Discover the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt in Gatlinburg
If you love holiday lights, quirky photo ops, and easy strolls through a festive downtown, Gatlinburg’s SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is your kind of winter fun. Picture this: you are wandering down the Parkway under twinkling lights, hot chocolate in hand, and around the corner you spot a life size SnowPerson in a plaid scarf just begging for a selfie. That is the magic of Gatlinburg Winter Magic and its 43 SnowPeople scattered through downtown.
If you are hunting for Gatlinburg Christmas events, Gatlinburg holiday lights, and easy Gatlinburg winter activities, the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt should be near the top of your list of things to do in Gatlinburg in winter. For an overview of the whole holiday season, pair this guide with Your Ultimate Guide to a Gatlinburg Christmas in the Smoky Mountains.
Think of the hunt as a relaxed walking tour, a Christmas activity, and a built in family photo session all rolled into one.
What Is the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt?
The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is an interactive, self guided adventure that takes you past dozens of whimsical SnowPeople scattered around downtown Gatlinburg. Official event info describes 43 unique, life size, three dimensional SnowPeople waiting along sidewalks, in front of shops, and near attractions. Each one has its own personality, from cozy winterwear to playful poses.
You use the free Visit Gatlinburg app to see a map of all the SnowPeople, check them off as you find them, and follow the Winter Magic lights route at the same time. If you are more of a pen and paper person, Winter Magic also offers a printable map that combines the light displays and the SnowPeople route.
Travelers love this scavenger hunt because it is low pressure, easy to do at your own pace, and naturally builds in sightseeing. You are already walking past shops, restaurants, and attractions, so the hunt simply gives you a fun excuse to explore. Kids treat it like a game, adults get plenty of chances for cute photos, and no one has to strap on ski boots or gear up for a big trek.
There is no separate ticket just to walk around and hunt for SnowPeople. Gatlinburg Winter Magic, which includes the lights and SnowPeople displays, is promoted as a free seasonal event in downtown Gatlinburg, although you will still have normal costs for parking, food, and any paid attractions you visit.
When and Where the Scavenger Hunt Takes Place
The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is part of Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the citywide celebration that wraps downtown in millions of lights and seasonal scenes. Winter Magic typically runs from early November through early or mid February, depending on the year. Because dates can shift a bit each season, it is always a good idea to check the current schedule on the official Gatlinburg tourism site before you travel.
You will be exploring downtown Gatlinburg’s walkable district, mostly along and just off the Parkway. The route takes you past storefronts, plazas, and attractions, so it is easy to break up the hunt with hot chocolate, a snack, or a little shopping. Sidewalks and crosswalks line most of this area, which makes it a comfortable option for families with strollers.
To get a feel for the atmosphere, you can browse Your Guide to the Gatlinburg Strip for the Holidays, which highlights many of the same blocks you will cover while you hunt for SnowPeople.
If you want the full effect of the Gatlinburg holiday lights, time your walk for late afternoon into evening. You can spot a few SnowPeople in daylight, then enjoy the rest once the Winter Magic displays are glowing.
Why It Is a Great Winter Activity for Travelers
A Festive Downtown Experience
Because the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt lives inside Gatlinburg Winter Magic, you are never just walking from statue to statue. You are wandering under millions of twinkling lights, pausing to watch animated holiday displays, and spotting illuminated Smoky Mountain critters and Christmas scenes along the way. Many storefronts go all out with their window decorations, so it feels as if the entire town has joined in on the theme.
Instead of racing to finish a checklist, most visitors end up simply meandering, taking photos, and letting the hunt guide them through one of the most festive stretches of downtown all year.
Perfect for Families and Kids
For families, the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is a sweet spot between “fun for the kids” and “easy on the grown ups.” The walking distances between SnowPeople are short, so little legs do not get overwhelmed. The mostly flat Parkway area works well for strollers, and you are never far from a bathroom, a place to warm up, or a bakery bribe.
Kids can help steer by following the app or map, which gives them a sense of ownership over the experience. Even older kids and teens tend to loosen up once the selfie ideas start flowing. If your crew needs motivation, promising a fudge stop after the next SnowPerson works just as well on adults as it does on kids.
