The Longest Suspension Bridge In The Country, Tennessee's Skybridge, Looks Absolutely Magical At Christmastime
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on October 20, 2023(Originally published December 08, 2019)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee is known for a whole lot of wonderful things, like whiskey and barbecue and heaps of fried chicken and catfish, but most folks don’t know that the state boasts the longest suspension bridge in the nation. It’s true. You can walk high above the mountains on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge in east Tennessee. It’s a neat experience in itself, but the holiday season just ups the ante on this neat local experience. Come with a coat and take in the view this season, Tennessee. This is one holiday event you won’t want to miss. You may have even walked this bridge before by the Skybridge at Christmas is something wholly different.
Gatlinburg has long been considered one of the most beautiful and festive small towns in Tennessee. It's where you go to cuddle up in cabins and indulge in mugs of hot cocoa, held close to the chest with loved ones by your side. Of course, the cozy element is best balanced with a bit of outdoor adventure...
...which the Lights Over Gatlinburg event at Skylift Park provides in spades. From November through January, the incredible SkyLift Park lights up with holiday fun and cheer. The famed SkyBridge goes from the classic view above...
...to a holiday winter wonderland! The SkyLift and SkyDeck are completely decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations perfect for the season. Christmas on the Skybridge is perfectly romantic in a place that is already filled with beauty. Walk the swaying bridge high above the town and get lost in the twinkling glory of it all.
It's a true sight to see. One of the best views in Gatlinburg gets a total refresh with the infusion of a bit of holiday cheer. Not only is this one of the longest bridges in Tennessee for pedestrians it is also one of the best decorations in a town that is known for big celebrations. Even the greatest of humbugs will be sure to feel the holiday joy when they witness the tunnel covering the bridge or the massive 32-foot multicolored Christmas tree.
The SkyBridge itself is transformed into a true tunnel of cheer, boasting lights all the way across the mountain. If you catch it just right you might even be able to see a light dusting of snow, the park is located in the mountains after all, and it just makes this place seem even more magical with a fresh coat of snow over it.
You can even cozy up inside with hot cocoa or a steaming cup of cider if it gets a bit too chilly. Or take it out to the Skydeck and overlook the sparkling lights all over Gatlinburg.
Will you be joining in the festivities this year? There's nothing more beautiful than an evening spent amongst twinkling lights and Tennessee's natural, mountainous beauty. The New Year's Eve Lights of Wonder celebration rings in the new year with an epic view of the fireworks show. This is a ticketed event and might sell out fast so make sure to get your tickets for a silent disco on the Skydeck and the best view of the fireworks in town.
What a wonderful experience! Have you ever been for a stroll on the Skybridge at Christmas? There is so much beauty in this part of the world and on this bridge, you will feel like you are on top of the world so make sure you get your tickets and see for yourself just how magical this can be. If you’re looking for more information, you can find it on the official Tennessee Skybridge website.
Planning a trip to the Smokies this winter? Here is our essential winter packing list so you can make sure you don’t forget anything.