Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff

Gatlinburg kicks off its annual Winter Magic Celebration with an official countdown into the holiday season. The city is bright with the sights and sounds of the season featuring thousands of twinkling lights, one-of-a-kind LED 11 lighting displays, and the lighting of city Christmas tree located on the plaza at traffic light #3.

For more than 30 years, the city of Gatlinburg has celebrated the beginning of Winterfest with its annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Beans. The tradition continues with live entertainment and mouth watering chili sampling, with mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous.

The Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff will take place in the Shade Tree Parking Lot in front of the Gatlinburg Convention Center.