Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff

For more than 30 years, the city of Gatlinburg has celebrated the beginning of Winterfest with its annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Beans. The tradition continues with live entertainment and mouth watering chili sampling, with mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous.

This year the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff will take place in the Shade Tree Parking Lot in front of the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Special guest and TikTok sensation Hanna Dasher will be the entertainment at the event.

City leaders will participate in an official lighting ceremony for Smoky Mountain Winterfest that features millions of twinkling lights adorning Gatlinburg Winter Magic light displays throughout the city.

Tickets are required for the 2022 event. Due to the popularity of this event, it’s recommended that you buy them in advance. Standard tickets are $15 and VIP tickets are $20. VIP ticketholders receive admission at 5:00 pm before everyone else at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. No refunds.