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Winterfest Gatlinburg TN 2012 Continues Annual Traditions

Winterfest signThe Gatlinburg, Tennessee Winterfest officially begins with the annual chili cook-off. Spending Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains offers people a “bit of the heavenly” holiday traditions that have been celebrated for generations. The setting is perfect for a winter vacation.

Gatlinburg is a very open and friendly community that welcomes people annually from around the world. The winter magic begins as October ends in the Smoky Mountains, as the fall season wraps up and Gatlinburg residents and businesses provide “treats” for everyone. The community honors the magic of All Hallows Eve, with all of the mystery and “mystical” fun that it provides, for children and adults alike.

Many vendors line the main street for the chili cook off Gatlinburg TN to bring out what they each hope to be the best chili you have ever tasted. On November 7th, these vendors will treat you to their very best recipes as a kick-off for this year’s amazing Winterfest. Chili, with all of its wonderful ingredients, is great on a cold, snowy day. This day involving hot, spicy chili and warm cocoa creates an opportunity to meet others and to watch your children play at a variety of “play stations” along the way. Traditionally, live entertainment is provided, and the evening ends with the miraculous “lights on for the Winterfest” event.

The Nutcracker “Sweet” is presented on November 23rd, 2012 and November 24th, 2012. The show is put on by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company. This performance always adds a special touch to the holiday events.

December 7th is the day for The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Gatlinburg has received International praise for this particular event. The Festival of Trees and the Arts and Crafts Show both lend a bit of magic to all of the festivities in this Great Smoky Mountain region.

The Old Mill Square in nearby Pigeon Forge offers a tour of the old mill with an opportunity to see flour grinding done and candy being made. The square itself is full of unique shops and homey restaurants. The town and the event project the simpler life and atmosphere that exist here in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This year’s tour takes place on December 10th, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Smoky Mountain Gospel Christmas will be sung on December 14th, 2012 in the Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center in the Pigeon Forge – Gatlinburg area. This is their second annual event.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a “ball drop” and fireworks. If you choose to stay awhile into 2013, you can participate in the Regional Ice Carving Competition on January 19th.

This region of the world is ideal for a fantasy-filled Thanksgiving and Christmas. Snowy mountain tops draping evergreen trees and sparkling lights, both up-close and in the distance, will escort your every move during this wonderful vacation experience. You will be amazed at all of the events and just what winter magic awaits your arrival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.