A Relaxed Alternative to Winter Sports
Gatlinburg is also known for winter fun at Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area, where you will find skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating. Those activities bring plenty of thrills, but not everyone wants a cold, fast, or physically demanding day.
The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is perfect if you prefer gentle sightseeing over full on winter sports, if you are traveling with someone who cannot participate in more intense activities, or if you just want an easy evening after a big day in the mountains. You can spend the morning at Ober Mountain, then come back downtown for a relaxed, cozy stroll surrounded by Winter Magic lights.
How to Participate (Step by Step Guide)
You do not need reservations to enjoy the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt. Here is a simple way to join in during your Gatlinburg winter visit.
Step 1 – Get the App or Map
Start by downloading the Visit Gatlinburg app on your smartphone from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app is free and includes interactive tools for contests, challenges, and scavenger hunts, including Winter Magic and the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt. Once it is installed, open the Winter Magic or SnowPeople section to see the current map and the full list of SnowPeople.
If you prefer something you can fold and tuck into a pocket, look for a printable map on the official Winter Magic page or at local visitor centers.
Step 2 – Stroll Through Downtown
Once you have your map, head for the Parkway and start walking. You can begin anywhere downtown and simply follow whichever SnowPerson is closest on the map. There is no “right” order to follow.
Move at whatever pace feels good, and let your group’s energy set the rhythm. You might spot a SnowPerson, duck into a shop, come back out with hot chocolate, then wander on to the next figure. Expect to see them in front of shops, near attractions, and tucked into cozy corners such as courtyards and plazas.
Step 3 – Snap Photos and Share
The SnowPeople are pure photo bait. Take selfies, pose the whole family, or get creative with angles and details. Gatlinburg promotes the hashtag #GatlinburgWinter, so if you like sharing your adventures, that is a fun way to join the conversation.
From time to time, there may be decorations contests or small promotions tied to Winter Magic, so it is worth glancing at the Visit Gatlinburg app and event pages to see if anything is happening while you are in town.
Tips Before You Go
Gatlinburg winters are chilly, but they are usually comfortable with the right layers. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping everyone happy on your SnowPeople stroll.
What to wear
Plan on layers. A long sleeve base, a sweater or fleece, and a warm jacket usually do the trick. Comfortable, closed toe walking shoes or boots and warm socks will keep your feet much happier as you move in and out of cold sidewalks and warm shops. Toss in gloves, hats, and scarves for kids, and for anyone who tends to get cold quickly.
You will warm up as you walk and as you pop into stores, then cool down again when you are outside, so layers are truly your best friend.
Best time of day
Late afternoon into evening gives you the best of both worlds – a little daylight for crisp photos, and then the full glow of Winter Magic after dark. If you prefer a calmer vibe, aim for a weekday evening instead of Friday or Saturday night, especially around the Christmas parade and major holidays.
Parking and logistics
Most visitors choose a central parking garage or city lot, then explore on foot from there. If your lodging is close to the Parkway, it can be even easier to walk into town or use the Gatlinburg trolley instead of moving your car and re-parking. You do not have to finish the entire scavenger hunt in one big push. It works just as well broken into two shorter walks on different nights.
Quick note on seasons
The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt runs during Winter Magic only, typically from early November through early or mid February. If you fall in love with Gatlinburg during winter, you might find yourself planning a spring wildflower trip, a summer river adventure, or a fall foliage escape next.
Other Things To Do During Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic
The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is just one piece of Gatlinburg’s winter fun. While you are in town, you can:
- Walk or drive to see more of the Gatlinburg Winter Magic light displays that stretch beyond downtown
- If your visit lines up with it, watch the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, usually held on the first Friday in December.
- Ride the SkyLift and experience Lights Over Gatlinburg at Gatlinburg SkyPark, where the SkyBridge and SkyTrail are decked out in lights with sweeping views of the town below
- Warm up with sit down dinners, hot drinks, and dessert stops along the Parkway
- Mix in indoor attractions such as the aquarium, museums, or arcades on especially cold or rainy days
If you want a broader look at the region’s displays, Holiday Light Displays in the Smokies is a nice companion to this SnowPeople guide.
