Christmas with Dolly: Dollywood Shines During the Holiday Season

Let’s face facts! The past two holiday seasons have provided most of us with a double dose of bah humbug. We all need a little Christmas more than ever for the holiday season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Dolly Parton. For more than 30 years, Parton has hosted a Smoky Mountain Christmas at her theme park nestled among the hills of East Tennessee, and her determination and dedication to her roots have drawn gay travelers to celebrate the season at Dollywood for decades. 

“Smoky Mountain Christmas always marks the beginning of the ‘Dolly Days,’” said Parton. “Christmas is the most special time of the year because it’s when we all come together to share those precious memories, we all hold dear.”

The country music icon also believes it’s a time for us to remember cherished times and stories from the past, and it allows us to start new traditions, including a visit to her amusement park in Pigeon Forge. 

“I hope that everyone who visits Dollywood this season experiences the love and joy of a traditional Smoky Mountain Christmas,” said Parton. During their time here, we hope they’ll laugh, love, and linger as they enjoy the light of the season. We also hope they create those new memories and family traditions that they’ll share for many years to come.”

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Dollywood during the holiday season and to experience festive events such as a Hard Candy Christmas and Holly Jolly Christmas.

Editor’s Note: Those who travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before traveling.

Stroll the Illuminated Glacier Ridge
The Smokies sparkle at Christmastime in Dollywood, and Glacier Ridge, which crisscrosses Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass, and Upper Craftsman’s Valley, envelops visitors in millions of dazzling, colorful holiday lights. At its heart, the Wonderful Christmas Plaza Tree Show features a 50-foot tall, animated tree that dazzles with a fully-synchronized light show.

Peek Inside Santa’s Smoky Mountain Cabin
Santa and Dolly are BFFs, and when he isn’t at work in the North Pole base, he loves settling into his little Smoky Mountain Cabin, located here at Dollywood. Peek inside to see if you are on “the list” and see Santa at hard work crafting old-fashioned toys for good boys and girls. Need to catch up on last-minute shopping? You’ll find a gift for that special someone at one of Dollywood’s unique boutiques.

Tap Your Toes to a Live Holiday Show
Dollywood is known for its festive shows featuring music with a Tennessee twang, and both indoor and outdoor stages feature a robust schedule of merry holiday entertainment. The Appalachian Christmas Show echoes with beloved Bluegrass tunes while Harmonies of the Heart features Dolly’s nieces, Heidi Lou and Jada Star, Dolly’s cousin Shelley and family friend Barry J. The star of the entertainment schedule is Christmas in the Smokies, a holiday extravaganza of music and dance that boasts a cast of 14 singers and dancers accompanied by a band of nine live musicians.

Bite into Dolly’s Holiday Delights
Dollywood’s food options go above and beyond standard theme park fare. During the holiday season, the team of chefs offers finger-lickin specialty dishes like creole-roasted turkey breast, smothered pork loin, braised beef short ribs, and lobster bisque. Save room for dessert. Eggnog cheesecake, hazelnut churros, Santa’s chilled cocoa, and of course, Dolly’s famous cinnamon bread are sure to fill your tummy and warm your heart. 

Zip and Zoom Away on World-Class Rides
Most rides at Dollywood are operational during the Christmas season, and nothing compares to zipping through the night sky with millions of lights twinkling below. Go for an adrenaline-pumping ride on America’s first ‘wing coaster,’ the Wild Eagle, arguably one the top rides in the park. Hit 53 mph aboard the Thunderhead, an old-style wood coaster named after a mountain peak located inside the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dive into a hidden mine aboard the Mystery Mine, a ‘dark coaster’ with hairpin curves and sheer drop surprises. Don’t miss the Lighting Rod, a wooden coaster that reaches a top speed of 73 mph, making it the fastest wooden coaster in the world!

Watch Fireworks Light Up the Sky
Cap off a day of fun with the “Merry & Bright!” fireworks display that fills the sky above the park with shimmering lights set to a soundtrack of merry, contemporary holiday hits. Dance and sing along to all your favorite Christmas songs as the fireworks blast up into the winter sky. 

Relax and Rejuvenate at Dolly’s DreamMore Spa
Indulge in self-pampering at Dollywood’s DreamMore Spa and treat yourself to the ‘Bright Lights, Shimmer and Shine, Tinsel Toes, and Clementine’ Package. It’s five hours of utter bliss that includes a deep conditioning treatment, scalp massage and blowout, a ‘Shimmer and Shine’ body polish and facial, a ‘Tinsel Toes’ pedicure, and a ‘Sweet Clementine Relaxation’ Body Massage.

Settle in for the Night in a Luxe Cabin in the Smokies
Located minutes away from Dollywood, Dolly’s DreamMore Resort decks the halls with Smoky Mountains-style arts and crafts. The star of the resort is a two-story Christmas tree that can be seen from both lobby levels. If curling up in your own cabin sounds appealing, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offer mountain views and outdoor hot tubs. The cabins can accommodate up to 10 people. 

For more information on Dollywood, visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. For more information on lodging, dining, and attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, visit the town’s official website.