Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show and Ball Drop to Carry On

The celebration of New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg will carry on as usual this year to ring in 2017.

After receiving notification that the burn ban was being lifted in the area, Gatlinburg officials announced the traditional fireworks display and ball drop would take place as usual from the top of the Space Needle. The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show is in its 29th year and is widely considered one of the best New Year’s celebrations in the country.

Platinum selling country music star, Beau Braswell and rising country music singer, Cassidy Diana will perform a free concert beginning at 10 p.m. in the area adjacent to the Gatlinburg Convention Center near traffic light number 8, which is the perfect vantage point for viewing the ball drop. Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Company, Braswell is a six time AMA National Motorcycle Champion and two-time AMRA World Motorcycle Champion. His passion for motorsports is reflected in his energy on stage.

Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Saturday night to ring in the New Year. Seconds before the stroke of midnight, the lighted ball will drop from the iconic Space Needle. Lit with rhythmic LED lights along the tower, it is a spectacular fireworks display.

“New Year’s Eve Celebration is a 29-year tradition in Gatlinburg. The outdoor entertainment and ball drop from the Space Needle create a unique experience for our visitors,” says Jim Downs, special events director for Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “No doubt, we will have a big crowd to help us usher in 2017 in a big way.”

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials offered by many Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses.