s Breakfast with Santa event! On select days during the Enchanted Christmas Anakeesta festivities, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on the mountain for a very special breakfast which includes early park access, a sing-a-long with the Anakeesta Christmas Carolers, arts and crafts, a photo with Santa, and special souvenir for the kids.

Tickets for this event are highly limited and only available exclusively online.

Nearby Gatlinburg Experiences

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks: For a memorable Smoky Mountain hike, embark on a trek with llamas at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks!

You’ll join an experienced guide along with fluffy, trained llamas up the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. They’ll carry your gear while you marvel at the views, take in the wildlife and scenery, and create lifelong memories on this incredible outdoor excursion.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: An award-winning and top-rated aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers various interactive experiences and exhibits that showcase thousands of exotic sea creatures that call this aquarium home.

Touch real stingrays, glide along a 340-foot moving path beneath a sea of sharks, paint a piece of artwork with penguins, and more.

Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem: Are you looking for an evening of family entertainment in the Great Smoky Mountains? You’re looking for Impossibilities.

Master Mentalist and Magician Erik Dobell presents a night of stunning magic, reality-shattering mind-reading, and hilarious mayhem. An evening of family fun where Impossibilities are brought to life right in front of your eyes!

Tips and Parking

What to Bring: As you prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of Anakeesta at Christmas, there are a few essentials to pack. Make sure to bring warm, layered clothing to keep cozy as you stroll through the twinkling Anakeesta Christmas lights. A camera or smartphone is a must to capture Anakeesta photos at night, especially at the Anavista Tower and along the Treetop Skywalk.

Don’t forget comfy walking shoes to navigate the scenic paths and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Finally, carry some extra cash or cards for festive treats and unique souvenirs in the magical villages.

Food Policy: For your convenience, please note that outside foods and drinks are not permitted at Anakeesta unless required for medical purposes.

Parking: While Anakeesta doesn’t provide free parking, Parkway Parking is right next to Anakeesta. This convenient location offers easy access to the Chondola or Ridge Rambler, which will whisk you up to the top of Anakeesta. Keep in mind that this lot isn’t operated by Anakeesta, so there will be a parking fee.

Experience the Enchanted Anakeesta Winter Wonderland

As twilight descends and the sun sets behind the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland where you can gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa, venture into Arctic Alley, and marvel at the spectacular vista from the treetop skywalk.

This holiday season, let Anakeesta fill your heart with winter cheer and create cherished memories that will warm your soul for years to come. Don’t miss out on the magic of an Anakeesta Christmas—it’s the perfect holiday gift and getaway wrapped in tens of thousands of twinkling lights and festive joy.