It's Christmas All Season Long At Dollywood
Posted by Leif Palmer in Pigeon Forge Attractions
Dollywood's a fun place to hang out any time it's open. What's not to like about dozens of beautiful Smoky Mountain acres filled with rides, attractions, shows, food vendors and shops? But this time of year, the Pigeon Forge theme park, shifts into a whole different gear, adding a distinctive holiday twist to its usual offerings during the annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. This year's event runs now through January 1, 2018.
What makes Smoky Mountain Christmas so special? We can start off with 4 million reasons, because that's how many lights Dollywood is adorned with for the holiday season. They're all over the park, and at night, it's a spectacle to behold as each section glimmers in radiant and colorful brilliance. You'll also see some breathtaking light displays during the nightly Parade of Colors, which takes place on Showstreet after dark. Beginning at 8:15, you'll see a procession of vibrant floats, interactive characters and other surprises, all of which are reflections of Dolly Parton's unique personality and history.
Dollywood at Christmas is also known for its holiday shows. Live shows are an important component of the theme park throughout its operating year, but at Christmas, the shows take on a decidedly seasonal theme. Highlights include It's A Wonderful Life (based on the popular film), Appalachian Christmas (acoustic music), Christmas in the Smokies, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs and O Holy Night. Also keep an eye out for the MistleTones, an a capella ladies trio that performs Christmas standards at the Showstreet Gazebo.
There are also fun, interactive activities for all ages at Smoky Mountain Christmas. Kids can meet Rudolph and friends at the Holly Jolly Junction, and Santa Land is open through December 23, giving families the chance to make unique craft items, marvel at larger-than-life toys and, of course, visit with Santa himself. At Dolly's Christmas Chapel, you can even attend worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout the festival.
And believe it or not, many of the park's rides are open through the end of the year, depending on the day's weather conditions. But don't expect to jump on any of the water-based rides like Slidewinder or Daredevil Falls; they don't want anyone catching a cold during the holidays.
Finally, save some appetite for Dollywood's holiday foods. The grub is already pretty good through the regular season, but during Smoky Mountain Christmas, look for special treats like hot wassail, cinnamon bread, pumpkin rolls and full Christmas dinners served at some of the on-site restaurants.
Need a place to stay throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas? Contact us by phone or online today to make your reservations at Timbercreek Cabins. With a selection ranging from cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious, five-bedroom mountain lodges, we have a wide-ranging and luxurious selection of cabins in Tennessee. And we're just a few minutes from Pigeon Forge, so whether your plans include visiting Dollywood or the outlet malls in Sevierville or the attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, we can set you up in a convenient location that also is in the middle of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Smokies.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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