10/12/2026
❄️🌶️ BIG NEWS for Gatlinburg’s Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff! 🎄
Gatlinburg has released some exciting new details about this year’s Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff, happening November 12, 2026, and there is SO much to look forward to! 🤩
First things first… GENERAL ADMISSION AND CHILI TASTING ARE COMPLETELY FREE! 🙌 No tickets or wristbands required!
Here’s what you can expect this year:
⛸️ Ice skating
🪓 Axe throwing
🎄 A Christmas tree farm
❄️ A giant walk-in snow globe for photos
🎶 Live music from Neon Saddle
🌶️ 20 chili cookoff contestants
🛍️ 13 additional vendors offering crafts, desserts, beverages, and more!
🎟️ NEW VIP EXPERIENCE!
For those wanting to make the evening extra special, there’s also a VIP experience available! Perks include dedicated parking, a VIP swag bag, complimentary cocktails and tastings at Sugarlands Distilling Co., reserved seating, and even VIP access to skip the chili tasting lines!
VIP tickets are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003310356203
❤️ GATLINBURG CARES COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE
This year, Gatlinburg is also partnering with Sevier County Food Ministries and Food City to collect 15,000 food items for local families!
From October 19 through November 12, visitors and locals can donate nonperishable food items at participating Gatlinburg businesses and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. Donations will also be encouraged at the festival!
✨ One more important update: Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic lights will already be turned on the week before the festival, so this event will NOT be the official kickoff of the lights this year!
A huge thank you to festival sponsors Bush’s Beans and Bryant Beef for helping make this event possible!
I absolutely LOVE seeing Gatlinburg come alive for the holiday season, and this sounds like such a fun way to celebrate! 🎄❤️
Who’s planning to attend this year?! 🌶️❄️
Get ready to chill and thrill with awesome winter vibes and the hottest chili cookoff around! Don't miss out on the new VIP experience.