For me, the holiday season begins the day after Halloween. Fortunately for those of us who start celebrating early, Dollywood’s official holiday season kicks off this weekend, November 4, 2017, with the start of another Smoky Mountain Christmas event.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas covers the park — literally — with four million lights, holiday-infused live entertainment, delicious food and more. Earlier this year, the event earned its tenth consecutive distinction as having the “Best Christmas Event” at the annual Golden Ticket Awards.
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Shows
Show fans will get their fill of live entertainment at Smoky Mountain Christmas:
It’s a Wonderful Life
The classic Christmas movie hits the state. Follow small-town businessman George Bailey as he discovers the “true value of life, family and friends with a little help from his guardian angel, Clarence.”
Christmas in the Smokies
“One of Dollywood’s greatest entertainment offerings, Christmas in the Smokies, returns to D.P.’s Celebrity Theater and serves as the headline show for the festival. Guests can celebrate the joy of the season while a cast of singers and dancers performs hometown holiday favorites accompanied by a band of live musicians!”
Parade of Many Colors
After a successful debut season in 2016, the crowd-favorite Parade of Many Colors returns — it features “whimsical floats, interactive characters and a heart-warming, cheerful message for Dollywood guests to enjoy.”
This was one of my favorite memories of my visit to Smoky Mountain Christmas last year. I’m glad it’s coming back.
Other shows at Smoky Mountain Christmas include:
- An Appalachian Christmas
- ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- O’ Holy Night
- My People and Christmas with The Kingdom Heirs.
Kids (and those young at heart) can meet Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, play some reindeer games and decorate custom Christmas cookies. Guests can also visit Santa Land, a “whimsical workshop where the smallest guests can share their wish list with Kris Kringle.”
Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Dining
I can confirm that the park serves up the some delicious holiday (big) bites — some with a twist, like the new Thanksgiving Feast sandwich: a ciabatta roll filled with cornbread dressing, slices of oven-roasted turkey breast, topped with cranberry sauce and served with sweet potato tater tots.
A feast, indeed.
For the traditionalists, returning favorites include turkey and dressing, Christmas ham, chicken and dumplings, Cornish hens, center cut pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot flavored drinks like wassail, Mayfield hot chocolate and cider and much more.
Sweets are an essential part of the holidays, and Dollywood has you covered with favorites like gingerbread man cookies, red-velvet and pumpkin-spice funnel cakes and many more sweet treats.
And of course, you can’t forget the park’s world-famous cinnamon bread.
If all of this wasn’t enough, many of the park’s roller coasters and other rides operate (weather permitting). Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like an exhilarating ride on Lightning Rod or Wild Eagle.
Don’t miss our coverage of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas event over the last few years.
If you’re in search of discounted Dollywood tickets, use the promo code “DWINSIDERS11” for $5 off general admission when you buy your tickets online at Dollywood.com! This offer is valid through the end of the 2017 season.
To learn more about Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas event, visit the park’s website.
What’s your favorite thing about Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas event? Share in the comments section below.
Another Thing on my Theme Park wishlist