The clock struck midnight ending Halloween, and our minds officially began dancing with visions of sugar-plums and all the joys that the Christmas season seems to bring. With the roller coaster that the year 2020 brought us, nothing is more welcome than the festivities and enthusiasm of the holiday season. So while you’re creating your holiday bucket list, let us encourage you to consider adding Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas as part of your 2020 family tradition.
© Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood
What is Smoky Mountain Christmas?
Christmas at Dollywood is an award-winning festival tradition every family should experience. Enjoy over 5 million twinkling Christmas lights and firework shows that light up the winter night sky. Dollywood has something for every family member including shows, culinary delights, seasonal shopping, and experiences with Santa at his home away from home in Tennessee. As always, guests can experience Dollywood’s world-class rides amidst the hustle and bustle of the park during the holidays, as most rides are operational during the Christmas season. Nothing compares to racing quickly through the night sky with millions of lights twinkling below.
Lights
More than 5 million sparkling lights surround you, adorning every building, illuminating each walkway and glowing in the sky above. Every part of the park is saturated in uniquely colored lights so no area feels like the last. As you explore, you’ll encounter classic Christmas red and green that turn to crisp, arctic blues that transform into warm gold hues.
Fireworks
Enjoy an all-new Dollywood Christmas tradition. Every Friday and Saturday* during Smoky Mountain Christmas, the “Merry & Bright” fireworks fill the sky with light and unfolds in rhythm to new holiday Christmas tunes. There are a variety of areas throughout the park where you can view this uplifting display.
Shows
Cherished holiday stories unfold onstage in a perfect harmony of song, family and celebration. Guest favorites “Christmas In The Smokies,” “Kingdom Heirs Christmas” and more return with daily shows performed indoors with reduced capacity.
All-new this year at the DreamSong Theatre, “Heart of the Holidays” features members of Dolly Parton’s extended family sharing stories and showcasing songs from her brand new Christmas album, along with classic holiday favorites. These heartwarming holiday shows will tug at your heart and lift your spirit.
Santa
For the kids—and kids at heart—wondering what Santa is up to this year, Dollywood will shine a little light on Old Saint Nick’s home away from home. When he isn’t hard at work at the North Pole, Santa likes to visit East Tennessee and his favorite Smoky Mountain songstress, Dolly! Thanks to a brand-new experience, guests literally can see inside Santa’s cabin in the Smokies as he reviews…the list! Kids discover whether their name is on the naughty or nice list, and they even have their photo made as they peer through the window during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Santa at work.
Safety
Dollywood is following the Covid guidelines to help keep their guests safe. See their website for more information regarding this.
*Merry & Bright fireworks will be shown Fridays, Saturdays and busier operating days throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas. Weather permitting.
