While Halloween and the peak colors of the mountains get closer in our month of October, we wanted to take a minute to look ahead at the next truly big event coming up in the Smokies – the Winterfest kick off!
Most of you know that all three cities have a party within very short dates of each other, some years had them all on the same day. In this article, we’ll give you some beginning information on all three since it’s still a little while before the event will take place and some information hasn’t been detailed yet. Let’s look:
Sevierville Winterfest Kickoff 2017
November 6th at Sevierville Community Center and Civic Center
From 3:00PM to 9:30PM
The 28th Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
November 8th at Patriot Park
From 5:00PM to 7:00PM
MyPigeonForge.com writes:
“Draped in more than 5 million lights, Pigeon Forge creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy during the city’s annual Winterfest celebration. The lights of Winterfest shine from early November through the end of 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 Winterfest Celebration.
Visit Dollywood to see more than 4 million lights shine during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, when the park is filled with holiday music, plenty of rides, a nightly Parade of Lights and much more to celebrate the season. Dollywood recently announced the addition of Dolly’s Parade of Many Colors, featuring new floats, specialty characters and songs. The park also adds a new show to its entertainment lineup with the stage production It’s a Wonderful Life.
Old Mill Square features a light display depicting its own version of a covered bridge, one made of thousands of twinkling lights that lead to one of the most historic areas of Pigeon Forge. The Smoky MountainOpry is decked out for the holiday season with giant trees, wreaths and more, all covered with sparkling lights. You might even catch Old Saint Nick making a rooftop delivery.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede pulls out all the stops when it comes to decorating for the holidays. One of the highlights is their 60-foot-tall tree, adorned with colorful lights, ribbons and sparkling ornaments from the very bottom to the twinkling star on top. Another must-see is The Island in Pigeon Forge with all new decorations including approximately 40,000 ornaments, half a million lights and more than 5,000 feet of garland. Guests are treated to three new Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall and allows guests to walk through. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their new workshop while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music.
And the best way to take in the beauty and splendor of all the light displays throughout Pigeon Forge is on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, which begins at the north end of the Parkway.
Whether this is your first time to visit Pigeon Forge, or you’re making a return trip, Winterfest is the perfect occasion to share special memories with family and friends.”
See more on Winterfest events in Pigeon Forge.
Gatlinburg Winterfest Magic Kickoff
November 8th in Downtown Gatlinburg between Ripley’s Aquarium and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
From 5:00PM to 8:00PM
From Gatlinburg.com:
“Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown.
City dignitaries will signify the start of Gatlinburg Winter Magic with a ceremonial lighting of more than 3 million lights throughout the city.”
Participants in the Chili Cookoff will be competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award, Best Booth Presentation. While the street event is free, tickets for chili sampling are $10. There is also a special edition t-shirt available for purchase.”
See pictures of Chili cookoffs from yesteryear.
We’ll report again on the Winterfest Kickoffs as it gets closer to the event times. until then, enjoy your Harvest Festival here in the Smokies!
