Dollywood at Christmas Time
If you’re looking for a festive and fun holiday tradition, look no further than Dollywood at Christmas time in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This amusement park is decked out with all things Christmas, from rides to shows to food. Check out our tips on what to do and eat during your visit along with our other Dollywood hacks.
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Dollywood at Christmas Time
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. For me, that means spending time with my nieces and nephews at Dollywood. Dollywood is Tennessee’s largest theme park and it celebrates the holiday season in a big way with over five million lights, live shows, and festive food. Here’s what you can expect if you’re thinking about taking your family to Dollywood during the holidays.
Dollywood Christmas Shows
One of the best things about Dollywood during Christmas time is all of the live Dollywood Christmas shows. There are seasonal shows returning to the stage to share holiday cheer with the whole family! You can catch one of the fan favorites like “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” or enjoy an outdoor performance of “Appalachian Christmas” or “Candlelight Carolers” filling the air with Christmas spirit. Finally, find out if your name is on…the list with a visit to the North Pole at “Santa’s List…. Naughty or Nice” interactive experience. My personal favorite is ‘A Magical Winter Night,’ which is a musical celebration of the season featuring Santa Claus himself. The live shows are definitely one of the highlights of a visit to Dollywood during Christmas time.
Dollywood Food
Another great thing about Dollywood during Christmas time is all of the festive food. From gingerbread cookies and apple cider to holiday-themed drinks and treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our family favorite is Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread baked fresh in the old Mill, but if you want some, you should be prepared to stand in line. Just know that it is absolutely worth the wait! Be sure to pick up an extra loaf or two to take home and an extra cup of icing. Cinnamon bread makes a delicious breakfast treat on the day after a trip to Dollywood.
Dollywood Christmas Lights
Of course, no visit to Dollywood during Christmas time would be complete without seeing the five million Dollywood Christmas lights that cover the park. It’s truly a sight to behold! And if you’re feeling extra festive, you can even take a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley for an up-close look at all of the lights in Pigeon Forge. Just be sure to bring your camera so you can capture the memories!
Dollywood Rides
In addition to all of the great live entertainment, Dollywood also offers more than 50 rides for guests to enjoy. And although some of the water rides may be closed during the winter months, there are still plenty of fun options for everyone in the family. From toddler rides like Frog Frolic and Little Engine Playhouse, to family favorites like Tennessee Tornado and Wild Eagle, there’s something for everyone at Dolly Parton’s world-famous theme park.
When does Dollywood decorate for Christmas?
Dollywood’s Smokey Mountain Christmas celebration runs from November 5, 2022 to January 1, 2023. Voted the best Christmas event for more than a decade, Smoky Mountain Christmas captures the traditional feel of the holiday season with millions of lights shining bright, heartwarming holiday shows, seasonal shopping, culinary delights, and more! It’s a Christmas you don’t want to miss.
Dollywood closes down for five days beginning October 31, 2022 to allow for Christmas decorating. When the park reopens on November 5, 2022, it has been transformed into a holiday wonderland and will remain that way through the end of the season.
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Is Dollywood Open for Christmas?
Dollywood is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to allow employees time to be with their families. However, the theme park is open almost every other day for the entire month of December. You should reference the official Dollywood operating calendar via the Dollywood website when planning your visit.
Dollywood Christmas Tickets
Dollywood Christmas tickets are the same price as regular tickets and can be purchased online through the Dollywood website or at the gate. If you will be visiting the park more than two days, a season pass is definitely the best value, and could possibly save you money in benefits even if you are only visiting Dollywood for two days.
Dollywood does offer a special Christmas Memories Package that includes theme park admission with a stay at Bear Cove Cabins. The package includes other benefits like free preferred parking, time saver passes, and more.
Dollywood Christmas Schedule
The Dollywood operating schedule for the Christmas season can be found on the Dollywood website. Dollywood is open nearly every day of the Christmas season except two Mondays and two Tuesdays of December 2022, and is closed on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. You should be sure to check the official operating schedule when planning your visit.
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Dollywood Christmas Hours
The hours for the Dollywood Christmas season are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm every day that the park is open. There are special hours for certain season pass holders.
What should I bring to Dollywood at Christmas?
The big difference in visiting Dollywood during the Smokey Mountain Christmas Celebration is the weather. The weather in the mountains is colder, especially at nighttime when you will want to see the Christmas lights. You should definitely bring things like hats and gloves, and a coat, even if it is not needed during the day.
Tips for Christmas at Dollywood
The Christmas season is the most busy at Dollywood so, parking may become an issue, as well as park capacity. It is best to make a reservation for your visit. You can do this on the Dollywood website.
The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re looking for a festive, family-friendly place to celebrate, look no further than Dollywood! Located in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood comes alive during the Christmas season with millions of sparkling lights, world-class live entertainment, and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few reasons why Dollywood should be at the top of your list this holiday season!
Dollywood during Christmas time is a must-see for anyone who loves the holidays. From live shows and festive food to five million lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a unique holiday experience this year, be sure to add Dollywood to your list!
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- Free Dollywood Tickets for Foster Families
- Dollywood Parking Tips
