GATLINBURG — The city of Gatlinburg is set to host its annual Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The free, family-friendly event will run from 5 to 9 p.m., transforming downtown Gatlinburg into a festive gathering place adorned with holiday lights, live entertainment, and seasonal activities.
The festival will stretch along the Parkway, from Mountain Mall to Gatlinburg SkyPark, inviting both residents and visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season under more than one million twinkling LED lights. Attendees can expect live music from Neon Saddle and a DJ party, opportunities to visit arts and crafts vendors, participate in carnival games, and explore festive photo opportunities throughout the downtown area.
Families will also have access to an ice-skating rink, axe throwing, holiday carolers, and a Christmas tree farm. Opportunities for photos with Santa and writing letters to Santa will also be available. Event merchandise will be offered for purchase during the festival.
A central feature of the evening, the Chili Cook-Off, will showcase chili and dessert entries from local chefs, restaurants, and various community groups. Guests can sample the competing recipes and cast their votes in the People’s Choice Awards for both Best Chili and Best Dessert. This cook-off is free and open to the public, aiming to celebrate local culinary talent and community pride.
Chad Netherland, president and CEO of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted that "Gatlinburg comes alive during the winter season, and the Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off is a wonderful way to bring our community and visitors together to celebrate."
For those seeking an enhanced festival experience, a new VIP package will be available for purchase to guests aged 21 and older. This premium offering includes dedicated parking and an escorted visit to Sugarlands Distilling Co. beginning at 3 p.m. VIP guests will receive a complimentary distillery tasting, two complimentary cocktails at the distillery’s back porch cocktail bar, a VIP swag bag, and a 10% discount on purchases at Sugarlands Distilling Co. Additionally, VIP access includes a dedicated chili cook-off line, designated event seating, and a bar setup featuring samples from Sugarlands Distilling Co. Access to the Sugarlands Hidden Stave Speakeasy will be available upon request. VIP tickets and further details are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
Alongside the seasonal festivities, Gatlinburg is promoting community giving through Gatlinburg Cares, a food drive organized by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with Sevier County Food Ministries and Food City. Donations of nonperishable food items will be collected through November 15, 2026, at participating Gatlinburg businesses and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center to support families across Sevier County. Festival attendees are also encouraged to bring donations to the Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off on November 12.
Requested items for the food drive include pop-top canned goods, canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter and grape jelly, single-serve rice pouches, protein bars, and shelf-stable milk. Collection boxes for these donations are located at Anakeesta, Bennett’s Pit BBQ, Dick’s Last Resort Gatlinburg, Fat Bear Family Tavern, Myron Mixon, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Ober Gatlinburg, Ole Red, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and The Casual Pint locations in Sevierville and Knoxville. The final day for donations at these collection points is Sunday, November 15. This community-wide effort aims to provide essential food resources to local families during the holiday season.
Additional information about the event and other seasonal experiences in Gatlinburg can be found by visiting Gatlinburg.com.
