The Gatlinburg community celebrates each holiday with high spirits and decorations around downtown Gatlinburg. Although not the busiest months, the winter months seem to be the tourists’ favorite time to visit Gatlinburg. Probably the ambiance that Gatlinburg TN provided through the cold winter month. Something about relaxing in one of our Gatlinburg cabins in front of a fire on a cold day!

Throughout the winter month Gatlinburg hosts many different festivals and activities to show their holiday spirit. Normally, each month is kicked off with a different festival. On November 5 the Winter Magic Kicks off, along with the Chili Cook-Off. Despite the Winter Magic Kick Off, November 5th is mostly about the Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off.

Chili vendors from the surrounding areas will be brewing up their very own recipe of chili. There will by all types of chilies with different spices and hidden secrets for you to taste!! There are twenty - five booths available for vendors. For just a small fee of $7 you can taste as many spoonfuls of chili that you that you can handle.

At the end of the day you will be held responsible for voting for the awards that are given out after the many “taste test“ spoonfuls. There will be an award given for the best taste and booth presentation. There will also be an award given out for the best decorated aprons and the most unique chili name. Who knew that cooking chili could be so fun? During the chili cook-off the official “flip of the switch” will be included in the festivities. The “flipping of the switch” is were the Gatlinburg TN community flips the power source to millions of lights and turns the downtown Gatlinburg area into a winter wonderland. So be sure to bring the kids along to celebrate the beginning of the winter holidays!