- Many Gatlinburg attractions are open on Christmas Day with some holiday-adjusted hours.
- Open attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium, Ober Mountain and Moonshine Mountain Coaster.
- Selected restaurants — including CiCi’s Pizza and Heirloom Room — will serve guests on Dec. 25.
- Visit the official Gatlinburg site for a full, updated list of businesses and hours.
Gatlinburg keeps key attractions open for Christmas Day
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — If you’re spending the holidays in Gatlinburg, many attractions and some restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, the city confirmed. Officials say this allows visitors to relax, explore and celebrate while still having access to dining, shopping and entertainment during their stay.
What attractions are open
The City of Gatlinburg listed several attractions operating on Christmas Day. Highlights include:
- Gatlin’s Mini Golf
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster
- The Escape Game Gatlinburg
- The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
- Ober Mountain
- Ripley’s Aquarium
These venues often offer family-friendly activities and are popular with holiday visitors to East Tennessee.
Restaurants and shopping
Several dining options will be open on Thursday, Dec. 25, though some may run holiday-adjusted hours. The city’s list includes:
- CiCi’s Pizza
- Heirloom Room
- Pizza Rio
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe
- Tennessee Shine
City officials advise checking directly with individual businesses for exact hours. Holiday schedules can change, and restaurants may adjust service times for staff and guest needs.
Where to find the full list
For a complete, updated list of Gatlinburg businesses open on Christmas Day — and any holiday-specific hours — visit the official page: gatlinburg.com: Open for Christmas.
Plan ahead for a smoother holiday visit
Travelers should plan ahead: confirm hours before you go, book reservations where possible, and expect some attractions to limit capacity or run special holiday schedules. The city says many businesses kept regular hours on Christmas Eve, but some will operate differently on Dec. 25.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor fun, family-friendly exhibits, or a quick meal between activities, Gatlinburg’s mix of open attractions and dining options gives visitors choices to enjoy the holiday.
Source: City of Gatlinburg and local reporting.
Image Referance: https://www.wvlt.tv/2025/12/24/what-is-open-gatlinburg-christmas-day/