Published October 27, 2025
Smoky Mountain Winterfest Ahead
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It's time to kick off a wonderful season of events in the Smokies as Wintefest time nears.
Winterfest Kick Offs are planned for November 6th in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge - 3:00pm to 6:00pm enjoy fireworks, a Veteran's Tribute, Lights and Live Entertainment. Sevierville hosts their kick off at the Civic Center on Dolly Parton Parkway with Live Entertainment, Lightings and more. Gatlinburg will be hosting it's 36th annual Chili Cook Off and it is quite a street party with everything you can imagine to do including the Chili and Dessert tasting. A spoon is $10. All events are FREE to attend.
The First Friday of every December is the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade that is very popular and always fun. It begins on the Parkway at 7:30pm.
The Island hosts their Tree Lighting on November 22, at 5:00pm, another fabulous, free event for families and friends.
Also free, donations encouraged, is the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees, always held through the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in Gatlinburg. It is a fabulous way to kick off the season.
These are just some of the fabulous events in the area. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas will be in full swing along with 15 million lights over a 25 mile stretch all along the Parkway to amaze and really bring on that Holiday Spirit.
