Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas: The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas is a must-see holiday event. Not only do you get to indulge in delicious holiday treats, ride funtastic rides and spend precious time with your family, but you can also see over six million Christmas lights this year!

Dollywood Christmas in the Smokies Sign — Image Courtesy of Dollywood

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, has won Best Theme Park Christmas Event fourteen times, and somehow they still manage to get better and better each year.

They have been able to create the perfect atmosphere for both parents and children and make it a total Christmas wonderland. We are so lucky because we live less than 2 hours from Dollywood!

During Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, you can walk around to see the eight different lighting zones, or you can take a ride on the Dollywood Express and check out the cool tunnel holiday lights.

There are hundreds of lighted Christmas trees throughout the park, with surprises just around the corner. Be sure to check out the Christmas light curtain wall and take a visit to the village to feel the joy of a traditional smoky mountain during Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Start off this holiday season right by checking out the Christmas-themed menus and snacks throughout the park that the whole family will love. There are many award-winning shows to put you in the holiday spirit.

Pro Tip: Download the Dollywood App for the ultimate guide to finding your perfect family meal or a delicious snack on the go.

Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is a great place to enjoy incredible Christmas displays during the most special time of the year.

You can also add visiting Dollywood during the holidays to your Christmas Bucket List.

Dollywood Express

This was one of our favorite rides when we visited Dollywood recently!

We all loved the view from the train. You get to see everything from the park itself to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

If there is one must-do attraction at Dollywood, this is it!

Merry & Bright

Happening on Friday and Saturday evenings during the holiday season, you don’t want to miss this! The Merry & Bright firework show is synchronized to the rhythm of some of your favorite Christmas songs! The Dollywood holiday fireworks go from November 5th to December 25th, after Christmas, you can check out their New Year’s fireworks display.

Merry and Bright Firework Display at night at Dollywood — Dollywood Christmas in the Smokies – Image Courtesy of Dollywood

Old Saint Nick’s

Don’t forget to stop by Old Saint Nick’s house where you can peek into his cabin and see him reviewing the naughty and nice list!

Keep in mind Santa Claus leaves after Christmas so you’ll want to be sure to make a trip this holiday season to Dollywood!

St. Nick checking the nice list at St. Nick's house in Dollywood — Image Courtesy of Dollywood

Glacier Ridge

Check out Glacier Ridge throughout Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass, and Upper Craftsman’s Valley for the Wonderful Christmas! Plaza Tree Show.

You’ll find a 50 foot tree that is animated and synchronized and goes throughout the evening.

The best part? At the end of the light show, there is a special surprise!

Can I buy someone a season pass to Dollywood as a Christmas gift?

Yes! And it’s the best time to buy a season pass for the next year. To get the full experience of the park, I recommend getting the season pass. This pass is much more cost-effective than buying multiple one-day admission tickets.

Gift a season pass to a friend or family member to make new memories in 2023 here. Keep in mind that there are three different levels of season passes.

They each have their own set of benefits.