Get in the Christmas spirit at Dollywood – whether you visit Thanksgiving Day or anytime in from Nov. 7, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021 – Dollywood has transformed from fall to winter and is full of Christmas Joy – and lights! During the Christmas Festival, “the park boasts an impressive count of more than five million brilliant lights, heartwarming Christmas entertainment, delicious holiday meals and the fun of Dollywood at Christmas.
“Merry and Bright” is the theme of the 2020 holiday season – from award-winning shows to decorations and treats to the lights and a new attraction at the Grove. Dollywood is transformed – and there is so much to see and do!
Head to Wildwood Grove for the newest Christmas attraction at the newest Dollywood experience! A new attraction in 2019 is back for the 2020 season!
Wildwood Grove is home to a friendly ensemble of woodland creatures. Flit, Flutter, and Benjamin Bear love to welcome guests. The Grove is part of Glacier Ridge (presented by Goo Goo Cluster®). It opened this year. Glacier Ridge is truly a winter wonderland that includes the areas of the park known as Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass and the upper portion of Craftsman’s Valley.
Guests visiting Glacier Ridge may feel as if the Smokies have frozen over, and they’ve been transported to the arctic. The Plaza at Wilderness Pass includes a 50 ft.-tall animated tree that anchors the area. Every 30 minutes the Plaza sparkles to life, presenting a fully synchronized, dazzling light show with holiday hits – singing along is highly encouraged.
For those entering from Timber Canyon, the Arctic Passage, a 130-ft. long programmable light tunnel, transports them into Glacier Ridge in a stunning array of light and color. Once emerging from the tunnel, you are are greeted by polar bears who have made a home at Drop Line Bay.
Those getting to Glacier Ridge through Craftsman’s Valley experience a one-of-a-kind light installation that mimics the natural phenomenon known as the aurora borealis. Guests can walk through Dollywood’s version of the Northern Lights, brought to life with music as only Dolly can do – you’ll feel as if the aurora borealis has come south.
That’s a highlight for the season for sure – but there is much more at Dollywood for Christmas.
Sparkling Lights
Guests may or may not know – lighting for Christmas begins early every year. Very early! In fact, in 2020, crews began stringing the park in June. Working overnight, on days the park wasn’t open, and even early mornings, crews strung up more than 5 million individual lights. Despite all the differences from a traditional Dollywood season, 2020 still offers up the traditional Christmas experience guests have loved throughout the years.
One exciting difference for 2020 is the new technology offered in lighting. A new type of lighting putting out even more lumens have been strung around the park.
Holiday Light
A new Christmas tradition begins in 2020. This year, every Friday & Saturday night offers a brilliant fireworks display. Set to holiday music and traditional Christmas tunes, this spectacular light show is visible throughout the park and beyond.
Amazing music and shows
While we were uncertain if Dollywood would offer music shows this year, the good news is finally here! Merry and Bright will offer several shows in 2020. Indoor shows will offer plenty of seating, but every other row will be closed off to allow for proper physical distancing. Guests are asked to keep at least three seats between your party and other parties, and guests are asked to arrive early to ensure proper seating.
Celebrate an acoustic Christmas at the Back Porch Theater with Appalachian Christmas.
Taking place at the Valley Theater, a little girl looks for an angel and three shepherds follow a star. Enjoy their journey into the story of Christmas.
All your favorite Christmas songs heard in a new way. Find the Mistletones at The Village Depot.
A long-time Dollywood tradition! See 14 singers and dancers perform you favorite songs along with an 8-man band. You can catch this show at Dolly’s Celebrity Theater.
Sweets, Treats, and Good Eats
You’ll have easy access to Dollywood in an American Patriot Getaways cabin – with plenty of room for family and cooking your holiday meal if you choose. If you’re looking for festive eats to get you ready to enjoy all the culinary offerings the season has to offer, check out a few options at Dollywood!
This season, grab some warm desserts from the Spotlight Bakery on your way in. Enjoy a hot chocolate while taking in all the Christmas lights. For sit down meals, Aunt Granny’s is offering a full Christmas feast with all the sides. Check out all the dining options at Dollywood on their website.
Hours of Operation
Dollywood is operating on a reduced schedule in the 2020 season, and is closed on Mondays, and some Tuesdays, throughout the remainder of the year. The Theme Park is also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The park will be open on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Check their hours and purchase tickets in advance (not required, but highly recommended due to Covid-19 restrictions on guest numbers) here.
Get in the Christmas Spirit
In 2019, an exciting event happened that holiday season – the premier of Smoky Mountain hometown hero Dolly Parton’s Netflix movies. Each movie was be based on one of her hit songs in an 8-part series called Heartstrings. Dolly Parton will appear in select episodes of the new anthology show. Get in the holiday spirit and get ready for a Christmas trip to Dollywood with a Netflix binge!
Dollywood celebrated its 35th anniversary season in 2020 with the new Flower & Food Festival, the return of the Gazillion Bubbles Show, and a calendar full of fantastic festivals and entertainment. We are hoping to see this new festival return for the 2021 season!
Ready to book your holiday cabin?
We have the perfect cabin for you – with cozy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, indoor and outdoor spaces, hot tubs, big-screen televisions, game rooms and more.
And there are views – you’ll see why they are called the Smoky Mountains – and when it snows – heaven!
Let American Patriot Getaways and Dollywood be your destination all the holidays in 2019. Find a cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg with an incredible mountain view and cabins decorated for Christmas. Check out our Pinterest board on Cabins near Dollywood and 12 Amazing Deals in December.
With cabins for every group size and budget – and many that are decorated for Christmas – you’re sure to find the perfect home away from home for your celebration. Book online or give our friendly Reservation Department staff a call at 800-204-5169 today.
Be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!
