6 Reasons to Visit Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

I enjoy visiting Dollywood all throughout the year. But there is something truly magical about Dollywood at Christmastime!

Christmas festivities start in early November at Dollywood and run through early January. So there is plenty of opportunity to schedule a trip to Pigeon Forge and take part in this theme park’s over-the-top holiday celebration.

Dollywood is a popular Christmas destination so anticipate large crowds and pack your patience. With a little research and a flexible travel schedule, you can find windows of time where the crowds are minimal.

Avoid going at the very beginning of November when Dollywood hosts Sevier County Days where local residents are admitted at greatly discounted rates. The weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are also likely to be packed as most schools are out of session.

I visited the week before Thanksgiving and that was the perfect time to avoid crowds and get a jump start on my Christmas season.

Also keep in mind that certain rides may close if temperatures drop too low, although the park remains open. But there is SO much to do at Dollywood beyond the rides, so don’t let that stop you!

If you love Christmas as much as I do, Dollywood should definitely be on your travel itinerary!

Here are the top 6 reasons to visit Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas:

1. Christmas Themed Shows

The high-caliber shows are just one of the things that sets Dollywood apart from many other theme parks.

During the Christmas season, there are at least eight different shows to see every day. So I suggest at least two days at the park so you can see them all!

The schedule of shows may change somewhat from year to year, but there are several staple performances that Dollywood visitors return to see each year.

One of the fan favorites is Christmas in the Smokies.

This nostalgic full-stage performance will take you back to a simpler time.   Christmas in the Smokies delights with singing and dancing as well as festive costumes and scenery that are sure to get anyone into the Christmas spirit.

The show that really blew me away (and generated more than a few tears) was Oh Holy Night.

The story of Jesus’ birth is told through beautiful singing, while a present-day scenario provides meaningful application to that long ago event.

Oh Holy Night pulls at every heartstring and will get you deep in your Christmas feelings!

One performance not to be missed if you have little ones in tow (and is beloved by adults as well) is ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

The impressive revolving house makes for a beautiful setting for this heartfelt show and is only matched by the endearing performances of the Baxter Family…and plenty of playful mice!

If popular Christmas tunes is what fuels your holiday spirit, be sure to check out the Mistletones.

This acapella group is high-energy…and you won’t be able to keep your feet from tapping. I got serious Pitch Perfect vibes from this performance and loved every minute of it!

A couple of stages throughout Dollywood showcase various bands playing both familiar and original holiday tunes.

I was extremely impressed by the array of talented musicians playing a variety of string instruments while adding a unique Country or Bluegrass twist to some of the most beloved Christmas songs.

While you likely won’t see Dolly Parton herself performing, the next best thing might be Heidi Parton’s show.

In Heidi Parton’s A Christmas to Remember, Dolly’s niece and friends entertain audiences with Christmas songs that span many generations. Miss Dolly even makes a video appearance, adding her angelic voice to a truly memorable performance.

Another extremely popular, must-see Dollywood performance is The Kingdom Heirs.

This Southern Gospel Quartet enchants audiences as they belt out Christmas classics and several original songs in glorious four-part harmony. If you like what you hear, you can even purchase some of their award-winning CDs after each performance.

In keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, you won’t want to miss hearing the Candlelight Carolers.

Perched on the steps of Dollywood’s Chapel and across from the Nativity scene, the angelic voices of the carolers ring out. Audience members are invited to sing along to traditional Christmas hymns as these talented carolers add an upbeat twist.

I suggest catching one of these performances after the sun has set for a truly magical experience.

2. Millions of Lights

With 6 million glowing Christmas lights, the talented performers aren’t the only thing taking center stage at Dollywood. Nearly everything that stands still is draped in lights and glorious Christmas decor.

From the moment I stepped inside the park, the beauty of Christmas was everywhere I looked!

From the massive bells towering above to the nostalgic decorations at Red’s Diner, Dollywood will have you reminiscing of Christmases’ past and reveling in the present season.

The lights and decorations are beautiful during the day…

but it’s after dark when Dollywood really sparkles during the Christmas season!

These gorgeous lighted trees dance along to holiday tunes as the colors change and reflect on the water. A glorious sight to behold!

Many of the Christmas displays invite guests to immerse themselves in colorful lights.

From the walkway bathed in gold and silver lights…

to the blues and purples shimmering down from the trees in Glacier Ridge…

to the 130-foot-long lighted tunnel in Timber Canyon…I couldn’t stop snapping photos of all the mesmerizing displays!

I will admit, photography is not my strong suit. So trust me when I say these photos do NOT do the beauty of Dollywood’s Christmas celebration justice.

You simply have to experience Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas for yourself!

3. Holiday Shopping

Dollywood has so many unique shops, you can easily complete your entire shopping list in one day!

And I’m not just talking about typical theme park souvenirs like t-shirts and plastic toys (although you can find those at Dollywood).

