Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff
Get ready to bundle up, sip something warm, and feel the magic in the mountain air because the Annual Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cook-off is back and on the Parkway for a celebration that’s as heartwarming as it is dazzling!
As twilight falls, downtown Gatlinburg transforms into a sparkling wonderland, glowing with over one million twinkling LED lights that dance across the night sky.
Take a stroll along the Parkway from Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. This street-style festival brings live music and entertainment, where the rhythms of the holidays echo through the crisp mountain air. Let your inner child run free at the ice skating rink, show off your skills at the axe throwing booth, and warm your heart with the carolers spreading cheer along the way.
Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Farm and Photos with Santa, where twinkling lights and merry smiles make memories you’ll cherish forever. All along the Parkway, you’ll find carnival games, festive photo ops, and even a giant inflatable snow globe that feels straight out of a storybook.
And of course, no Gatlinburg celebration would be complete without something to take home — browse cozy event t-shirts, perfect for remembering your magical mountain night.
This year there is a VIP Experience available for those who want to elevate their time in Gatlinburg and visit one of our local distilleries before the event starts. This experience also will allow the VIP pass holders to bypass the long chili lines with their own VIP line at the booths. For more information and how to purchase tickets click here.
This event is FREE and open to everyone, so gather your loved ones and join us for an evening that captures the very heart of the holidays – a place where the lights shine brighter, the chili tastes sweeter, and the memories last a lifetime.
Gatlinburg Cares: Community Food Drive
This year, Gatlinburg is giving back this holiday season!
Gatlinburg is known for its warm hospitality, beautiful mountain views, and the memories made here. Now, you can make a difference in the community that makes your visit special!
The Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with Sevier County Food Ministries and Food City to help fight hunger and support local families through a community-wide food drive.
From now through November 12, visitors and residents alike are invited to give back by donating nonperishable food items at participating Gatlinburg businesses and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or you call Gatlinburg home, a small act of kindness can make a big difference for our neighbors in Sevier County.
What Can You Donate?
We’re collecting the following items to help support local families:
- Pop-top canned goods
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Peanut butter and grape jelly
- Single-serve rice pouches
- Protein bars
- Shelf-stable milk
