Visiting Dollywood during Christmas is one of the most magical experiences in Pigeon Forge. Recently nominated for the USA Today 10Best Holiday Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas transforms into a winter wonderland filled with more than six million lights, award-winning shows, festive music, and holiday-themed treats.
Here are the top nine things to do at Dollywood during Christmas that will fill your holidays with joy.
1. Discover Dazzling Holiday Lights at Dollywood
Explore this popular holiday attraction featuring more than 6 million dazzling lights throughout the park, creating a magical experience that transforms Dollywood into a sparkling winter wonderland. From twinkling pathways to spectacular light displays, every corner of the park glows with holiday cheer.
Insider Tip: Arrive before dusk to watch the park transform as the lights flicker on for one of the most heartwarming moments of the season.
2. Experience Dollywood’s Award-Winning Christmas Shows
Dollywood is known for world-class entertainment, and the holidays are no exception. Christmas in the Smokies and Twas the Night Before Christmas return to the indoor stage for family-friendly holiday performances that fill the theaters with joy and nostalgia. After enjoying these heartwarming indoor performances, step outside to enjoy outdoor shows like Appalachian Christmas, Holiday Wild Roots, and O Holy Night.
Insider Tip: Check the holiday show schedule for performance times so you don’t miss your favorites!
3. Meet Santa and Peek Inside His Cozy Cabin
This season, guests can peek through the window of Santa’s Smoky Mountain cabin to see him hard at work checking his famous list. Kids (and kids at heart!) will love searching for their names on the “Nice List,” while parents can capture a heartwarming holiday photo to remember the moment.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget your camera! This unique glimpse into Santa’s workshop is one of the park’s most popular holiday experiences. Find more places to see Santa in Pigeon Forge.
4. See a dazzling Christmas tree light show
One of Glacier Ridge’s can’t-miss moments is the Wonderful Christmas! tree show at The Plaza at Wilderness Pass. Standing 50 feet tall, the tree shimmers to holiday music all evening, then at 6 p.m. puts on a dazzling, fully synchronized light show, complete with falling snow.
5. Explore the Magic of Glacier Ridge
Experience the magic of Glacier Ridge, Dollywood’s largest Christmas expansion since the festival first began in 1990. This sparkling winter wonderland features more than one million twinkling lights that illuminate the night for an awe-inspiring holiday experience that delights guests of all ages.
6. Experience the Northern Lights
One of the must-see displays at Dollywood is the Northern Lights! It’s Tennessee’s take on Aurora, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Situated between the Tennessee Tornado and Blazing Fury ride, take a stroll through this area with a hot chocolate in hand.
7. Soar Above the Lights on Night Rides at Dollywood
Guests can still enjoy Dollywood’s world-class rides throughout the holiday season, with most attractions open during Smoky Mountain Christmas. Pick your favorite rides and soar above Dollywood, getting a glimpse of the 6 million lights throughout the park.
Note: For guests’ safety, some attractions may not be operating due to low temperatures. Check the Dollywood app or website for current ride availability during your visit.
8. Experience the Incredible Merry & Bright Fireworks Display
Christmas magic fills the air at Dollywood, and the Merry & Bright fireworks show makes every night even more memorable. Returning this season, the show features brilliant fireworks dancing across the Smoky Mountain sky on Friday and Saturday nights beginning late November and running through late December.
9. Sample an All-New Christmas Menu
Discover a talented team of chefs who have crafted a delicious lineup of seasonal favorites and new festive flavors to delight every palate. Savor the familiar tastes of the season with an all-new menu of holiday treats. Try up to five festival foods for one low price, from savory dishes like a Pork Belly Skillet or Chicken Pot Pie Bread Cone to sweet indulgences like a Gingerbread Funnel Cake.
Insider Tip: Purchase a Christmas Tasting Pass and dig into the flavors of the season at Dollywood!
Plan Your Visit to Dollywood During Christmas
Wrap your family in the light of the season this Christmas at Dollywood with award-winning shows, culinary delights, seasonal shopping, and the sparkling lights that bring us all closer together. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs from November 8, 2025, through January 5, 2026, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the magic.
Looking for a gift that lasts all year? A Dollywood Season Pass is the perfect way to share the joy of unlimited fun and family memories. When you purchase a Gold or Diamond Pass during Smoky Mountain Christmas, you’ll get admission to this year’s Christmas festivities plus unlimited visits for the 2026 season, including Dollywood’s newest ride, NightFlight Expedition! Buy online today, or upgrade your one-day ticket during your visit to keep the holiday magic going all year long.
