By Bennie McCann

As the air turns colder and the snow begins to fall in the Smokies, folks in Tennessee are getting ready for a spectacular winter celebration. Millions of twinkling lights, an abundance of delicious homemade foods to sample, and entertaining parades are just the start of this months-long festival. Wipe out those winter blues with a fun family trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, and you'll have holiday memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Breathtaking Displays of Christmas Lights

From Sevierville to Gatlinburg, Winterfest kicks off with a stunning light show unlike anything you've experienced before. Millions of tiny lights adorn the trees and buildings, all waiting for the official start of the festival. As the sun goes down and the skies darken, lights are turned on all over the city, bathing everything in a soft glow that reminds visitors of long-ago Christmases spent gathered around the family tree.

Imaginative displays create magic at every turn, but for the best view, hop aboard a Winterfest Trolley for a tour of all the hotspots. You'll cruise in comfort while your guide points out delightful creations like dancing bears, toy soldiers, and more. So sit back and relax, and let someone else do the driving.

Hot Chili on a Cold Winter Night

Nothing warms the heart like a brimming bowl of homemade chili, and in Gatlinburg, you'll have your choice of gourmet treats. Dozens of local chefs compete for fame and fun at this annual event, where you can sample a variety of flavors of this wintertime favorite. Mouth-watering choices range from mild to wild, so everyone in your group will find something to like. When you've sampled them all, cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, or maybe enjoy a few more bites.

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

The Great Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most creative and innovative craftsmen in the world. With skills handed down from generation to generation, these talented artisans create stunning pieces in nearly every medium from pottery to fabric to stained glass. Each year they gather to show off their wares and provide visitors an opportunity to find truly unique gifts for the entire family.

For the kids, old-fashioned wooden toys stuffed inside hand-sewn stockings will be a delightful addition to Christmas morning festivities. Moms will love fine jewelry hand-crafted from semi-precious stones, and what dad wouldn't enjoy finding a warm pair of moccasins under the tree this year? All this and more is available at the Gatlinburg Convention Center during the annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show.

Winter is a joyous time in this small community nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. As the snow begins to dust the mountain tops and the trees lose the last of their autumn leaves, the area is transformed into a wonderland of lights and decorations sure to bring a smile to even old Scrooge's face. Start a new holiday tradition this year. Head to Tennessee for an unforgettable Winterfest getaway.