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It's the most wonderful time of the year and Dollywood is decked out in the Christmas spirit! Here with all the details is Wes Ramey.
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Dollywood has it all!
With several new lighting displays across its 160 acres, Dollywood theme park, the 14-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event, now boasts more than 6 million shining, shimmering lights as part of the popular Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 5- Jan 1, 2023).
The event and experience which easily can be described as one of America’s favorite Christmas traditions, shines brightly thanks to the warmth of gleaming holiday lights, award-winning stage productions, Christmas culinary masterpieces and the warm family traditions so many guests have enjoyed throughout the festival’s 30 plus years.
Dollywood truly sparkles this Christmas season with new lighting elements throughout the park providing an element of surprise to guests around every corner, even for those aboard the Dollywood Express. Visitors riding the guest-favorite attraction will enjoy a special light show draped across the field located inside the train’s upper turning loop.
Another new lighted area is the Village Pass, which features a 130’ light curtain wall that includes programmed movement. This area leads guests from lower Craftsman’s Valley to The Village. Adventures in Imagination shines in pink, platinum and gold decorations—as well as 60 LED butterflies and a new 20’ ft. tall Christmas tree—in an area fittingly called Dolly’s Christmas. Dollywood is full of special events and experiences. In one of the most unique experiences during the Christmas season at Dollywood, Old Saint Nick allows visitors a sneak peek into his little cabin in the Smokies.
Guests who visit Santa’s cabin can literally see inside as he reviews…the list! Kids discover whether their names are on the naughty or nice list, and they might even have their photo made as they peer through the window during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Santa at work. Santa goes on a well-deserved vacation after Christmas Day, so families wanting to see him in action shouldn’t wait!
While on the show, Wes Ramey also gave us a sneak peak at Big Bear Mountain: the highly-detailed coaster with trains that resemble four-wheel-drive SUVs, and feature working headlights and taillights, as well as on-board audio, a first for a Dollywood attraction.
Each coaster train seats 20 guests. At $25 million, the ride is the largest single attraction investment ever at Dollywood, while the coaster’s 3,990 ft. length makes it the longest roller coaster at the park as well.
Guests on Big Bear Mountain board the vehicles for an unforgettable expedition in search of the elusive “Big Bear” in the hills just beyond Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.
If you're looking to celebrate the holidays with the perfect family meal, Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight. From herb-roasted turkey breast and citrus-glazed carved ham to chicken pot pie in a bread cone, there are a number of savory items to satisfy every appetite. A number of unique items abound including eggnog cupcakes, gingerbread-dusted funnel cake, holiday limeade and more. The resort is celebrating the holidays with a variety of festival-inspired activities, crafts, entertainment, décor and culinary options.
Finally, for anyone searching for the perfect Christmas gift of family fun and memories, a Dollywood season pass is the solution! Diamond or gold season passes purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas provides admission to this year’s Christmas festival along with admission for Dollywood’s “BIG” 2023 operating season. Guests can purchase their 2023 season pass online now or upgrade their paid one-day admission ticket on the day of their visit. For more information and a park operating calendar, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.