7 Spots in the Smokies to Buy Holiday Gifts

Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Mountain Mall is a classic shopping center with a distinctly Smoky Mountain feel. You’ll find specialty shops featuring candy, jewelry, quilts, dolls, leather goods, handmade crafts, mountain souvenirs and holiday gifts. You can cross off several people from your holiday gift list here, and the charming variety found in this unique mall makes it feel nostalgic in the best way.

If your ideal day of holiday shopping involves charming cobblestone paths, a cup of hot cocoa, holiday decorations, and boutique browsing, then the Village Shops in Gatlinburg is the place for you. This European-style collection of two dozen specialty shops spread across an outdoor shopping center is perfect for finding unique gifts all in one spot, from fine art to locally crafted candles. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, especially during the holiday season when it feels like a Christmas market straight out of a childhood story!

Spanning an 8-mile loop just outside of Gatlinburg, this community is home to the largest group of independent artisans in the country. You can drive or walk (or take the trolley!) to studios showcasing pottery, quilts, stained glass, jewelry, painting and other handcrafted works of art. Each shop has its own personality, and you’ll often get to meet the artists themselves. It’s a wonderful way to find gifts that are truly unique, and to support the local artists who help make the Smokies a special place.

Tucked away in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, Black Bear Crafts is a treasure trove of handcrafted local art. This family-run shop has been making pottery, wood art and wreaths in Gatlinburg for over 20 years, with every piece created in their studio. You’ll find ceramic rustic motifs like bears and cabins, as well as fresh-baked pies, making this the perfect place to pick up a gift or a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the Smokies.

This iconic family-run Smoky Mountain shop has been handcrafting wood art in Gatlinburg since 1944! Visitors can often watch the whittlers at work, transforming pieces of wood into lifelike bears, eagles and rustic home decor. Whether you’re looking for a carved figurine to add to your holiday decorations or a statement piece for someone special, picking up a holiday gift from the Wood Whittlers will carry the heart of the Smokies back with you.

If you’re ready to dive into the Christmas spirit, Santa’s Claus-et in Gatlinburg is your Tennessee North Pole. Known as the Smokies’ largest Christmas store, this festive wonderland has everything from collectible ornaments and holiday decorations to whimsical gifts you didn’t know you needed. You can also visit with Santa from September 1 through just before Christmas! The shop also offers ornament personalization, so you can add a special touch to commemorate your Smokies vacation or surprise someone with a custom keepsake.

Located in downtown Gatlinburg, this quirky little shop is filled with everything from locally made candles to handmade bird feeders to wind chimes. From cheeky novelty gifts to that perfect outdoorsy gift for the nature lover in your life, Ranger Bob’s in Gatlinburg is one of those stores where you never know exactly what you’ll find—and that’s half the fun of the holiday gift hunt in the Smokies!