11/12/2026
Get DirectionsThe Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff returns to downtown Gatlinburg on November 12, 2026. Enjoy chili tastings, live entertainment, ice skating, visits with Santa, family activities and the illumination of more than one million Winter Magic lights.
Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff 2026
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Venue: Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway
Event Area: Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark
Address: 611–765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738Festival Admission: Free and open to the public
Chili Tasting: $10 wristband for guests ages 5 and older
Wristband Availability: Sold only at the event on a first-come, first-served basis
Bundle up and experience a festive evening in the heart of downtown during the Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff. This popular Smoky Mountain tradition returns to the Parkway on Thursday, November 12, 2026, bringing holiday activities, entertainment and plenty of delicious chili to downtown Gatlinburg.
The street-style festival stretches along the Parkway from Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark. Guests can enjoy live music and entertainment on the main stage, a DJ party, holiday carolers, arts and crafts vendors and seasonal activities for the entire family.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments is the official illumination of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic displays. More than one million LED lights transform downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland and mark the beginning of the city’s holiday season.
Festival activities are expected to include an ice-skating rink, a Christmas tree farm, photos with Santa, carnival games, festive photo opportunities, a giant inflatable snow globe and a whimsical inflatable maze. Event merchandise, including commemorative sweatshirts and T-shirts, will also be available.
The festival itself is free and open to everyone. Guests ages 5 and older who would like to sample chili from participating restaurants, attractions and community organizations must purchase a $10 tasting wristband. Wristbands will only be sold at the event and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
Come hungry, dress warmly and get ready to welcome the holiday season with flavorful chili, glowing lights and festive family fun in downtown Gatlinburg.
Event Highlights
- Chili tastings from local restaurants and organizations
- More than one million Winter Magic lights
- Live music and main-stage entertainment
- DJ party and holiday carolers
- Ice-skating rink
- Christmas tree farm
- Photos with Santa
- Arts and crafts vendors
- Carnival games and inflatable attractions
- Giant inflatable snow globe
- Holiday photo opportunities
- Commemorative event merchandise
- Free festival admission
Stay Near the Celebration
Turn the Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff into a memorable Smoky Mountain getaway with Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins. After an evening of chili tastings, holiday entertainment and sparkling lights, retreat to a comfortable cabin with space for the entire family.
Choose from cabins throughout Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains featuring amenities such as private hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, theater rooms, mountain views and private indoor pools.