Smoky Mountain News

As fall turns into winter, visitors and local residents alike come to see the Winterfest celebrations. There will be incredible kick off events like the popular: Sevierville Music, Lights, and Magic, Pigeon Forge Winterfest, and Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Throughout the town there will be numerous light displays. With more lights added each and every year, the Smoky Mountains transform into a stunningly beautiful sight with millions of lights to illuminate the area. Drawing thousands of visitors to these events and festivals creates memorable experiences for everyone!

Sevierville Winterfest

The city of Sevierville will kick off “Music, Lights and Magic” on November 8th in Downtown Sevierville. Come and enjoy FREE food, local entertainment and kid’s games. Moving on into the evening there will be an amazing display of fireworks,  wrapping up with “flipping the switch” to turn on all the area lights. To enhance the fun and see Winterfest a whole new way 3D glasses will be available at the Sevierville Visitors Center. Experience the adventure of Smoky Mountain Winterfest in 3D!

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Join us this year for the 21st Annual Winterfest kick off on November 9th at Patriot Park. Recognized as one of the top events in the entire country, Pigeon Forge Winterfest is a favorite tradition among many people. The festivities will begin in the heart of town with the talented students of the Pigeon Forge Middle and High School. There will also be a concert of holiday music by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and fantastic bluegrass music from Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier!

Pigeon Forge Winterfest is fun for the whole family including: games for the kids, several food vendors, and when the switch is flipped it will reveal 5 million twinkling lights. Prepare to celebrate in Pigeon Forge and uncover true holiday magic!

Gatlinburg Winterfest

Hosting the 21st Annual “Winter Magic,” Gatlinburg Winterfest kicks off on November 10th from 5pm to 8pm on the Downtown Parkway. To start the celebration, 3 million lights will be turned on with visibly dazzling fireworks and live entertainment by the Marvelettes! Additional Winter Magic entertainment by:

• The Grassabillies
• Steve Brown and Hurricane Ridge
• The Holloway Sisters
• Boogertown Gap

Performing around Gatlinburg, in various locations, will also be Belly Dancers and Street Magic! Everyone can enjoy the illuminated exhibits, winter forests, and animated displays up to 40 feet tall!

Don’t forget to participate in the Annual Chili Cookoff by sampling the best chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses. There will be 20 organizations serving up kettles of chili for this delicious and mouth-watering event. Later on, dare to enter the Hot Chili Eating Contests sponsored by All Sauced Up, and try to scarf down the fiery chili the fastest!

Aftering buying a ticket for $8, receive a spoon and a voting ballot. Casting votes for:

• People’s Choice Award

Judges will also be selecting winners for:

• Best Taste
• Booth Presentation
• Apron Design
• Most Unique Chili Name

Winterfest Savings

Many attractions present holiday shows: Black Bear Jamboree Christmas, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Titanic’s Winter Wonderland, and more. With discount lodging rates and all the fun, theres is no time quite like Winterfest. Book your vacation now!