Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
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 artfully 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.
Typically if you purchase a new Gold season pass during the promotional period for the next calendar year, you will receive the remainder of the current year for free. Dollywood typically offers these promotions in October. For instance if you purchased a 2024 Gold Pass when they went on sale in October of 2024, you received the remainder of the 2024 year as well.
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.
Here are the shows that were offered for the 2024 Christmas Season. Dollywood often brings back popular shows year after year:
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!
Dollywood Express Light 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 Dixie 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!
