Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Smoky Mountain Christmas
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on November 7, 2023
Last week, we gave you an overview of some of the Winterfest kickoff ceremonies taking place in the Smokies this week. These events officially launch the four-month-long festival, which will run through the end of February. Highlights of the celebration will include millions of lights and light displays gleaming all throughout the county as well as holiday-themed music shows and special events taking place at businesses and civic institutions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
In that vein, we'd like to dig a little deeper this week and tell you more about one of the area's most popular Winterfest events - Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. It's already under way and will continue into the first few days of 2024. Some of the rides won't be operational in colder weather, but otherwise, visitors can expect all the usual things that make Dollywood great, including rides, attractions, restaurants, shops, crafts and more. And on top of all that, get ready for lots of Christmas cheer throughout the theme park, from holiday-themed events and attractions to Christmas shows and seasonal foods.
Let's start with the lights. Crews spent several weeks this fall hanging some 6 million lights throughout the park, and they were ready just in time for this annual festival. Each section of the park tells a different seasonal story through its collection of unique and vibrant hues. For example, Santa's Village is lit in classic green and red, while Glacier Ridge shows off the crisp blues and whites of winter. Meanwhile, look for the soft glow of candlelight in Craftsman's Valley. Also, dozens of beautifully lit and decorated Christmas trees have been put up throughout the park, some towering as high as 12 feet tall.
Speaking of Glacier Ridge, this is a winter-only transformation of the Timber Canyon and Wilderness Pass sections into a winter wonderland, complete with an animated, 50-foot-tall Christmas tree that sparkles to life to present a fully synchronized light show throughout the evening. There's also a new drone show called Joyful, a larger-than-life display featuring hundreds of drones soaring in the air displaying festive reds, greens and whites.
While Dollywood is known for its shows throughout its operational season, the entertainment takes a decidedly seasonal twist once Smoky Mountain Christmas rolls around. The many stages and venues in the park host holiday-themed products that are geared toward all ages. Titles include “Christmas in the Smokies,” “'Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Appalachian Christmas,” “Holiday Wild Roots,” “O Holy Night” and more. You'll find these shows taking place on both indoor and outdoor stages.
When you feel that rumbling in your belly, you can stop in at any of the many restaurants and food vendors at Dollywood, but this time of year, you also have your choice of a unique lineup of holiday foods and dishes. Dig into the tastes of the season with items like pork belly, sweet Italian sausage and turkey skillets. And if you have a sweet tooth, save room for treats like holiday cookies and cupcakes.
And what would a holiday festival be without Santa Claus? Yep, the big guy will be hanging out quite a bit at Dollywood during Smoky Mountain Christmas. You can watch as he gets toys ready for all the good boys and girls around the world. You can also have your (or your child's) photo taken with Santa as you peer through the window into his workshop.
How good is Smoky Mountain Christmas? Amusement Today named it Best Christmas Event for 2023 as part of its Golden Ticket Awards presentations.
You know what else you can do to celebrate the holidays while you're in Pigeon Forge? You can take one of our canopy tours (operating on a limited schedule through the end of the year). There's still lots of great fall and early-winter weather ahead. Ziplines, Smoky Mountains Christmas, spending the holiday season in the Smokies… That's three great reasons right there to come to Pigeon Forge during Smoky Mountain Winterfest!
