Winterfest In The Smokies 2025

Autumn Special Events In Sevier County: October 2025 Events

September 24, 2025

Published by Smoky Mountain Guide on October 5, 2025

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We’re in the first throes of Autumn, the first days of October with many of the leaves yet to change, but this is the right time to start talking about Winterfest for those who plan to attend it – particularly for the Thanksgiving or even the Christmas seasons and proximities. Mypigeonforge.com, Gatlinburg.com and Visitsevierville.com have this to say about Winterfest for the 2025-2026 seasons:

Pigeon Forge:
Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration
11/6/25 – 2/15/26

“Draped in more than 6 million holiday lights, the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy. The lights of Winterfest shine bright from early November until February. From winter light displays to captivating holiday shows and so much more, here are just a few of the fun ways you can experience the delightful Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration.

Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail
Pigeon Forge Winterfest keeps getting bigger and brighter! When the city-wide festival begins on November 6, visitors will get to experience the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. In all, more than one million LED lights were added to the city’s Winterfest displays.

Winterfest Kickoff
The Winterfest Kickoff event takes place on Nov. 6 in the city’s Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave.), beginning at 3:15 p.m. The festivities will conclude with the activation of six million lights throughout the city. Performances by the Pigeon Forge High School Choir, Carl Wayne Meekins and Bryson quick will precede the presentation of colors by the Veterans Military Honor Guard of Pigeon Forge. Following this presentation, 101st Airborne U.S. Army Band will perform. The Pigeon Forge Veterans Tribute will conclude with a special patriotic fireworks display. All Winterfest kickoff event entertainment is free. Free parking is available in the city’s Municipal and Mountain parking lots located just off Teaster Lane. A variety of food trucks will offer guests dining options for purchase throughout the event.”

Gatlinburg:
Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
11/6/25

“Gatlinburg’s cherished holiday tradition returns to the heart of the city as the 37th Annual Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff lights up the downtown Gatlinburg once again! This year’s event marks a long-awaited return to downtown on the Parkway, bringing even more sparkle and celebration to the very center of town. The evening will come alive with the official launch of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic, featuring the stunning illumination of more than one million LED lights. As the lights are switched on, downtown transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, setting the stage for a festive season filled with enchantment. With this event returning to the Parkway, the expanded light displays, and the unbeatable combination of community, music, and chili, Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff promises an unforgettable start to the winter season. Join us as we flip the switch and kick off winter with warmth, flavor, and magic.

Adding to the “magic” is the beloved Chili Cookoff, where local chefs, restaurants, and civic groups compete for bragging rights as they serve up steaming bowls of homemade chili—from classic recipes to fiery, creative twists. Guests can sample each entry and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award.

This year’s event will take place on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, offering convenient access to all the lights, flavors, and festivities. Admission to the Winter Magic Kickoff Celebration is FREE and kicks off at 5 PM. Tickets for the chili tasting are $10 per wristband and includes unlimited chili tastings.”

Sevierville:
Winterfest Events
11/7/25 – 2/16/26

“Sevierville and her sister cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are all decked out in lights during the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration.

Viewing Smoky Mountain Winterfest lights with friends and family is a great way to get in the holiday spirit – and with more than 15 million lights in a 25-mile stretch, there’s certainly plenty to see!

Special Winterfest attractions, like Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026), add to the excitement. This drive through LED light and music experience is considered one of the most immersive drive-through Christmas experiences on Earth. To add to the excitement, continue to Snowy Mountain Village inside Soaky Mountain for family activities, treats, and more November 15-17, 22-30, and December 1-30.

Christmas events highlight the joys of the season. Downtown Sevierville offers plenty of holiday merriment the first weekend of December. On Thursday, December 4, enjoy an old-fashioned tree lighting at the Sevier County Courthouse complete with children’s crafts, photos with Santa, delicious holiday snacks and music during Christmas at the Courthouse from 5:30pm until 8:30pm EST.

Then on Saturday, December 6, begin the day with Sevierville’s 63rd Annual Christmas Parade at 11am EST. This traditional hometown parade is a great way to add a little more joy to the holidays.”