Sample Half Day or Evening Itinerary
Need an easy plan you can follow without overthinking every stop? Here is a simple SnowPeople centered evening.
3:00 pm: Arrive in downtown Gatlinburg
Park in a central garage or lot, then grab a late lunch or a quick snack. While you are at the table, download the Visit Gatlinburg app and pull up the SnowPeople map.
4:00 pm: Start your SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt
Head to the Parkway and begin finding your first few SnowPeople while there is still daylight. This is a great time for clear, bright photos and letting kids burn a little energy.
5:30 pm: Warm up break
Pop into a cafe for hot chocolate, coffee, or a sweet treat. Check the map, compare your favorite SnowPeople so far, and decide which cluster you want to visit next.
6:30 pm: Continue under the Winter Magic lights
Step back outside to a town that now feels completely transformed. Follow the map to a few more SnowPeople while you enjoy the glow of Winter Magic’s animated displays, sparkling light scenes, and decorated storefronts all around you.
8:00 pm: Dinner and a nightcap activity
Finish the evening with a sit down dinner at a downtown restaurant. If your crew still has energy, you might ride up to Gatlinburg SkyPark for more lights, grab dessert at a candy shop, or stroll to a final SnowPerson or two before heading back to your cabin or hotel.
To keep planning simple for the rest of your trip, the Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains hub makes it easy to browse attractions, restaurants, and brochures in one place.
SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt FAQ
When does the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt happen each year?
It runs during Gatlinburg Winter Magic, generally from early November through early or mid February. Exact dates change a bit each year, so check the current season’s schedule before you go.
How many SnowPeople are included in the hunt?
There are 43 unique SnowPeople, all life size and three dimensional, spread around downtown Gatlinburg.
Is the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt free?
Yes. There is no admission fee to walk around downtown and hunt for SnowPeople. Gatlinburg Winter Magic is promoted as a free seasonal event, though you will still pay for parking, food, and any paid attractions you decide to enjoy.
Do I need an app to participate?
The Visit Gatlinburg app is the easiest way to find all the SnowPeople and follow the Winter Magic lights tour, but you can also use a printable map if you prefer not to use your phone.
Is it suitable for children or strollers?
Absolutely. The route follows sidewalks and pedestrian areas in downtown Gatlinburg, so it works well for families with young children and strollers. Just keep an eye on street crossings and typical downtown crowds.
How long does it take to complete?
A casual pass where you spot a handful of SnowPeople might take about an hour. Turning it into a full evening with food, photos, and an attempt to find all 43 can easily fill several hours in a fun, relaxed way.
What should I wear during winter in Gatlinburg?
Layered clothing, comfortable closed toe shoes or boots, warm socks, and simple cold weather accessories such as hats and gloves are usually enough. Nights can dip below freezing, especially with a bit of wind, so plan for cold, even if the day felt mild.
Can I combine it with other winter attractions?
Yes. The SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt pairs nicely with Ober Mountain in the morning, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade if you visit on parade night, Lights Over Gatlinburg at SkyPark, or an evening drive to see more Winter Magic displays.
Is downtown Gatlinburg crowded during this time?
Downtown feels lively during Winter Magic, especially on weekends, parade night, and around Christmas and New Year’s. If you prefer a calmer stroll, pick a weekday evening.
Are there prizes or contests associated with the hunt?
The heart of the experience is exploring and taking photos. Gatlinburg often encourages visitors to share SnowPeople selfies with the hashtag #GatlinburgWinter, and there may occasionally be contests or voting tied to decorations, so it is always worth a quick look at the app or event listings.
In the end, the SnowPeople Scavenger Hunt is really about slowing down, wandering under the holiday lights, and making a few simple memories together. Add it to your winter Gatlinburg plans, then use MobileBrochure to fill in the rest of your itinerary with attractions, dining, and cozy things to do all season long.
Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.
About Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller is a native Tennessean who currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. She loves spending time in the great outdoors, such as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. She also enjoys exploring all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Leave a Reply
