Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Thanksgiving and Christmas Show

As the gift-giving season will be in full swing in just a few short weeks, the time to start thinking about the perfect gift is now. You’re sure to find that just-right item at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Show, which will take place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from November 24 through December 6. This free admission show is actually two shows that run back-to-back. The Thanksgiving Show runs for the first six days (through November 29) and the Christmas Show, which emphasizes holiday items, begins on November 30. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

See Members of the Arts & Crafts Community Under One Roof

See Your Favorite Members at The Show!

Both of the shows feature artists that work from the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community just outside of Gatlinburg. The grouping of workshops and stores in an 8-mile loop is one of the largest collections of artists, artisans, and craftsmen around. At the show you can meet and speak with members of the Arts & Crafts Community as they fashion their unique items on site.

As the holidays are a time when folks are particularly interested in traditions and heritage, a visit to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Show is the perfect opportunity to explore the techniques of long ago and the ways that those methods have continued to work, even for new ideas and designs. Craftsmen used to make things simply because they were needed, but that necessity did not discount the chance to make the objects beautiful as well.

History of Gatlinburg Crafts Community

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Much of the work for sale at the show represents the kind of objects that are both beautiful and functional. The rich tradition of careful craftsmanship is part of what has made the Southern Appalachian region what it is. The expert craftsmen at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Show have found ways to blend functionality with beauty to produce objects that are both unique and that demonstrate strong design elements. Many of the artists have found ways to transcend utility into the realm of art.

And ultimately, a gift of beauty is the best kind of gift to give. Visit this annual Gatlinburg crafts festival to be inspired and to find the one-of-a-kind item to inspire the ones you love.