Winterfest Cookoff Weekend 2023

Winterfest Cookoff and kickoff events are in full swing again! Traditionally, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have had their Winterfest kickoff events go alongside each other, either one day after the other or even on the same night, but this year we just happen to have a slew of Winterfest events all going on within 48 hours of each other that those who are visiting the Smokies to enjoy the kickoff will find adding even more to their visit!

Let’s get’em all lined up:

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
November 9th

From Mypigeonforge.com:
“During Winterfest, Pigeon Forge is draped in more than 6 million holiday lights, creating a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy during the city’s annual Winterfest celebration. The lights of Winterfest shine from November 9, 2023 until February 18, 2024. On the eve of Veterans Day, a music-filled veterans tribute, featuring a performance by the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) U.S. Army Band, will kickoff Pigeon Forge’s annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration on Nov. 9. Veterans of all branches of the U.S. armed services are invited and encouraged to attend.

Winterfest kickoff events take place in the city’s Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave.) and begin at 3 p.m. with a veterans tribute and concerts by the local high school choruses. The Veterans Military Honor Guard of Pigeon Forge will present the colors in honor of each U.S. military branch. The 101st Airborne (Air Assault) U.S. Army Band, an active-duty U.S. Army band stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, takes the stage at 6:15 p.m. for a free 45-minute tribute concert. Specializing in horn-driven funk and dance music, the band performs at formal events, festivals, and concert venues for service members and the public.

The Pigeon Forge Winterfest kickoff event concludes with the activation of six million lights throughout the city followed by a show-stopping fireworks display. All Winterfest kickoff event entertainment is free. Free parking is available in the city’s Municipal and Mountain parking lots located just off Teaster Lane. A variety of food trucks will offer guests dining options for purchase throughout the event.”

See more on this event at
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-winterfest-kickoff.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Chili Cookoff
November 9th

From Gatlinburg.com:
“Celebrate the kickoff of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic at the 34th Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Chili Beans. Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, Gatlinburg hosts this annual event on Thursday, November 9 from 5 to 8 PM at our new location in the Shade Tree Parking lot (120 Airport Road). Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.

On The Border, The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band, has been announced as entertainment for the 2023 Winter Magic Celebration Kickoff. We are excited to have them back for a fun, throwback kind of night starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, November 9, kicking off the Winter season in Gatlinburg.

* Tickets will be required for entry to 2023 Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off.
* Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.
* Due to the popularity of this event, we strongly suggest you purchase tickets in advance.
* There will be no refunds for this event.
* VIP tickets are $50 per person for early entry beginning at 4 p.m. This will get you in to the International Chili Society Cookoff and get to experience some of the best chili around.
* Early Access tickets are $30 per person for early entry for the Chili Cookoff at 5:00pm
* General Admission tickets are $20 per person beginning at 5:30 p.m.
* Ages 5 & up must have a ticket for entry. Under 5 are free, but will not be given a spoon for sampling.”

See more on this event at
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-winter-magic-%26-chili-cookoff/16/.

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta
November 10th

From Gatlinburg.com:
“When the sun sets in the smokies Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights during our Enchanted Christmas celebration. Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy, then stroll through our magical villages and enjoy delicious dining and a mountain of light displays that will fill your heart with winter cheer. Included with general admission to the park. Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us at Anakeesta for a delightfully enchanted breakfast this Christmas season with a very special guest, Santa Claus himself! Tickets to our Breakfast with Santa event include EARLY access to Anakeesta before other guests arrive, all-day access to the park, a delicious breakfast served at Cliff Top, a sing-a-long, and a professional photo with Santa himself! A wonderful breakfast at our restaurant, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, with Ole’ Saint Nick is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and is sure to be a joyful moment and memory for you and your whole family! Tickets on sale now!”

See more on this event at
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/enchanted-christmas-at-anakeesta/450/.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Celebration Lights Tour
November 10th

From Gatlinburg.com:
“For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.

This year, we are offering a self-guided tour with a map of the light display locations, download it here.”

See more on this event at
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-winter-magic-celebration/26/.

Veterans Day Celebration
November 11th

From Gatlinburg.com:
“For more than 20 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Veterans Day with a tribute to honor the United States Military service members and veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee recognizes the ceremony as an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day. This year’s ceremony will take place at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza.

The event is free to the public.”

See more on this event at
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/veterans-day-celebration/34/.