Dollywood is a favorite attraction in Pigeon Forge no matter the season, but guests especially love visiting this theme park during the holiday season. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a family-favorite Christmas festival that offers fun for all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas at Dollywood and why you won’t want to miss it this year:
1. Dates and Hours
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas takes place from November through the start of January when the theme park closes for the season. During this holiday festival, Dollywood is open from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM to give guests plenty of time to soak it all in during the day and experience the Christmas lights and sights after dark. The only days that the theme park is scheduled to be closed are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Keep in mind, however, that park hours and dates are subject to change and could be impacted by inclement weather conditions.
2. Shows During Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
One of the best activities to do during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is watch the many heartwarming holiday shows taking place throughout the theme park. Two family-favorite Christmas at Dollywood traditions are watching “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” These indoor shows are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Other great holiday performances include shows like “O Holy Night,” “Appalachian Christmas,” and “Holiday Wild Roots.” You’ll love hearing all the Christmas music and sharing in the holiday cheer! On weekend nights, watch festive fireworks light up the night sky timed to cheerful holiday classics!
3. Seasonal Flavors
Another great thing about Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is the chance to taste all sorts of holiday dishes and sweet treats. Try hearty holiday meals such as the Stuffing Stacker, Jambalaya, Loaded Beef Nachos, Smoked Sausage Potato Cheese Soup, Chicken Cassoulet, and Pork Belly Skillet. Make sure you save room for dessert so you can enjoy treats like holiday cookies, cupcakes, milkshakes, and funnel cakes that are sure to fill you with Christmas cheer! You can even try up to five select festival foods for one low price with the purchase of a Smoky Mountain Christmas Tasting Pass, which can include both savory and sweet menu items.
4. Santa’s List
One of the things kids love the most is the chance to see Santa Claus at work during Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas! Santa’s List…Naughty or Nice gives children and those young at heart the opportunity to see Santa in his Smoky Mountain cabin as he reviews his famous list. Find out if your or your kid’s name is on the Nice List and get a photo with Santa as you peer through the window of his workshop. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Santa and catch a sneak peek at his important naughty or nice list!
5. Award-Winning Christmas Event
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas had been awarded the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event 15 years in a row before the award was retired in 2024. The reason this festival continues to win awards is because it brings families closer together as they explore an enchanting winter wonderland. During Christmas at Dollywood, you’ll see more than 6 million twinkling lights as well as dozens of Christmas trees that sparkle with holiday cheer! Everyone loves seeing all the decorations while experiencing a variety of rides, heartwarming shows, seasonal shopping, and festive flavors.
Stay Close to Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
There are so many great things to see and do when you celebrate Christmas at Dollywood this holiday season. Are you planning on visiting the theme park while you’re in town? If so, you’ll want to stay close by so you won’t miss a thing! Browse our selection of Pigeon Forge cabins to find the perfect place to stay near Dollywood and start planning your trip today!
