BRrrrrrrr . . .It's Getting Cold! Warm up with the Bear's Den LAST MINUTE "Shoppers Special" Rates!

Once again the Bear's Den is decorated for Christmas and ready for you and your family to enjoy a Smoky Mountain Holiday vacation!

To help you we're offering some LAST MINUTE SPECIALS! For arrivals from December 12 through the 18th, you can stay 3 nights and get 50% OFF on your 3rd night . . .OR . . . you can now stay 2 nights at our ALREADY low regular rates!

The tree is UP and the stockings are hung. All YOU have to do is bring the food and presents!

Snuggle up in this cozy log cabin and relax by the fire, play some games with the family, or kick back with a good book.

Our cabin is professionally managed for us by Jackson Mountain Homes of Gatlinburg. Call them TODAY! Toll Free (800) 473-3163 (until 9 PM) and ask for the Bear's Den or you can reserve your cabin 24/7 by using the on-line calendar!

Dollywood Christmas 2007 - Be SURE To Take Your Camera!

Enjoy a family holiday like no other with a heartwarming lineup of Christmas shows, holiday foods, and thrilling rides. Make this a Smoky Mountain Christmas you and your family won’t soon forget!

We go every year and ALWAYS find something NEW! This year we particularly enjoyed the Appalachian Christmans show at the Back Porch Theatre. As ususal, I took along my tiny Kodak V570 digital camera to record a few memories in stills and short videos.

I took all of the photos below "hand held" as I did not want to be burdoned with carrying lots of "stuff" if we went on any rides. If YOU want to take photos there, be sure to learn the basics about your camera before you start shooting.

My Best PhotoTip: Turn OFF your flash . . .and raise the ISO (Film Speed) to 400. There's almost always enough stage lighting to get a decent shot with available light. AND the photos will look more natural than the typical flash shot.

A little girl looks for an angel; three shepherds follow a star. They all find their way to the heart of “The Christmas Story.” 2007 Season Dates: November 10 - December 30, 2007. This is in an open air pavillion and it's easy to get up close for a nice picture.

Again . . .adjust your camera settings. Here we actually lowered the ISO (film speed) so that we didn't freeze the water coming off the old mill.

Celebrate an acoustic Christmas at the Back Porch Theatre with Appalachian Christmas. Let the beautiful sound of the music take you back to a simpler time. 2007 Season Dates: November 10 - December 30, 2007

The Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosts worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. 2007 Season Dates: November 10 - December 30, 2007

For more Dollywood Christmas photos (2006) - Click here!

Dec. 31, 2007 - New Year's Eve Gatlinburg Style!

Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2008 in grand style with its 20th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show at the Space Needle late Monday night, December 31.

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2008, the Space Needle area will light up with a fireworks and music show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee. The event is free to the public and will feature music and free party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth near the base of the Space Needle. Performers from Hard Rock Café will entertain the crowd prior to midnight.

“It has become a tradition for families from across America to come back to celebrate the New Year here in Gatlinburg,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager. “We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2008 with their family and friends.”

The highlight of the evening is the ball drop from the Space Needle, signifying the old year is over and a new one has begun. Then a fireworks show off the 342-foot structure will welcome the New Year in dazzling style.

The entire city of Gatlinburg celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way with many restaurants and attractions offering special celebrations.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a “Dance With the Sharks” party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Only $109.99 per couple includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, fireworks on the Plaza (you can see the Space Needle from the Plaza), and two dance floors, one with an 8-piece band, the other with a DJ. Kids arrangements and programs are also available.

Blaine’s Restaurant is right in the middle of the fireworks area below the Space Needle and offers a champagne toast as well. It’s a local restaurant and bar with a big local crowd, a popular spots

Up on Mt. Harrison, Ober Gatlinburg is offering a New Years Eve special in its restaurant and lounge. For a $10 cover charge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., they’ll have two bands performing through the night with hors d’oeuvres.

For information on other New Year’s activities, please call the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at 800/568-4748.