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Gatlinburg’s Most Cherished Holiday Tradition Returns and Brighter Than Ever!Get ready to bundle up, sip something warm, and feel the magic in the mountain air because the 37th Annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff is back and returning to 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. When the switch is flipped, the mountains come alive with holiday spirit, marking the start of a season filled with joy, laughter, and community.
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 “Snomazing” 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.
EVENT DETAILS:
-This event is FREE and OPEN to everyone.
-Downtown street-style festival on the main Parkway in Gatlinburg starting at Mountain Mall and going to Gatlinburg SkyPark
-There will be Live Music & Entertainment on the main stage
-Ice Skating Rink and the whimsical “Snomazing” Inflatable Maze
-Carolers spreading holiday cheer throughout the event
-Be sure to visit the Christmas Tree Farm and Photos with Santa
-There will be a variety of Carnival Games, Photo Ops, and a Giant Inflatable Snow Globe throughout the Parkway
-Event Merchandise including sweatshirts and t-shirts are available for purchase at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center
-Special Guest appearance by The Master Mentalist, Erik Dobell, performing mind-bending illusions
CHILI COOKOFF
Adding even more flavor to this festive evening, guests can purchase a Chili and Dessert Tasting Wristband for $10 to sample a delicious variety of chili and dessert recipes from local chefs, restaurants, and community groups. From timeless family favorites to bold new creations, each bowl is filled with heart and hometown pride. Sample all 20 chili entries, savor every bite, and then cast your vote for your favorites in the People’s Choice Awards for Best Chili and Best Dessert.
Chili and Dessert Tasting Wristbands are available for ages 5 and up and can be purchased only at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no presale tickets and no refunds for chili tasting, so come early and bring your appetite for one of Gatlinburg’s tastiest traditions.
Chili & Dessert Tasting Wristbands (ages 5 & up): $10 per person - Purchase wristbands AT THE EVENT ONLY on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chili Participants: Ober Mountain • WVLT • Sunliner Diner • Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies • Sevier County Food Ministries • Vacasa • Gatlinburg Police Department • Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg • Gatlinburg Fire Department • Puckers Sports Grill • Loco Burro • Anakeesta • Dick’s Last Resort • TN Homemade Wines • Ole Smoky Moonshine • Myron Mixon’s • Gatlinburg SkyPark
Dessert Participants: The Melting Pot • Taco Trail • Sugar Baby
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The night wouldn’t be complete without incredible live music filling the streets of downtown Gatlinburg! This year’s entertainment lineup features two show-stopping acts bringing unforgettable performances to the main stage.
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
Born in the holler of Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run carries the spirit of tradition into every note. Since forming in 2018, the band has been on a mission to blend the roots of traditional bluegrass with the energy of modern performance, crafting a sound that’s both deeply authentic and refreshingly original. Their heartfelt songwriting and dynamic musicianship combine bluegrass, classic country, and folk in a way that resonates with fans old and new. Their acclaimed albums Traveling Kind (2020) and In Dreams I Go Back (2022) have solidified their reputation as one of bluegrass’s most exciting modern acts, with songs like “One More Night” and “My, My, My,” the latter earning S.P.B.G.M.A.’s 2023 Song of the Year.
DEK of Hearts
A powerhouse trio blending country, pop, and bluegrass influences, DEK of Hearts gained national attention on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice, earning a four-chair turn and captivating millions of viewers with their seamless harmonies and magnetic stage presence. Formed after graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University, the group Dylan John (Munroe Falls, OH), Emily Clapp (Terre Haute, IN), and Kollin Bailey (Marshfield, MO) merges soulful vocals, rich instrumentation, and heartfelt storytelling to create a fresh, genre-crossing sound. Winners of Tennessee Songwriters Week, they debuted at The Bluebird Café and recently recorded their first single, Taillights, produced by Nick Schwarz, whose credits include country and CCM No. 1 hits. With their blend of pop energy and country soul, DEK of Hearts is redefining the modern country-pop trio.
Join us downtown for this unforgettable kickoff to Gatlinburg’s winter season, where the glow of a million lights, the warmth of homemade chili, and the rhythm of live music create a night filled with pure Smoky Mountain magic.
More information: https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-winter-magic-kickoff-%26-chili-cookoff/16/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Gatlinburg Tennessee, 373 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4963, United States
Tickets
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