Anakeesta Launches Holiday Theme Experience in Tennessee

Anakeesta, a mountain-based adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has announced the launch of its 'Journey to the North Pole' event. The seasonal experience will operate from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, transforming the park's summit into a themed holiday attraction.

The initiative features a reimagining of the park’s primary access point, with the Crystal Express gondola operating under the branding of 'North Pole Express.' Once at the summit, visitors will access multiple themed zones, including a Santa's workshop area and a decorated pathway known as Wonderland Way. The event concludes at the park’s peak, AnaVista Tower.

Among the new additions is 'Santa's Flight,' an installation on the Treetop Skywalk that utilizes lighting and musical accompaniment to simulate a holiday narrative. The park will also implement a seasonal food and beverage menu alongside daily live performances to support the initiative.

Founding partner Bob Bentz stated that the expansion of holiday programming follows previous successful seasonal installations. The park aims to leverage its existing infrastructure to maintain attendance during the late-year tourism period.