Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Celebration Draws Visitors From All Over The Nation

  • Friday, January 1, 2016
  • Marci Claude

Gatlinburg welcomed in the New Year with the 28th Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.  One of the largest organized events in the nation; nearly 50,000 people gathered on the streets around the Space Needle to celebrate.

“Visitors from Chicago to Miami and all points in between filled the streets to celebrate the New Year,” stated Marci Claude, Gatlinburg PR Manager. “The Ball Drop and Fireworks Show is very popular with families looking for a fun and memorable holiday celebration.” 

At the stroke of midnight, New Year’s Eve revelers were treated to an extravagant fireworks display launched from the 400 foot tall Space Needle.  Firing off fireworks from the top of the tower, and the ability of the audience to be so close to the action are what make for an experience unlike any other in the nation.  The show, produced by Pyro Shows of Lafollette, Tn., features about 4,000 different shots fired from the rooftop and sides of the elevator shaft. Special music and rhythmic LED lights on the tower are choreographed for the fireworks. 

Gatlinburg has produced the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show since 1987. Preparations begin months in advance and hotels sell out early. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead to celebrate the New Year in Gatlinburg. For more information about Gatlinburg, call (800) 588-1817 or visit Gatlinburg.com.  

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