Gatlinburg rings in 2027 downtown, free and open to everyone. Live music runs through the evening, then an illuminated drone show takes off around 11:50 PM, followed by a fireworks finale and the drop of a new 15-foot Mega LED ball that falls about 200 feet at midnight. December 31, 2026 into January 1, 2027, in downtown Gatlinburg - the drone show flies above the Gatlinburg Convention Center on the Parkway. Admission is free. Practical advice: arrive early. Downtown parking fills up well before midnight and the good viewing spots go first, so plan to park once and walk. Dress warm and keep younger kids close in the crowd. Questions: Gatlinburg CVB, (865) 436-4178. More info: https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/
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