Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cook-off
Downtown Gatlinburg transforms into a glowing wonderland with over one million LED lights for an open-air street festival along the Parkway. Visitors can sample chili and dessert recipes from local chefs and vote for their favorites in the People's Choice Awards. The event also features an outdoor ice skating rink, an inflatable maze, live music, roaming carolers, and photos with Santa at the Christmas Tree Farm.
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Gatlinburg
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Admission is free and open to everyone; the chili cook-off is free and open to the public. Event merchandise, including sweatshirts and t-shirts, is available for purchase; no merchandise prices are stated.
Hours
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Neighborhood
Downtown Gatlinburg
Food & Drink
Guests can sample chili and dessert recipes from local chefs, restaurants, and community groups, then vote for Best Chili and Best Dessert.
Parking
Public and private parking lots and garages are located throughout downtown Gatlinburg.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Dress warmly for the outdoor Parkway festival; the event encourages guests to bundle up and mentions sipping something warm.
- Walk the Parkway from Mountain Mall toward Gatlinburg SkyPark to take in the festival activities along the route.
- Try the chili and dessert entries before casting your votes in the People’s Choice Awards.
- Use one of Gatlinburg’s downtown public or private parking lots or garages when driving to the festival.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free admission for everyone.
- The chili cook-off is free and open to the public.
- The People’s Choice Awards let attendees vote for Best Chili and Best Dessert.
Links & Contact
Run by Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can visitors do at the festival?
Stroll the Parkway, see the lights, enjoy live music and carolers, skate, explore the inflatable maze, and visit carnival games and photo spots.
What is included in the chili cook-off?
Guests can sample chili and dessert recipes from local chefs, restaurants and community groups, then vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Awards.
Is the festival suitable for families?
The event is open to everyone and includes activities such as an inflatable maze, carnival games, photos with Santa and an ice skating rink.
Can visitors get food and warm drinks?
Guests can sample chili and desserts, and the event encourages visitors to sip something warm.
Where can I park nearby?
Gatlinburg has public and private parking lots and garages throughout downtown, including options along the Parkway.
Browse Christmas in Maryville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.