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Talk about magic in the Great Smoky Mountains — visiting Anakeesta at night opens up a whole new world of illuminated fun! Check out a one-of-a-kind immersive experience you won’t want to miss: the Astra Lumina night walk atop Anakeesta Mountain. Plus, you can dine as the sun sets over Appalachian peaks, let the kids explore lighted activities, and end the night with fireside sips, chats, and snacks.
A family-friendly, award-winning adventure park with fun attractions, mountaintop shops, Southern eateries, and seasonal events in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Anakeesta is a one-stop destination to make the most of your Smoky Mountain evenings.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Wowing your senses at nightfall, Astra Lumina in Gatlinburg is a family-friendly immersive experience that welcomes all ages on a night stroll to remember. Stars are summoned from the night sky to dazzle and amaze in astral song, creating a celestial realm to wander the great forest of the Smoky Mountains.
“Families and guests of all ages will be captivated by the spectacular state-of-the-art special effects, enchanting storytelling, and more surprises.” — Bob Bentz, founder and managing partner of Anakeesta
Celestial Pathway of Fallen Stars
With mood-setting music, dancing light displays, and mesmerizing projections in 9 different zones, this magical starlight experience is big, bright, and beautiful!
- Begin your nighttime journey through the Astra Archway.
- Watch spectacular Falling Stars drift to the forest floor.
- Listen closely to the foretelling Cosmic Choir.
- Pass through Stardust Rays, intertwined with nature.
- Ride the mystical Nebular Waves as stars dream.
- Experience stunning starlit origins with Stellar Visions.
- Follow the Celestial Trail, glowing with astral energy.
- Witness the stars come back to life in Astral Genesis.
- Ooh and ahh as the wondrous galaxy beckons the Rise of the Stars!
Along with an astral adventure in the Smokies, you can prepare for your journey at the inviting welcome area and end your memorable time in the starry photo booth.
First Lumina Enchanted Night Walk in the US
Presented by Anakeesta in Gatlinburg at night, this Astra Lumina experience is the very first display created in the United States — and the 15th display in the world-renowned Lumina Enchanted Night Walks series by multimedia entertainment studio Moment Factory.
Millions of spectators have marveled at their 20+ displays across the world — including Oceana Lumina in France, Vallea Lumina in Canada, Rainforest Lumina in Singapore, and Kamuy Lumina in Japan. By harmonizing luminous art with the beauty of a natural site, walking through one of their glowing night shows creates a sense of wonder, fantasy, connection, and discovery in the great outdoors.
Nightly Shows: Tips for the Best Experience
After the first-ever Lumina Enchanted Night Walk at Anakeesta in the fall of 2022, shows have continued nightly. The schedule for the Astra Lumina attraction allows new groups to enter every 15 minutes between 6:00 and 9:15 p.m. Keep in mind times may vary and change according to the season, sunset, and weather.
- Allow 1.5 hours to enter the park and reach Astra Lumina at Anakeesta, taking a scenic chairlift or open-air truck to the top of the mountain.
- Enter the light show earlier than your scheduled time (up to 30 minutes max) when needed.
- Prepare to walk for 1 mile across uneven terrain along a gently sloping trail; wear closed-toe shoes.
- Keep in mind the natural forest path is not suitable for standard wheelchairs or non-sport strollers.
- Beware of any sensitivities to flashing lights, strobes, lasers, and theatrical fog featured in the experience.
Interactive Illuminated Adventures
Fill your evening itinerary with lighted activities for all ages, from leisurely walks with unbelievable vistas to playtime with the kids while stars shimmer overhead.
Treetop Skywalk
Rope bridges suspend among the treetops 50-60 feet above the forest floor as whimsical lanterns illuminate your path on the longest tree-based skywalk on the continent.
Insider Note: The evening Firefly Experience is coming in 2026, with mesmerizing glows throughout the trees in celebration of the synchronous firefly phenomenon in the Smokies.
Treehouse Village
Grab a few glow accessories in the shops before sending the kids into this village of treehouses to get out their wiggles on netted bridges, a plank walk, and a giant elevated bird nest.
AnaVista Tower
A 360-view observation tower nestled in Vista Gardens lights up at night, letting you get a closer look at the stars, city lights, and slumbering national park. It’s also the highest point in the park and downtown Gatlinburg — check out that AnaVista!
BirdVenture, TreeVenture & BearVenture
Higher energy resonates in 3 lit challenge courses for kids and adults, with a variety of bridges, swings, slides, and larger-than-life birdhouses.
Spectacular Sunset Meals Together
Pair your nighttime experience with a chef-prepared meal and incredible sunset vistas over the Smoky Mountains.
Clifftop Restaurant in Black Bear Village
Serving local craft beers paired with panoramic sunset views of Mt. LeConte, this mountaintop eatery features modern American cuisine, a full bar, and an outdoor deck. Munch on fried green tomatoes, bourbon salmon, chargrilled burgers, filet mignon, and house-made desserts — with breathtaking surroundings.
