Gourds Galore at Dollywood's Great Pumpkin LumiNights 2025

Fall at Dollywood is one of the theme park’s most popular seasons — the changing leaves, cooler temps (later in the fall, at least) and the annual Harvest Festival — including Great Pumpkin LumiNights — are all big draws. Like many of Dollywood’s seasonal events, Harvest Festival offers something for everyone — kid-friendly Halloween decor, live music, shows, delectable food and, of course, most of the park’s rides and attractions, weather permitting.

When the sun goes down, over half of the park — from Timber Canyon to Craftsman’s Valley — transforms into Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which features over 12,000 glowing pumpkins scattered around the park’s midways. From little jack-o’-lanterns lining the paths to massive displays that make for spooky photo ops, it is an amazing and family-friendly Halloween event. The whole vibe is more whimsical than spooky, so it’s perfect whether you’re bringing kids, your partner, or just geeking out on your own.

Tip: head toward Market Square as the sun begins to set to see the pumpkin tree before the crowds build up — or wait until right before the park closes. It’s also one of the best photo spots in the park, especially if you catch it as the sky’s turning that perfect twilight purple.

This pumpkin-adorned arch marks the official Craftsman’s Valley entrance to Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

I got lucky — I visited on a Tuesday night just as a storm rolled in. While it didn’t rain for too long, lightning in the area caused most of the rides to close and most of the crowds to leave.

As someone who adores owls, I love the Hoot Owl Hollow displays.

Of course, a music-infused theme park like Dollywood needs a guitar-shaped pumpkin display.

While most of the rides were closed, Blazing Fury was open. When I last visited the park in March, the indoor coaster was down for its extended refurb. It was so great to be able to ride it again, especially in this weather.

I loved that each of the park’s major attractions had its own pumpkin display.

Pumpkins aren’t the only decor on display — webs and other Halloween staples are mixed in as well.

The pumpkin spider has been a long-time favorite of Great Pumpin LumiNights.

Photos do not do the number of pumpkins on display any justice.

Many of the pumpkins throughout the park have adorable critter designs carved into them.

Wild Eagle’s themed pumpkins.

FireChaser Express’ themed pumpkins.

Mystery Mine in general lends itself well to the Halloween season, and its pumpkin display did not disappoint.

Wildwood Grove has its own assortment of pumpkin creations, including these sunflower displays.

By this point, Wildwood Grove was nearly empty — a sight I haven’t seen in the six years it’s been open. Even though the rides were closed, I was enjoying every second of the peace and quiet.

Even though these weren’t actually lit, I did feel 10 degrees warmer walking by this display.

This light tunnel leading from Timber Canyon to the Emporium gift shop and park exit is beautiful.

The disco pumpkin display is always one of my favorites. The disco ball and music really make it an unforgettable sight.

Of course, Dolly has to have a butterfly display. The attention to detail is stunning, and the smaller pumpkins with butterflies on the ground is a nice touch.

The lights leading to Tennessee Tornado in Craftsman’s Valley are breathtaking. They’ll remain in place for Smoky Mountain Christmas, which begins next month.

Harvest Festival is also known for its scrumptious savory bites, sweets and beverages. And for indecisive foodies like me, the park offers a Harvest Tasting Pass, which allows you to try five Harvest Festival food and drink offerings.

While I didn’t buy a tasting pass on this trip, I did try the Pumpkin Whoopie Pie. I’m a devout Dollywood cinnamon bread fan, but this gave my favorite loaf a run for its money.

Sweet, decadent cream cheese icing was sandwiched between two dense yet fluffy pumpkin spice-flavored cookies. I’m still thinking about it over a week later.

Hopefully I’ll return before Harvest Festival ends, as I would love to explore more of the tasty offerings (view the full Harvest Festival menu here).

While I didn’t get as many nighttime rides on this visit (thankfully, I was back at the park the next day for the announcement of NightFlight Expedition), having the park to myself was worth the sacrifice of ride time.