Gatlinburg Winter Festival & 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, giggle your way through the whimsical inflatable maze, 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 sweatshirts and t-shirts, perfect for remembering your magical mountain night.

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.