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It's the most wonderful time of the year, time for smoky mountain Christmas at Dollywood! Here to share all the details about what's returning this year and what's new we have Wes Ramey!
Guests are sure to feel the holiday spirit throughout the park during Smoky Mountain Christmas thanks to awe-inspiring displays located around every corner. It is this dedication to creating the industry’s best Christmas event that led the Golden Ticket Awards to name the event a “legend” after 15 consecutive “best of” wins.
Joy is everywhere at Dollywood with interactive elements and experiences for all guests. Wildwood Grove transforms into a snowy winter wonderland with a brand-new immersive experience, Snow in the Grove. Guests will feel the Christmas magic as snow gently begins to fall upon Wildwood Creek as the Wildwood Tree glows to life every evening. The merrymaking continues as Dollywood’s Christmas characters, Roly and Poly, join in the fun as the snow descends. Dollywood’s Merry and Bright! fireworks show returns to dazzle guests with a festive end to the day on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“Also new this year is the Christmas Reflections light installation in Rivertown” says Ramey. As night descends, the Rivertown pond shines brightly as five brilliantly decorated trees shimmer to life with their lights reflecting onto the water below. He adds “this display will be a beautiful addition to the more than 6 million lights sure to dazzle guests on their visit.” Glacier Ridge presented by Goo Goo Cluster returns to Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove and Wilderness Pass with a vibrant nighttime display.
Dollywood’s beloved entertainment shines on both indoor and outdoor stages. A new offering this year is “Heidi Parton’s A Christmas To Remember,” where Dolly’s niece, Heidi, shares songs and stories from her family’s Christmas traditions. The show takes place in the Dreamsong Theater. The festival’s family-favorite headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” returns to Celebrity Theater and delights guests as it has every year since its debut in 1990. Other Dollywood Christmas classics return including “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs” and more.
One of the most unique experiences guests can enjoy this Christmas at Dollywood is Santa’s List... Naughty or Nice? Santa gives visitors a sneak peek into his cozy Smoky Mountain cabin. Families can see him hard at work finalizing this year’s naughty and nice list, and even talk with the jolly old elf himself! Santa returns to the North Pole for a well-deserved vacation after Christmas Day, so families wanting to see him shouldn’t wait!
Guests will delight in the delicious holiday menu created by Dollywood’s chefs. From hearty rosemary garlic white pizza to warm holiday stuffing stackers and tomato florentine soup, food connoisseurs are sure to find something to love. For those with a sweet tooth, Dollywood has a wide array of treats to offer, including red velvet whoopie pies, peppermint twist cupcakes, traditional sugar cookies, gingerbread people and more!
During the holidays, guests can experience the thrill of Dollywood’s world-class rides, as most attractions are operational during the Christmas season. From these rides, guests can take in the dazzling display of millions of lights shining down below. The Christmas spirit also can be found at Dollywood’s resort properties, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can enjoy roaming entertainment, marshmallow roasting and hot apple cider. Camp DW provides holiday crafts and activities to spark joy in the youngest visitors.
“For anyone wishing to share the magic of creating cherished family memories, a Dollywood Season Pass is the best gift to give loved ones” says Ramey. Diamond and Gold Season Passes purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas allow admission to this year’s festival and Dollywood during the entire 2025 operating season. Ramey adds “Guests can purchase their 2025 Season Pass now or upgrade their regular admission ticket on the day of their visit.” For more great information visit Dollywood.com.