All throughout the year Dollywood has tons of shops selling a variety of items from home decor, leather goods, blown glass, jams and jellies, cowboy hats, and so much more. There is even a Christmas store that is open year-round!

But during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, nearly every shop includes Christmas themed items. From ornaments and kitchenware, to sparkly clothing and jewelry with a festive flare, you can find gifts for young and old alike.

You can even help make your own gifts! Make an ornament at Mountain Blown Glass or dip your own candle at Old Flames Candle Shop.

Or leave the art to the experts and get a caricature drawing or a silhouette of your children. These are sure to be a treasured keepsake!

I picked up two new holiday shirts for myself as well as several unique ornaments as gifts. I’m excited to tell the recipients these special gifts came from my beloved Dollywood!

I even picked up a sparkly Coat of Many Colors ornament, which is the perfect addition to my Christmas tree and a sweet memento of my Christmas adventure at Dollywood.

Of course, you can also find plenty of dolly-themed Christmas items for sale. These make perfect gifts for any Dolly fans who weren’t lucky enough to make it to Dollywood for the Christmas celebration.

And don’t forget to pick up some of Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread! Another great gift…but buy an extra loaf for yourself because you won’t be able to resist indulging in this sweet treat!

There are so many unique shops all throughout the park. But if you don’t get your shopping fill during the day, you can stock up at the Dollywood Emporium as you exit the park.

If you take full advantage of all Dollywood has to offer and stay until closing time, you can even catch Santa on the balcony wishing everyone a good night!

4. Seasonal Food

It’s not Christmas without plenty of yummy treats, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that food made my list of reasons to visit Dollywood at Christmastime.

In fact Dollywood dishes up so many tasty seasonal dishes that I wrote a whole article about the foods I tried with my Christmas Tasting Pass!

Try not to drool on your electronic device as you read all about my culinary Christmas adventure at Dollywood!

From festive sweet treats like the mint chocolate chip shake…

to the savory seasonal dishes, including the spicy jambalaya…you won’t leave Dollywood hungry!

Be sure to purchase a Tasting Pass to save some money as you work your way through the many seasonal items available. And look for these festive signs showcasing the goodies available with your Christmas Tasting Pass.

5. The Magic of Dolly Parton…and Santa!

I absolutely love Christmas…but from what I hear, Dolly Parton may love it even more!

In keeping with the Queen of Country’s love for this festive season, even The Dolly Parton Experience includes several Christmasy elements.

You can’t miss the towering pink tree and sparkling white trees that perfectly reflect Dolly’s affection for rhinestones and all things that glitter.

Even if you have visited The Dolly Parton Experience during other times of the year, be sure to pop in during the Christmas celebration to check out the addition of the many holiday-themed costumes spanning her illustrious career.

While Dolly will always get top billing at the theme park bearing her name, at Christmastime, Santa comes in a very close second.

When it comes to Santa, we are all kids at heart. So if you brought kids to Dollywood or you are a middle-aged solo visitor like me, you must visit the Santa Experience.

A far cry from the typical posed picture on the lap of a mall Santa, Dollywood makes a visit to Jolly Old St. Nick quite magical. There is often a long line for this much-anticipated activity, but it is well worth the wait.

The elves keep you entertained as you prepare your letter to Santa. Then your family gets a private visit with the big guy in his workshop where he reveals if you each made it on the nice or naughty list.

I was happy to see I made the nice list and then posed for a few pictures with Santa before letting him return to his Christmas preparations.

Dolly’s Christmas magic continues in Wildwood Grove where, no matter the weather, it snows every night!

Snow in the Grove enchants visitors with festive lights and music along with a Christmas story narrated by Dolly. And then the real magic happens as snow machines fill the air with white powder and visitors delight in the wintery spectacle!

6. More Festivities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Spending a few days at Dollywood is more than enough reason for a Christmas getaway to East Tennessee. But while you are there, you should also check out the many festive sights and activities taking place all throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

While snow isn’t all that common in this area unless you are up in the mountains, these touristy towns know how to make it feel like a wintery wonderland. There are so many light displays to see throughout both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, it is well worth a drive through both towns.

You will also want to bundle up and take a stroll through the 1.3 mile Winterfest Wonder of Lights Walking Trail. Immerse yourself in this dazzling light display as you reflect on the beauty of the holiday season.

There is even an impressive light display at Patriot Park honoring those who fought for our freedom.

I also highly recommend visiting both of Dollywood’s resorts when you are in the area during the Christmas season. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to wander either resort (although that would be an extra special Christmas treat).

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is the epitome of Christmas elegance with a beautifully adorned towering tree, festive decorations both inside and out, and carols being played on the grand piano.

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge has all the vibes of a cozy Christmas in the mountains with the huge fireplace begging you to linger by its warmth.

The resorts also have gift shops where you can pick up even more Christmas gifts as well as bakeries with fresh made cinnamon bread. This is the perfect place to visit on your way out of town so you can grab several loaves to take home for friends and family…which is exactly what I did!

Until next time…Thanks Dolly! And Merry Christmas!!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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