SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Christmas season officially began Tuesday night in Sevier County with annual Winterfest activities getting underway.

It's not been an easy year for businesses that rely on tourism dollars, but this year's Winterfest will focus on giving your family more for your money.

Rhonda Ivy with The Christmas Place says, "I think being the incredible Christmas place and Winterfest, it just goes hand-in-hand."

At The Christmas Place, it's Christmas everyday, but Sevier County is getting ready for Winterfest, and 2009 offers special challenges.

Marci Brien, owner of Verbena's, says, "We've had every incident, from a rock slide to a recession."

So businesses have to rely heavily on Winterfest, reaching out to the 80 percent of their customers who are repeat visitors.

Pigeon Forge Director of Tourism Leon Downey says, "We communicate with them through email newsletters, and things like that. All three cities really rely on the internet and email newsletters."

They're reaching out with new things to do, things that will be fun for the your family.

Downey says, "We have over 12 holiday shows during the season, and that's huge. Those shows change every year."

Winterfest has three kick-off events.

In Gatlinburg Wednesday, they'll shut down the downtown Parkway at 11 a.m. for the first time ever. A chilli cook-off and live bands begin at 4 p.m. At 6:15, fireworks from the Space Needle begin. Gatlinburg's events end at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Winterfest kicks off in Pigeon Forge at 4 p.m. The Duggar family from The Learning Channel will be there. They kick-off their winter lights at 6 p.m.

In Sevierville, a light ceremony and fireworks show is planned for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.