Everything You Need to Know About Christmas at Dollywood

Published Oct 13, 2020

Celebrate Christmas at Dollywood with heartwarming shows, glittering lights, parades, and the theme park’s great rides—then return to a cozy cabin that’s decorated for the holidays.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festivities open on Nov. 7 and run through Jan. 3. Tickets are already on sale, so plan your Dollywood holiday today.

Glittering Lights Galore

Five million lights transform Dollywood into a shimmering fairyland. Lights sparkle on every building and path, in every part of the magically illuminated park—you’ll never come to the end of this dazzling display. Stroll under lighted archways, marvel at towering Christmas trees, and delight in charming animal figures glowing in the night.

Festive Fireworks

For the first time, Dollywood lights up holiday fireworks! The new “Merry & Bright” fireworks show warms up the Tennessee sky each Friday and Saturday night during Smoky Mountain Christmas celebrations.

Meet Christmas Superstars

Every evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus glide through the park at 8 p.m. on their beautiful sleigh, leading the Parade of Many Colors. Holiday characters follow, riding glittering floats and bringing cheer to kids and adults. Visit with characters like trusty sleigh-guide Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and others—they’d love to be in your selfies.

Sounds of the Season

Dolly’s family joins you in the Back Porch Theater to share stories, carols and songs from Dolly’s new Christmas album, in the new “Heart of the Holidays” show. It’s one of many shows that fill Dollywood all season long, including the popular “Christmas in the Smokies.” “It’s a Wonderful Life” brings the beloved classic movie live to the stage. Throughout the park, daily performances mean you’ll never miss a chance to hear the sounds and stories of the season.

Theme Park Fun

Dollywood’s rides stay open for plenty of daytime and nighttime excitement.. Thrill rides like the Barnstormer, Drop Line, and Tennessee Tornado keep your blood pumping in the winter chill. Younger riders have plenty of choices like the FireChaser Express coaster, Dizzy Disk, and Waltzing Swinger for family fun. Everyone can take a breather aboard the train that carries you past gorgeous mountain views.

Dream in a Comfy Cabin

What will you come home to after a day of Dollywood’s Christmas magic? How about a cozy vacation cabin, beautifully decorated for the holidays? Whether you want a spacious cabin for a large group, or an intimate getaway spot for just two of you, we can help. We have dozens of cabins with Christmas decorations to make your stay as festive as it is relaxing.

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