Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff will Kickoff the Winter Magic Lights
Nothing warms the heart, body, and soul more than the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff that will precede the turning on of the glorious holiday light display known as Winter Magic. I have always wanted to witness this, and fill myself up with way too many samples of chili. Here are a few details of these two annual November events.
The Chili Cookoff is a tradition spanning over 30 years serving as an appetizer to the beginning of Winterfest. The lights that are hung and displayed in every nook and cranny of this tourist town have been a work in progress for close a month. That is why you can see some in October, but the glow from them all won’t be seen until November 10.
The location of the Chili Cookoff this year will be in front of the Convention Center at the Shade Tree Parking Lot. The popularity of the event makes it highly recommended you buy tickets in advance. Standard tickets are $15, but a VIP one worth $20 will give you access to the event at 5 instead of 5:30. Then you’ll get a head start at trying the various chilis made by many businesses looking for bragging rights, as you the visitor has a say in the People Choice winner!
During the event, you’ll be hearing from Country singer Hannah Dasher, who is also sure to try some of the mouth-watering chili recipes, because she is quite the foodie who gained a massive following playing one on TikTok.
Finally, the lighting of Gatlinburg into a Christmas Wonderland will be done by city leaders at approximately 8. Millions of lights will instantly bring a smile to millions of visitors who will be viewing the city lit up in a super-spirited sight over the next several months. If you miss them prior to Christmas, you can still stay in the holiday mood until the end of February when they finally come down.
As I’ve mentioned, it’s my intent to one day be here for an evening of chili and celebration of lights. Unfortunately, I just missed the event last year. I don’t think it’s ever a disappointment to have all your senses filled with joy in Gatlinburg in a matter of a few hours.