Next Stop: The North Pole! Anakeesta Unveils Magical New Christmas Experience

Journey to the North Pole debuts with Santa's Flight, immersive holiday destinations, new entertainment and festive flavors

GATLINBURG, Tenn., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- /PRNewswire/ – The North Pole is coming to the Smoky Mountains.

This holiday season, Anakeesta will debut Journey to the North Pole, an all-new Christmas celebration transforming the mountaintop adventure park into an immersive holiday world filled with dazzling lights, live entertainment, festive flavors and a lot of Christmas magic. The celebration runs Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027.

The experience begins before guests even reach the mountaintop. Anakeesta's new all-glass Crystal Express Gondola will temporarily transform into the North Pole Express, carrying travelers from downtown Gatlinburg toward a bustling Christmas village high above the city.

Once on the mountain, the journey begins at Sleighbell Station in Firefly Village, where travelers gather before setting off toward the North Pole. From there, guests will explore Mistletoe Market in Black Bear Village, follow the lights of Wonderland Way, step into the colorful Gum Drop Gardens and visit Santa's Workshop, where the elves are busy preparing for the biggest night of the year.

The journey culminates at the North Pole, where Vista Plaza and AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, will get a holiday makeover into a destination filled with frosty Christmas magic and sweeping views of the Smokies.

When night falls, one of Anakeesta's newest attractions takes on an entirely new life.

The all-new Santa's Flight will transform the Treetop Skywalk into a musical journey through a glowing forest. Surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas music, guests will follow along as Santa takes to the skies and sets out on his most important journey of the year.

"After seeing the incredible response to our Firefly Experience, we knew we wanted to create something just as special for the Christmas season," said Bob Bentz, Founding Partner of Anakeesta. "Santa's Flight transforms our Treetop Skywalk into an entirely new holiday adventure, bringing the magic of Santa's Christmas Eve journey to life through dazzling lights, music and storytelling."

Journey to the North Pole will also introduce a fresh lineup of live entertainment. In Toyland Tales, Tinsel, Sprinkle, Jingle and Jangle race against the clock to repair the Magic-O-Matic Dispenser at Santa's Toyshop just in time for Christmas. The fan favorite show brings singing, dancing and plenty of playful North Pole fun to the mountain.

The Country Christmas Jubilee will deliver a lively mix of country favorites and Christmas classics, while the Anakeesta Carolers return with multiple performances each day featuring traditional carols and contemporary holiday hits.

The transformation continues across Anakeesta's restaurants and eateries with a new collection of seasonal dishes and sweets. Guests can discover holiday flavors including Beef Wellington, smoked turkey, chicken and waffles with thyme and chili maple syrup, gingerbread treats, Christmas-inspired desserts, holiday pastries and more.

Anakeesta's popular gourmet hot cocoas will also return for the season, joining specialty Christmas beverages available throughout the park and offering a warm way to take in the lights and winter views from the mountaintop.

Guests are invited to bundle up, follow the lights and venture north for an all-new holiday experience in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Journey to the North Pole runs Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. For tickets and more information, visit Anakeesta.com.

ABOUT ANAKEESTA

Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Anakeesta is the region's premier mountaintop adventure destination, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Blending adventure, relaxation and discovery, Anakeesta offers unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. The adventure begins aboard the Crystal Express, the world's only all-glass gondola, featuring glass floors and walls that provide unobstructed 360-degree views of the Smokies. Once at the summit, visitors can explore the nation's longest Treetop Skywalk, ascend AnaVista Tower for panoramic views from downtown Gatlinburg's highest point and wander through Vista Gardens, a multi-sensory botanical escape featuring interactive art, music and scenic overlooks. Thrill-seekers can experience Anakeesta's two mountain coasters, Hellbender and Rail Runner, or soar above the mountains on the Dueling Zipline Adventure. As night falls, Astra Lumina transforms the mountain into an enchanting celestial journey through a luminous forest of light, sound and storytelling. Guests can also enjoy immersive experiences like BirdVenture, featuring native Smoky Mountain birds, along with seasonal festivals, live entertainment, unique shopping, mountain-inspired dining and handcrafted cocktails. Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.Anakeesta.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Austin Martin

Director of Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Anakeesta