Dollywood is becoming just as iconic as its founder, our beloved Dolly Parton. Christmas at Dollywood is one of the best times of year to visit.

I’ll admit the first time I went I wasn’t expecting much, but we were all so pleasantly surprised, entertained, and enchanted. Dollywood is indeed a world class theme park, big enough to excite the family, small enough to schedule a quick weekend or day trip. Most recently we were gifted tickets from Dollywood for a spectacular Christmas at Dollywood visit.

We first went a few years ago in the Fall amidst all the pumpkins and the leaves turning gorgeous colors and we rode the train.  We got lucky this winter and had pleasant weather to ride the train again.

Christmas at Dollywood will run all the way to January 5, 2019. We rented a cabin a few miles away in Pigeon Forge, nestled in the smoky mountains, a vacation as Americana as you can get.

Dollywood provided four tickets for us and we purchased two more, although I am amazed at how many people purchase season tickets and enjoy more than one weekend.  I know a couple who leave Nashville once a month and head to Dollywood to destress, breathe mountain air and enjoy everything Dolly has to offer.

You can do Dollywood in a day, but not if you want to see all the shows, and it’s Dolly, folks, so you know the shows are good and resemble the essence of Dolly that everyone loves. See below for one day pass prices and two-day pass prices.

Craftsmen and Artisans Make and Market at Dollywood

My favorite parts of the park are the artisans who put their hands to their craft right on the premises. There’s a pottery shop that makes the most beautiful casserole dishes. One of them came home with me for a Christmas present.

I didn’t want to carry my purchase around the park.  Dollywood has a program that sends your purchases to the store you exit from around 7:00. You get a ticket and just pick your packages up on the way out. How nice is that?

That’s a great idea because there are many beautiful shops to browse, including Dolly’s Closet.

The Christmas Shop has so many gorgeous holiday options.

Dollywood features over 40 Rides and Attractions

The twins enjoyed a few of the 40 available rides, although we couldn’t talk them into the roller coaster. One way to experience a trip back in history is to take the amazing train ride that’s great for the whole family, all ages.

Dollywood excels in bringing wholesome entertainment to families providing numerous shows. Check schedule for seasonal presentations.

This Christmas, they had Christmas in the Smokies, It’s a Wonderful Life, Meet Rudolph and His Friends, Appalachian Christmas, Parade of Many Colors, and many more. This is one way to break up the miles of walking you will do.

There’s a Santa’s workshop for the little kids to make ornaments, etc.

You will not go hungry at Dollywood

Food abounds everywhere, from walk up burgers and barbecue to sit down buffet dinners. There are many grab and go eateries, food concessions and places to sit outside and eat. Snacks are everywhere, but don’t miss the homemade pork rinds located in Craftman’s Valley. We had delcious burgers at the Front Porch Cafe. On one occasion we had great chicken sandwiches at Frannie’s Fried Chicken Food Truck.

Homemade cinnamon buns baked on the premises. We took a coffee/hot chocolate break at the Spotlight Bakery. It’s the home of the 25 pound apple pie which you can order to be shipped straight to your home.

The most exciting part of the park this Christmas at Dollywood is the addition of Glacier Ridge, a charming winter wonderland. The 50 foot  tree lighting show was the best I’ve ever seen and when it was over, I wanted to see it all over again.

Once it turns dark, the first Tree Lighting Show Begins and its spectacular. In the evening five million Christmas lights come alive throughout the park. The end of the night features the Parade of Many Colors.

Dollywood is managed in a manner consistent with Christian values and ethics and this is stated on their website. They aim to lead with love, patience, kindness, humility, respect, trust, unselfishness, forgiveness, truth and dedication. This comes through in the staff and service you will experience.

They even host an evening church service.

Dollywood is a world-class theme park all families, all ages can enjoy in a safe, loving and fun environment. Christmas at Dollywood will be sure to get into the spirit. The Christmas activities run from November 10 to January 5.

What You Need to Know about Dollywood.

Dollywood Ticket Prices       

from age 10-61 is $69 plus tax for one day, $89 plus tax for two days, $109 for a Season Pass

Chile (ages 4-9 is $56 plus tax for one day, $76 plus tax for two days, $99 for a Season Pass.

Senior (ages 62+) $64 plus tax for one day, $84 plus tax for two days, $99 for a Season Pass.

You can purchase Two-Day Tickets as shown above and must be used within a five day consecutive period.

You can check the website for three tickets and ticket prices in conjunction with Dollywood’s Splash Country.

Dollywood Season Pass

If you think you will be visiting Dollywood at least twice in one year, consider a Dollywood Season Pass.

Dollywood Celebrates the Seasons

We have been to Dollywood in the Fall and at Christmas. The Fall sports the Dollywood Harvest Festival featuring Harvest Festival crafters, the Southern Gospel Jubilee and the Great Pumpkin Lumni Nights, a lighting event not to be missed. Summer has it’s own personality at Dollywood with fireworks, and special shows. While the Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood is one not to miss, each season has its special charm.

Disclosure: Tickets to Dollywood were provided. All opinions are my own, and we look forward to our next Dollywood trip.

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