Gatlinburg's 26th Annual Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff 2015

 Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 26th annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown.

 Gatlinburg will kickoff the 26th year of Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff on Wednesday, November 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. City dignitaries will signify the start of Gatlinburg Winter Magic with a ceremonial lighting of more than 3 million lights throughout the city.

This year, Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff fall on Veterans Day and in tribute, Gatlinburg will honor all service men and women with the annual Veterans Day Celebration on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza at 11 a.m. Gatlinburg’s Veterans Day Celebration is recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an official site for the observance of Veterans Day. In accordance with honoring our military, The Ladies for Liberty will provide entertainment for Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff. The Ladies for Liberty perform in WWII Andrews Sisters style with their own rendition of vocals, costumes and the spirit of patriotism reminiscent of the 1940s. The Ladies have performed at patriotic ceremonies around the U.S. and their act is done in order “to honor America – the Greatest Nation on Earth!”

Smoky Mountain Winterfest has had significant economic impact on holiday tourism in Sevier County. Since its debut in 1989 to 2013, the unemployment rate dropped from 14% to 4.5% for the months during Winterfest. Lodging occupancy increased from 20% to 65% in that same time frame across the county.

Participants in Chili Cookoff will be competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award, Best Booth Presentation and Best Apron. While the street event is free, tickets for chili sampling are $10. There is also a special edition t-shirt available for purchase.

We have rooms available for this special event. Call or visit our website and book your stay today! We look forward to seeing you very soon! We will be decorating the Lodge the following week. So make plans to come see us during Winterfest you will be happy you did! Wish you were here!