Dollywood in December (Christmas 2023 Ultimate Guide)

Christmas Tree

Are you interested in experiencing Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration this holiday season? Dollywood Theme Park goes all-out during the Christmas season by providing holiday themed entertainment, foods, and decorations.

These special touches make Dollywood the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit! If you’re planning a trip to the Pigeon Forge area in East Tennessee this winter, we highly suggest checking out Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas event at the theme park.

In this post, we will cover all the exciting activities and entertainment options you’ll find at Dollywood in December. Plus, since the annual Christmas celebration runs from November 4, 2023 through January 6, 2024, visitors can get a taste of the holiday cheer outside the month of December as well!

Christmas Experiences at Dollywood Park

The Dollywood Theme Park offers so many Christmas experiences for guests that visitors could easily spend multiple days enjoying the rides, food, and entertainment options available. We will break down each of these festive experiences in more detail below:

Christmas Decorations at the Park

During the holiday season, Dollywood Theme Park features beautiful Christmas decorations. Visitors will notice several “lands” throughout the park, including Santa’s Village and Glacier Ridge.

Christmas Tree

These festive spots, which each tell a seasonal story, are full of holiday lights and Christmas trees. If you’re looking for some more action-packed fun at Dollywood in December, take a ride on the twinkling Dollywood Express. Decked out in Christmas lights during the holiday season, the Dollywood Express looks like it’s straight out of the popular Polar Express movie.

Live Holiday Entertainment

In addition to viewing the Christmas lights displayed throughout the park, visitors to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas can also enjoy live Christmas shows, including

  • Twas the Night before Christmas
  • Christmas in the Smokies
  • Appalachian Christmas

– just to name a few. Dolly Parton fans will be especially excited to experience the Dollywood Christmas festival since songs from her Christmas album will be featured at the park.

Nightly Fireworks

In addition to the spectacular holiday performances listed above, visitors to Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival can enjoy nightly fireworks at the theme park.

Christmas Lights and Fireworks

This bright holiday fireworks display is accompanied by popular holiday songs and is sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit! The Christmas fireworks display takes place at 9:00 pm and only on dates that the theme park is open.

**Pro Tip – Many guests enjoy viewing the fireworks show in the Wildwood Grove area of the park.**

Santa’s List

Wondering if your name made it on Santa’s nice list? Visitors not only get to visit Santa’s Village at Dollywood Theme Park, but they also get to see Santa Claus himself! Plus, check out his list to find out if your family is listed on the nice list or the naughty list this year! 

Holiday Food and Beverages

Dollywood Theme Park is home to delicious southern cuisine and treats year-round, but the holiday offerings are even extra special.

chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing and peppermint sprinkles

Whether you’re in the mood for hot chocolate, peppermint mocha cupcakes, or a full Christmas feast, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival has something that will hit the spot. 

Are Dollywood rides open in December?

Since Tennessee weather in the month of December can range from sunny and mild to cold and snowy, Dollywood Theme Park has developed guidelines for its popular attractions. If you’re wondering whether or not Dollywood rides are open in December, you can refer to our lists below. Once the temperature outside reaches the level shown, the specified Dollywood rides will close.

Closes at 39 degrees:

  • FireChaser Express

Closes at 36 degrees:

  • Big Bear Mountain
  • Dragonflier
  • Lightning Rod
  • Shooting Star
  • Sky Rider
  • Whistle Punk Chaser

Closes at 34 degrees:

  • Mystery Mine
  • Tennessee Tornado
  • Thunderhead
  • Wild Eagle

Closes at 32 degrees:

  • Amazing Flying Elephants
  • Barnstormer
  • Frogs and Fireflies
  • Great Tree Swing
  • Lemon Twist
  • Lumberjack Lifts
  • Smoky Mountain River Rampage
  • Treetop Tower

Closes at 23 degrees:

  • Black Bear Trail
  • Waltzing Swinger

Closes at 5 degrees:

  • DropLine

Note that the water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, closes annually right after Labor Day and is not open during the Smoky Mountain Christmas event. If you’re interested in more information about the rides at Dollywood, we recommend checking out our post, Does Dollywood Have Roller Coasters, where we rank the top attractions!

Christmas at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort

In addition to the festive entertainment and delicious food offered at the Dollywood Theme Park, Dolly Parton’s DreamMore Resort also provides an elaborate Christmas experience. From a two-story Christmas tree to live music and holiday inspired meals, the DreamMore Resort is THE place to stay while visiting Dollywood.

dollywood dreammore resort hotel

This family-friendly hotel even offers holiday themed kid’s activities, including Christmas wreath decorating and ornament painting. Although offered year-round at the resort, the nightly bedtime stories with S’mores are especially nice during the holiday season.

As of the 2023 season, Dollywood offers a second beautifully themed resort to enjoy while visiting East Tennessee. Similar to the DreamMore Resort, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort features family friendly rooms, theme park perks, and multiple dining options.

Final Thoughts on Christmas at Dollywood

While the Dollywood Theme Park is a great place to visit at any time of year, it provides an especially magical experience during the holiday season. Since the Smoky Mountain Christmas event runs from early November through New Year’s Day, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the holiday favorites mentioned above.

Christmas entertainment with text overlay Best Activities in December Dollywood

Whether it’s your first time visiting Dollywood or you’re a season pass holder, you’re sure to enjoy the seasonal shows, fun rides, and warm Christmas atmosphere at Dollywood in December.

What is your favorite thing about Dollywood’s Christmas event? Comment below to share with us!

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