Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade: 50th Anniversary
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Gatlinburg’s 50th Annual Fantasy of Lights Parade Shines bright with Hunter Hayes
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What Happened: A Golden Anniversary Celebration
The 50th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade illuminated downtown Gatlinburg on Friday, December 5, 2025, captivating visitors and locals with joy, music, and unforgettable moments. Grammy-nominated recording artist Hunter Hayes served as the Grand Marshal, blending tradition with a touch of surprise for Gatlinburg’s world-famous Winter Magic celebration.
“Gatlinburg seems to call to all of us around Christmas, and I have incredibly fond memories of being there during the holidays with my family as a young performer,” Hayes told Spin.”I have a deep love and appreciation for that whole part of Tennessee.”
Hayes, promoting his new EP Evergreen Christmas Sessions, led the Smoky Mountain procession with energy and festive spirit, greeting fans and visitors alike. His presence brought added excitement and national attention to the event.The Grand Marshal position was sponsored by Gatlinburg’s Ole Smoky Distillery.
Star-Studded lineup Beyond the Grand Marshal
The 2025 parade boasted an notable roster of special guests. Mark ramsey and Digger Manes,stars of Finding Channel’s Moonshiners and partners with Sugarlands Distilling Co.,were in attendance. Four-time world champion pitmaster and culinary personality Myron Mixon also joined the festivities. Pam sutton, representing moonshiner heritage and the wife of the late legendary distiller Popcorn Sutton, was an honored guest.
Hosting duties were shared by Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum country artist mark Wills, and award-winning television personality Nan Kelley, known for Top 20 Country Countdown and Opry Live.
A Spectacle of Lights and Festivities
Approximately 80,000 revelers lined the parade route for this year’s celebration. The procession featured over 70 festive floats, a dazzling display of more than one million LED lights, larger-than-life balloons, spirited marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
Parade Statistics: A By-the-Numbers Look
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