Needs From: Volunteer East Tennessee

Gatlinburg’s cherished holiday tradition returns to the heart of the city as the 36th Annual Gatlinburg's Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff! This year’s event marks a long-awaited return to downtown on the Parkway, bringing even more sparkle and celebration to the very center of town. The evening will come alive with the official launch of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic, featuring the stunning illumination of more than one million LED lights. With this event returning to the Parkway, the expanded light displays, and the unbeatable combination of community, music, and chili, Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff promises an unforgettable start to the winter season. Join us as we flip the switch and kick off winter with warmth, flavor, and magic.

Adding to the "magic" is the beloved Chili Cookoff, where local chefs, restaurants, and civic groups compete for bragging rights as they serve up steaming bowls of homemade chili—from classic recipes to fiery, creative twists.

The 50th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025. More than 60,000 people come to view the award winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus! The parade route runs through the middle of downtown Gatlinburg.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day. 

We need volunteers for multiple different aspects of this event. Balloon handlers, banner carriers, judges, integration, and so much more. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and hours counted towards any community service.

People of all ages can volunteer for this event!