5 Reasons You’ll Love the Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff

What’s the best way to stay warm during the winter? A big bowl of chili, of course! You’re guaranteed to be nice and toasty at the annual Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff. On November 13 from 5pm – 8 pm, some of the best chefs in the Smoky Mountains will compete to be Gatlinburg’s chili champions. Located on the downtown Parkway, this classic event is just minutes away from our Gatlinburg chalets. Here are the top five reasons you and your family will love the Chili Cookoff:
1. It’s time to turn on the Christmas lights!
At the start of the cookoff, the city of Gatlinburg is going to turn on millions of festive LED lights. You are guaranteed to feel the excitement of the holiday season when you see these twinkling lights illuminate downtown.
2. Everyone is a judge.
In addition to a panel of judges comprised of chili experts, chefs will also compete for the People’s Choice Award. For $10 you will be able to sample all of the fantastic chili at the cookoff and cast your vote for your favorite bowl. Tickets can be purchased here.
3. There is a hilarious chili eating contest.
Can you handle the heat? Brave competitors with hearty appetites will enter the annual chili eating contest, in which contestants scarf down bowls of spicy chili that get progressively hotter with each round.
4. Excellent live music.
Fiddle virtuoso Natalie Stovall has performed at the White House and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Now she and her band The Drive will bring their high energy country music to the Chili Cookoff. They will be joined by the local band Tuatha Dea, talented musicians who play a unique blend of Celtic music and rock.
5. It’s very close to Alpine Chalet Rentals.
Our Gatlinburg chalets are right around the corner from the downtown area. With fully equipped kitchens, romantic fireplaces and panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, our chalets have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Visit our cabins page to find the perfect place to stay in the Smokies!