Smoky Mountains Winter Activities
Winterfest in The Smoky Mountains is full of excitement and things to do for all ages. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of Winterfest activities, an annual celebration that spanning the entire winter season. Join in on all of the fun and Smoky Mountains winter activities as the popular resort towns transform into one gigantic winter wonderland with special events in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, Tennessee.
The 2012 winter season begins Nov. 5 marking the 23rd annual celebrations of, Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Sevierville TN (Nov. 5- Feb. 28), Winterfest Kickoff in Pigeon Forge, TN (Nov. 6. -Feb. 28) and Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Chilli Cookoff in Gatlinburg, TN (Nov. 7- Feb.28).
Sevierville Smoky Mountains Winter Activities
Sevierville is the first to kick off Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual Music, Lights & Magic event on Nov. 5 at the Sevierville Municipal Complex. This completely free event annually draws around 7,000 spectators who enjoy entertainment, free food, kids’ games, fireworks and plenty of great surprises. The event runs from 3-8 pm at the Sevierville Municipal Complex located at 110 Gary Wade Blvd. in Sevierville.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
The second event scheduled is the 23rd annual Winterfest Kickoff in Pigeon Forge, on Nov. 6 hosted at Patriot Park located off the Pigeon Forge Parkway. The Kickoff includes a grand ceremony and the illumination of five million lights, festive decorations, special events, and traditional mountain music.
Leading to the evening’s festivities is the City of Pigeon Forge’s second annual Salute to Veterans Parade on the Parkway beginning 4:30 pm. Concluding the event is the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights. The trolleys will arrive to the park, heated and with a personal tour guide who will share stories about Pigeon Forge’s history, and its famous Winterfest light displays.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Chili Cookoff
Gatlinburg Winterfest Highlights by GX Media Video Production
To complete the series of Smoky Mountains Winter Activities celebrations is the 23rd annual celebration of Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Chili Cookoff. The City of Gatlinburg hosts its 23rd Annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Nov. 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on the Downtown Parkway. The event includes live entertainment and the turning on off more than three million LED lights, one-of-a-kind light exhibits, and displays up to 40 feet tall. During the Chilli Cookoff, for a small fee guests can sample mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili with a spoon they purchase, that allows all the chili sampling you desire and a chance to cast your vote for the People’s Choice award.
Available to Winterfest visitors is a four-month calendar of events and things to do in The Smoky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the holiday season with local businesses throughout the towns who will offer exciting Smoky Mountains Winter Activities, season event specials, theaters transforming into Christmas shows, grand fireworks display, an ice carving competition, winter-themed 5k marathon, 3D light adventures, and a New Year’s Eve ball drop. There are many fun things to in The Great Smoky Mountains during the 2012-2013 Winterfest season.
Winterfest was established in the late 1980’s early 1990’s it was designed to create a new visitor season for Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN. The season quickly rose to popularity with families and has since turned into a tradition for many visitors who return year-after-year to enjoy the lights, shows, shopping, and attractions. Winterfest is a combination of holiday festivities, seasonal events and millions of holiday themed lights, and just one of the many Smoky Mountains Winter Activities your family can enjoy this holiday season.
