Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood transforms into a spectacular holiday destination during the Smoky Mountain Christmas season, offering dazzling light displays, themed shows, a special tasting pass for festive foods, and family-friendly attractions.
Imagine stepping through the gates of Dollywood and being instantly transported into a realm of pure holiday enchantment. This isn’t just a theme park decorated for Christmas; it’s a meticulously crafted winter wonderland, where every detail is designed to ignite the spirit of the season. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, consistently crowned America’s Best Christmas Event, doesn’t just meet expectations, it surpasses them, creating an immersive experience that resonates with visitors of all ages.

Millions of twinkling lights, meticulously strung and arranged, transform the park into a shimmering spectacle. It’s a visual feast that leaves you breathless, a testament to the dedication and artistry behind the event. But the magic isn’t just visual. Award-winning shows, featuring heartwarming stories, dazzling musical performances, and captivating theatrical productions, fill the air with the sounds of the season. From traditional carols to contemporary holiday hits, the entertainment is designed to uplift and inspire, creating moments of shared joy and connection.
And then there are the aromas, the irresistible scents of freshly baked cinnamon bread, gingerbread cookies, and other festive treats wafting from Spotlight Bakery. As you stroll down Showstreet, the warm, comforting smells mingle with the crisp winter air, creating a sensory symphony that evokes memories of holidays past and anticipation for those to come.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is more than a celebration; it’s a heartfelt invitation to recapture the pure joy and wonder of the holidays. It’s where families weave lasting memories, where the true spirit of Christmas glows, and where Southern hospitality shines as brightly as the park’s dazzling lights.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Dates
Smoky Mountain Christmas for the 2025 season will run November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Here is the current operating schedule.
What Does it Cost?
Season Passholders
Gold season passholders for the 2025 year will be able to enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas through the end of the 2025 year. Silver season passholders have blackout dates of 12/15/25 – 1/4/26, so if you have a Silver season pass and want to enjoy the Christmas season, you will need to visit early in the season before 12/15/25. Volunteer season passholders will not be eligible to visit during Smoky Mountain Christmas at all. For specific Season Passholder pricing and information check out this article.

Individual Tickets
Dollywood classifies ages (10-61) as an adult. Discounts are available for children ages (4-9) and Adults (62+). Children ages 3 and under receive free admission.

If you think you will be going to Dollywood for more than 1 day, you can save so much by bundling your tickets and purchasing multiple days at once.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights

There truly isn’t anything like the Winter Wonderland of lights that Dollywood has created. It is definitely not to be missed. Tackle all the rides and experiences before dark and spend your evening under the glow of the twinkling lights. According to Dollywood, you can explore a Christmas of many colors this holiday season! Slow down for a scenic stroll through the park and notice how each land tells a seasonal story through its unique and vibrant hues.
Discover Santa’s Village with its classic red and green, the crisp blues and whites of winter in Glacier Ridge, a soft candlelight glow throughout Craftsman’s Valley, and more. Towering up to 12 feet tall, dozens of spectacular Christmas trees inspire a sense of childlike wonder, reminding us what this special season is all about. Over in Glacier Ridge you will see a story told with lights! The smokies have iced over to allow polar bear to visit his friend black bear for the Christmas season!
The Shows: Christmas Magic on Stage
Dollywood shares that seasonal shows return to the stage to share holiday cheer and fun with the whole family! You will be able to experience guest-favorite spectaculars like “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” then enjoy an outdoor performance of “Appalachian Christmas” or “O Holy Night,” filling the air with Christmas spirit. Make sure you schedule time in your touring plan for watch a show or two, they really bring the Christmas magic alive for your visit!

Dollywood Express Light Experience

Family, classic Christmas carols, twinkling lights, and a real steam engine…yes, please! Who wouldn’t love this combination?!? Climb aboard the Dollywood Express for this unique experience! It’s an excellent way to see all of the lights! Dollywood invites you and your family to grab a seat, snuggle up and wonder at the sights and sounds of the season. Classic Christmas tunes fill the air as you watch the twinkling lights whiz by, magically changing color as you travel from land to land. This is one cherished Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss!
The Santa List Experience
The Santa List experience is not to be missed and is truly one of the most unique ways to see Santa. Christmas magic is alive from the second you walk up to the Heartsong Theater . This is such a wonderful experience with so many little details that we made a whole article just for it! Check it out here.

Dollywood Tasting Pass
Dollywood does a lot of things right and one of those is their food options. The Christmas season is no different! During Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, there is an option to add a tasting pass to your ticket or purchase a tasting pass if you are a season passholder not purchasing a ticket. Stay tuned for current Tasting Pass options! We dedicated a whole article on all things Christmas Tasting Pass so you can check out the details here!
What We Think

A Smoky Mountain Christmas is an absolute must-experience! Timing your visit with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is a decision you won’t regret. But the magic extends beyond the park! Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a delightful array of holiday activities: from the dazzling Christmas show and dinner at Dolly’s Parton’s Stampede, to the enchanting fountain at The Island, the sweet treats at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, and the charming shops of Gatlinburg. Dollywood is stunning year-round, but during the Christmas season, it truly transforms into a breathtaking sight!

Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Smoky Mountain Christmas event run?
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November 14, 2025- January 4, 2026.
Do season passholders have special considerations?
Yes. Gold season passholders can enjoy the event through the end of the year. Silver passholders face blackout dates from December 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026, so they need to visit earlier in the season.
What are the highlights of the lights and decorations?
The park features millions of lights, distinct themed lands with color stories (e.g., Santa’s Village in red & green, Glacier Ridge in blues & whites, Craftsman’s Valley in candle-glow tones). Some trees reach up to 12 feet tall.
What kind of shows does the event include?
There are multiple stage shows like “Christmas in the Smokies,” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” outdoor performances such as “Appalachian Christmas” and “O Holy Night,” and more.
Are there any special food or tasting options during the event?
Yes, the park offers a “Tasting Pass” option during the Christmas season for festive fare. There is a dedicated article on that topic.







