Monday, November 23, 2026
November 23, 2026
Chili Cookoff and Holiday Lighting Event
Join us for the Annual Chili Cook-Off and Holiday Lighting Event in Downtown Hot Springs, AR, on November 23, 2026! Stay tuned for ticket and entry forms – you won’t want to miss this beloved community tradition. Gather your friends and family for a day of delicious chili and festive cheer!
2025 Winners!!
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
Historic District Antiques
Ben E. Keith
Kwik Print
Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co
Mountain Valley Water
Signature Events
~Traditional~
1st Place: 501 Prime
2nd Place: Natural State General Contractors
3rd Place (Honorable Mention): Fat Bottom Girls Cupcakes
~Non-Traditional~
1st Place: Arlington Hotel and Spa
2nd Place: Nicklas for Coroner
3rd Place (Honorable Mention): Regions Bank
Best Booth:
Fat Bottom Girls Cupcakes- Hillbilly Chili
People's Choice Award:
Ouachita Regional Anesthesia
Enter the Competition
Link will be posted by September 2026.
We're searching for the top chili cooks in town to join our annual cook-off event. Enter your chili for a chance to win cash prizes and the ultimate bragging rights of being the chili champion. Bring your A-game, and let's find out who will take home the title. Sign up now and start cooking! Any group of four can form a team whether it's friends, non-profits, or local businesses – all have participated and won in previous years.
Order Tickets
Tickets go on sale November 1.
Partner with us for the Annual Tom Daniel Chili Cook Off and Holiday Lights Events. Click the flyer for sponsorship information and form.
