Winterfest Kick-off & Chili Cook-off at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN

This festive holiday kick-off offers visitors the chance to warm up with hot chili and join in the merriment as millions of sparking holiday lights are lit across Gatlinburg. The city is bursting with Christmas cheer, and even Scrooge himself will feel the holiday spirit at this light ceremony.

For a small admission fee, visitors can sample chili from about 20 award-winning chili cooks to warm up while watching the lights bask the Smoky Mountains in a festive holiday glow. The event takes place at the exciting Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, so plan to spend an entire day exploring all the sights of the aquarium, taking in the stunning holiday lights displays and sampling some of the best chili in the Smoky Mountains!