Experience the Magic: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour transforms a regular park visit into a premium holiday experience. With guided storytelling, reserved train seating, festive treats, and twinkling lights at every turn, it’s the perfect way to see the park’s Christmas magic come alive.
Each winter, Dollywood turns into a wonderland of over six million twinkling lights, holiday shows, and heartwarming Southern charm. But if you’re looking to take that festive experience to the next level, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour offers a guided, premium way to see the park’s most dazzling displays and it’s absolutely worth adding to your holiday itinerary.
What Is the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour?
The Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour is an exclusive guided experience available during Dollywood’s award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, which runs from November 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026.
For $79 per person (plus tax), guests ages four and up can join this special evening tour that highlights Dollywood’s most breathtaking light displays and holiday entertainment.
The experience includes:
- A guided walking tour of the park’s Christmas lights and decor
- A collectible lanyard to commemorate the event
- A meet-and-greet with seasonal performers and characters
- Reserved seating aboard the Dollywood Express, offering unbeatable views of the park’s illuminated mountainscape
- A holiday treat and hot beverage to enjoy along the way
Theme park admission tickets are not included with the tour price. Each tour booking requires at least two guests. Discounts are provided for Gold and Diamond Season Passholders.
A Guided Experience Full of Holiday Charm
While Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is magical on its own, the guided tour adds a layer of storytelling and exclusivity. A friendly guide leads your small group through some of the park’s most festive areas, sharing details about the light installations and ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems.
The evening atmosphere makes it all the more enchanting. As the sun sets and the Smoky Mountain air turns crisp, millions of lights begin to sparkle, from the massive 50-foot Christmas tree in Glacier Ridge to the cozy glow of Craftsman’s Valley. The guided route ensures you hit the best spots for photos, family memories, and those little holiday details that make Dollywood so special.
The Highlight: Reserved Seating on the Dollywood Express
One of the standout perks of this tour is reserved seating aboard the Dollywood Express, the park’s authentic coal-powered train that winds through the foothills of the Smokies. During the holiday season, the ride becomes a moving spectacle, surrounded by beautiful lights and fun Christmas tunes.
Having a reserved seat means you can skip the line (which often grows long during this busy time of year) and simply sit back to enjoy the glow of millions of twinkling bulbs reflecting off the mountain landscape. It’s pure holiday magic.
Insider Tips for Your Tour
- Arrive early: Guests are asked to check in by 5:00 p.m. at the TimeSaver and Special Experiences Reservation Center. Don’t waste your admission ticket! Visit the attractions prior to your tour experience!
- Bundle up: The tour takes place outdoors and into the evening. Make sure you bring warm layers, hats, and gloves.
- Capture the beauty: Bring your camera or phone and battery packs; the park’s lighting is picture perfect after dark.
- Plan your evening: The tour typically begins around 6:30 p.m., so enjoy dinner or a snack before joining your guide.
- Pair it with other experiences: The tour fits perfectly after a morning of rides or holiday shows, making for a well-rounded Dollywood day.
Why It’s Worth the Splurge
At $79 per person, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour is an upgrade but it’s one that adds genuine value. You’re not just walking through the park; you’re getting context, reserved experiences, and a relaxed pace guided by someone who knows the festival inside and out.
The included treat and beverage add a cozy touch, and the collectible lanyard makes a fun keepsake. For families, couples, or anyone celebrating a special occasion, it’s an experience that turns a Dollywood visit into a memory you’ll talk about long after the lights fade.
Perfect for Travel Packages and Holiday Getaways
For those planning a Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg Christmas getaway, this tour makes a wonderful evening addition to a multi-day itinerary. Combine it with a stay at The Inn at Christmas Place or Margaritaville Island Hotel, enjoy dinner at Aunt Granny’s, and you have a complete Smoky Mountain holiday experience
This is an easy way to elevate a Dollywood day ticket into a VIP-feeling night full of magic, music, and memories.
Simply Touring Thoughts
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is already one of the most beloved holiday events in the country, but the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour offers a guided, stress-free way to experience its best features. From twinkling lights to festive train rides and warm cocoa in hand, it’s the kind of experience that captures the true spirit of the Smoky Mountains at Christmas.
If you’re planning a visit this season, book early because this exclusive tour fills quickly, especially on weekends and around Christmas week.
Because at Dollywood, Christmas isn’t just a season. It’s an experience and this tour is the best way to see it all shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour at Dollywood?
The Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour is a guided evening experience offered during Dollywood’s annual Christmas festival. Guests enjoy a walking tour of the park’s holiday lights, meet festive performers, receive a collectible lanyard, reserved Dollywood Express seating, and a holiday treat with a hot beverage.
How much does the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour cost?
The tour costs $79 per person plus tax and fees for ages 4 and up. A minimum of two guests is required per tour booking. Park admission is not included in the cost.
When is the tour available?
The tour runs during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, from November 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Availability varies nightly, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Where do I check in for the tour?
Guests should check in by 5:00 p.m. at the TimeSaver and Special Experiences Reservation Center inside the park. The tour typically begins around 6:30 p.m.
Do Dollywood passholders receive a discount?
Yes! Gold Passholders receive $5 off, and Diamond Passholders receive $10 off per ticket when logged into their Dollywood account at the time of booking.
Is the tour good for families?
Absolutely. The tour is family-friendly, children must be four and older due to the walking involved. The guided pace, reserved train seating, and performer interactions make it a wonderful option for families looking to experience Dollywood’s Christmas magic together.
What should I wear or bring?
Dress warmly because temperatures in the Smoky Mountains can get chilly after dark. Comfortable shoes, gloves, and a camera are must-haves for enjoying the lights and festive atmosphere.
Is it worth the price?
If you love holiday experiences and want a stress-free, VIP way to explore Dollywood’s Christmas celebration, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour is well worth it. The reserved experiences, treats, and exclusive access create an unforgettable evening that’s full of warmth and wonder.
