Winterfest Kickoff Pigeon Forge 2026: Chili Cookoff, Lights & What to Expect
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff on November 5, 2026 is the single most dramatic evening of the entire holiday lights season — a free street festival with the 36th Annual Chili Cookoff, live entertainment, and the ceremonial illumination that switches on over a million Winterfest lights simultaneously at the close of the evening. Between 15,000 and 25,000 people show up for it every year. Here's how to plan your evening and make the most of it.