Smokehouse Restaurant in Firefly Village
Boasting smoked meats and a full bar with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer, this Appalachiah BBQ restaurant offers another outdoor space to unwind while the sun says goodnight. Take in 270-degree views of twilight skies and downtown lights while biting into pulled pork, brisket, and chicken wings.
Cozy Fireside Sips & Chats
Warming the evening air in Black Bear Village, Anakeesta’s firepit welcomes visitors to enjoy drinks and treats while chatting the night away. Grab a Tap House cocktail or sparkling wine, a Mimi’s Creamery cocoa, cold brew, or baked brownie sundae, or a Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery latte and artisanal cake, then settle in for fireside downtime.
If the firepit is full, there are plenty of benches and seating around the park to enjoy a sweet treat with a view. Plus, you can enjoy seasonal live music, special event decorations, or an outdoor movie while you relax.
Fun Before Nightfall at Anakeesta
Along with nighttime fun and entertainment, this magical park boasts loads of attractions to explore and enjoy during the day. After riding the scenic Chondola — a unique chairlift and gondola combo — or Ridge Rambler to the tippy top of Anakeesta Mountain, you can shop for souvenirs, dine at a variety of restaurants with mountain views, and play all day before nightfall experiences!
- Anakeesta Gem Mine — Search for gems or fossils with a waterfall & sluice.
- Dueling Zipline Adventure — Race your bestie as you zipline through the trees side by side!
- Hellbender Mountain Coaster — Zoom or coast with delightful views at every turn & drop.
- Splash Pad & Waterfall — Cool off with a brisk water activity in summer months.
- Vista Gardens — Stroll through seasonal blooms & take in mountain vistas.
- Willow Sculpture — Snap a selfie with Anakeesta’s 20-foot-tall forest advocate.
- Shoppes — Find mementos to take home in Firefly Village, Black Bear Village & Stone Village.
All attractions (minus Astra Lumina) are available during the day, so you can enjoy both daytime and nighttime experiences.
Entering the Park: Admission, Parking & More
Admission
All guests must purchase a general admission ticket (estimated pricing below) before experiencing illuminated activities, shopping and dining in the villages, or walking through Astra Lumina (add-on experience).
Luckily, you can purchase discounted combo tickets to cut down the cost. Grab admission tickets in advance to save even more cash — $2 cheaper per ticket! And groups of 20 or more can receive up to 15% off tickets to Anakeesta.
General Admission Cost
- Adult (ages 12-59): $28.99 – 37.99
- Senior (ages 60+): $16.99 – 25.99
- Child (ages 4-11): $21.99 – 30.99
- Infant (ages 3 and under): FREE always!
Astra Lumina Tickets
- All Ages: $17.99
Prices vary seasonally and are subject to change; check Anakeesta’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Parking
Paid parking is available near the Chondola (open-air chairlifts/gondolas) or Ridge Ramblers (guided vehicles) to reach this mountaintop theme park. Additional paid lots and garages are available throughout downtown Gatlinburg, so be sure to plan ahead for additional walking time.
Location
576 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Contact
865.325.2400
[email protected]
FAQ: Visiting Anakeesta at Night
Can you go to Anakeesta at night?
Absolutely! This Appalachian theme park lights up for evening experiences. Hours vary daily, with closing time bouncing between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Extended park hours in summer keep the fun going into the night.
Is Anakeesta worth visiting at night?
Yes! Nighttime at Anakeesta offers a slower pace and laid-back atmosphere, with cooler temperatures in hot weather and cozier vibes in fall and winter. Many attractions dazzle with lights for a magical evening experience, creating a new way to enjoy daytime favorites.
What nighttime activities are available?
Astra Lumina’s night walk through the stars offers an exclusive experience in Gatlinburg you won’t want to miss! Plus, kids can play among lit treehouses and challenge courses, while adults can stroll through the treetops, shop in villages, or dine with sunset mountain vistas.
What’s the best time to go to Anakeesta?
Anytime. Both nighttime and daytime activities offer fresh experiences for the whole family. You can play in the morning, leave for a midday nap, and return for a special evening experience. Summer, weekends, and holidays are the most crowded, so if you prefer short lines and wait times, visit midweek in off-seasons.
What should I wear to Anakeesta?
Closed-toe shoes, comfortable layers, and light purses (preferably fanny packs) are the best options so you can enjoy everything this park has to offer. If you have longer hair, consider bringing hair ties or braiding your locks for more adventurous activities.
Magical Moments at Your Gatlinburg Cabin
After experiencing the magic of Anakeesta at night, continue memorable moments at a charming Gatlinburg cabin. When you opt to stay with Cabins for YOU, you’ll have picturesque views of nature, amenities to entertain, relaxing luxuries, and the conveniences of home.
Play arcade games, swim in a private indoor pool, soak in a bubbly hot tub beneath a starlit sky, and sip wine fireside…for starters! Plus, you’ll be within minutes of the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as excellent attractions and more things to do in downtown Gatlinburg.
Book your cabin stay and get ready for a journey amongst falling stars, illuminated adventures, and scenic sunset dining atop Anakeesta Mountain at night!