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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hosts Annual Festival of Christmas Past Program

Press Release # State
ChristmasWalk


GATLINBURG, TN – The annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration takes place 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Sugarlands Visitor Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival will include mountain music, traditional shape note singing, mountain craft demonstrations, carolers, and a living history walk. Hot apple cider will be served throughout the day.

The popular ‘Christmas Memories Walk’ will be held 1 p.m. Costumed interpreters will bring the history of the Smokies to life as they shed light on significant moments leading to the park’s establishment.

Park volunteers and staff have created a new, immersive experience now through Jan. 5, 2020 where visitors can journey through holiday traditions over the last 100 years. Creative displays and exhibits can be found throughout the visitor center representing several decades of Christmas toys, decorations, and pastimes.


Event lineup:

9:30–10:30 a.m.: Traditional Shape Note Singing

11 a.m. to noon: Music by Boogertown Gap

Noon to 1 p.m.: Music by the Lost Mill String Band

1-2 p.m.: Smoky Mountain Historical Society

1-2:30 p.m.: Christmas Memories Walk

2-3 p.m.: Music by Mike and Kathy Gwinn


Sugarlands Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road, two miles south of Gatlinburg.

For more information, call the visitor center at 865-436-1291 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

This event, sponsored by the Friends of the Smokies.