Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour: Go Behind the Glow
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour offers a magical, guided after-dark experience during the Harvest Festival. For $79 per person (with discounts for Gold and Diamond Passholders), guests enjoy a two-hour walking tour featuring exclusive character meet-and-greets, a dip-your-own candle keepsake, seasonal snacks, front-of-line access to Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury, and a collectible lanyard. It’s a perfect way to enhance your fall visit and soak in the glow of Dollywood’s iconic pumpkin celebration.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival has long been a cherished fall tradition in the Smoky Mountains, drawing guests from across the country with its mix of Appalachian charm, vibrant foliage, seasonal treats, Southern gospel, and of course—its crown jewel after dark—Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Dollywood is turning up the glow with a experience that promises to take your fall visit to dazzling new heights. Introducing the “Behind the Glow” Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour—a guided adventure through the park’s beloved nighttime pumpkin celebration.
What Is the Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour?
Offered nightly during the Harvest Festival, the Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. This is not your average theme park stroll. It’s a curated, insider experience designed to immerse guests in the magic and mystery of LumiNights in a whole new way.
Perfect for families, couples, or fall-loving friend groups, this walking group tour offers behind-the-scenes insight and front-row access to some of Dollywood’s most iconic autumn experiences.
Here’s what’s included:
- Guided tour of Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Follow a friendly and knowledgeable Dollywood host through the glowing pumpkin wonderland as they share fun facts, photo tips, and little-known stories behind the displays. - Front-of-line access to two Dollywood favorites
Tour guests will skip the line once for both Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury! Fire in the Hole! - Collectible lanyard
A themed souvenir lanyard marks your participation and makes a great keepsake.
- Exclusive character meet & greet photo opportunity
Snap a memorable photo with a fall-themed character that you won’t find elsewhere in the park. - Dip-your-own candle souvenir
Create your own scented candle to take home—a cozy memento of your fall adventure. - Seasonal snacks and refreshments
Enjoy festive fall treats and drinks to fuel your stroll through the lantern-lit pathways.
Pricing and Passholder Discounts
The Behind the Glow tour is $79 per person, plus tax, and requires a minimum of two guests per reservation. Dollywood admission is not included, so you’ll need to purchase your Harvest Festival day ticket or use your season pass to enjoy the tour.
However, there’s good news for Gold and Diamond Passholders—you can unlock an exclusive discount when logged into your Dollywood account at checkout.
Tickets are on sale now and expected to go quickly, especially for peak weekends in October. If you’re planning to visit during fall break or a popular Saturday night, early booking is highly recommended.
Why It’s Worth It
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is already a standout among fall theme park events, with its mix of authentic Appalachian artistry, live music, and rich seasonal atmosphere. But the real showstopper comes after dark. Once the sun sets behind the Smoky Mountains, the park transforms into a glowing celebration of autumn thanks to thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and creative light installations.
This new tour offers an enhanced way to experience it all, with less waiting, more memory-making, and thoughtful touches that add up to an unforgettable evening.
From personalized touches like the candle-making station to skipping the lines at rides, the tour offers real value for guests who want to go beyond just walking through the crowds. The guided element also means no navigating or rushing—just time to enjoy, absorb, and glow.
Our Take
Here at Simply Touring, we’re thrilled to see Dollywood continuing its immersive offerings, especially during seasonal festivals. We know how hard it can be to truly slow down and soak in the moment on busy park days. That’s why the Great Pumpkin LumiNights tour stands out—it’s designed to elevate your Harvest Festival experience without the usual hustle.
It’s a perfect way to treat yourself or surprise a loved one with a premium fall experience at one of the country’s most beloved theme parks for a very reasonable price!
Ready to book your glow-up? Head to Dollywood.com to reserve your spot before they sell out.
For more Dollywood planning tips, festival reviews, and ticket bundle options, be sure to browse our latest guides here at Simply Touring. We’ll help you make the most of your visit—from the moment the leaves start turning to the final pumpkin lantern of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Great Pumpkin LumiNights Tour?
It’s a guided 2-hour walking tour during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival that offers exclusive access to Great Pumpkin LumiNights, seasonal snacks, a candle-making activity, character meet-and-greet, and front-of-line access to Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury rides.
When does the tour start and how long does it last?
The tour begins at 7:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
Tickets are $79 per person plus tax, with a minimum of two guests required per tour.
Is park admission included with the tour ticket?
No, park admission is not included. You must have a valid Harvest Festival ticket or season pass to participate.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, Gold and Diamond Passholders receive an exclusive discount when signed into their Dollywood account at purchase.
What special experiences are included?
Guests receive a collectible lanyard, get to dip their own candle, enjoy seasonal snacks and refreshments, meet a special character for photos, and get one-time front-of-line access to Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury rides.
How do I book the tour?
Tickets are available now through Dollywood’s official website. Early booking is recommended, especially for busy weekends.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but note the tour is only available to guests ages 4 and over.
What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and a valid Dollywood park ticket or season pass are recommended.
