Dolly Parton understands that 2020 has been a very rough year and that a small Christmas is not good enough. There is a lot that we need and right now there are millions of twinkling lights; heartwarming and joyful shows; delicious holiday treats; shopping Appalachian style; and a couple of new surprises as well - such as Christmas fireworks.
Parton says that certain Christmases are more memorable compared to others and that this year is one that we definitely will not forget.
The beloved star is pulling out all of the holiday stops for this year's Smoky Mountain Christmas. This extravagant festival will be taking place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at Dollywood on January 3. Topping everything off, like a shining star on a Christmas tree - and this year there is a full winter wonderland of trees- is the music from her brand new album "A Holly Dolly Christmas." There are several featured songs - in addition to Dolly's family members - in Dollywood's brand new show called Heart of the Holidays.
The Shows
Although Dollywood is known for its rollercoasters and other types of rides, the spotlight truly shines at the award-winning park on the entertainment that it offers - and its holiday shows are magical. There are multiple stages, both outdoors and indoors, with song-and-dance extravaganzas, including An Appalachian Christmas, the Milestones, O, Holy Night, and Christmas in the Smokies. Over 40 holiday performances occur every day that the park is open. The new Candlelight Carolers perform on the chapel steps along with the other acts and performers.
The Shopping
If you are looking for made-in-the-USA, nothing compares to the unique creations by Dollywood's Craftsman Valley. There are dozens of master craftsmen there demonstrating their artistry and skill that is a reflection of Appalachian trades and culture from one or two centuries ago. Smoky Creek Leather's leather belts and other types of accessories, Old Flame Candles' fragrant votives, delicate handmade ornaments made by Custom Glassworks and Woodcarving Shop carved wood figurines - these items and many more can raise your holiday gift-giving with their originality and authenticity.
The Food
The Front Porch Cafe serves a beef tenderloin medallion Christmas dinner. The holiday menu at the Blue Ribbon Buffet expands to all-you-can-eat spiral ham, roasted pork loin, carved prime rib, and more along with all of the side dishes. It is practically mandatory to drink hot chocolate during the holidays, and Spotlight Bakery offers it, in addition to holiday-decorated cupcakes, gingerbreads, and cookies, along with one of the sweetest souvenirs offered by the park, which is family-size cookie kits with all of the trimmings and gingerbread houses.
The New
Along with the Heart of the Holidays show, there are new attractions including Merry & Bright, which is a Christmas fireworks extravaganza that is held on Friday and Saturday nights that synch with the holiday music. The Wonderful Christmas dancing tree at Wilderness Pass Plaza is another dazzler. The animated tree is 50 feet tall, and sparks to life with a stunning synchronized light show. (Hallmark Christmas movie fans might know this already, but the tree is featured in a key scene in the "Christmas at Dollywood 2019 movie). Inside Wildwood Gove, there is another tree that spins out Christmas stories every night.
Even a pandemic cannot keep Santa and the kids apart at Dollywood. There is a brand new experience that allows children of every age to get that important photo with Santa safely - as they watch him work at his Smokies satellite workshop.
The Setting
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, where Dolly grew up. The Great Smoky Mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop, with the Pigeon Forge Parkway glowing from the lights of the go-cart tracks, wacky golf, theatres, castles, museums, along with the illuminated symbols and figures of all the holiday decorations. Pigeon Forge absolutely loves Christmas and all of the joy extends out to the backroads that lead to a broad selection of cabin accommodations - which are all trimmed with greenery on the outside and with Christmas decorations on the inside.
Eagles Ridge Resort welcomes guests into cozy cabins featuring a hot tub and wrap-around decks, as well as porch swings and rocking chairs to enjoy the stunning mountain views. Indoors, a Christmas tree is glowing from a corner with stockings hanging gaily on the mantel. The cabins may feel isolated from the Parkway's holiday hustle and bustle, they are just minutes away from the restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Families both small and large will find a broad selection of amenities in the cabins that have one up to nine bedrooms, along with fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable country-sized bedrooms, as well as theater and game rooms, jetted tubs, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and much more. In these times of social distancing, these cabins are the ideal place for family and friends for a small and intimate holiday gathering.
Planning Your Travels
Visit www.mypigeonforge.com for planning tools and information on Pigeon Forge. Everyone over 12 years old is required to wear a face mask while they are in public areas (other than outdoor activities). Currently, face coverings are mandated through November 30, 2020. Visit www.mypigeonforge.com/planning/travel-resources for updates and to review the Responsible Travel and Tennessee Pledge.
Visit www.dollywood.com to learn more about the park, purchase tickets, and review the daily entertainment schedule. Note: Since reopening in mid-June, Dollywood has put into practice successful new measures that are designed to ensure the general well-being, safety, and health of both staff and guests.
There are numerous must-sees in Pigeon Forge, including the following:
- At the Titanic Museum''s (www.titanicpigeonforge.com ) Titanic Christmas and Winter Celebration offers a beautiful experience. The five-star attraction features a replica grand staircase that is trimmed with garland, along with a costumed crew, living iceberg, live piano music, and a great gift shop to explore.
- The Incredible Christmas Place (www.christmasplace.com ) is an irresistible and enchanted wonderland featuring everything Christmas including designer-themed Christmas collectibles, decorations, ornaments, and trees.
- WonderWorks (www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge ) is crazy, science-focused fun that includes a raucous 4-D ride to Jurassic Park.
- The Paula Deen Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park (www.lumberjackfeud.com ) is showy, silly fun featuring world-class lumberjacks that can hold the attention of even the young kids for an entire 90-minute show.
- Alcatraz East Crime Museum (www.alcatrazeast.com ) is an incredibly fascinating Parkway jewel that presents the history of criminology ad crime where you can lose yourself for hours on end. Galleries cover pop culture crime, CSI exhibits, crime-fighting, as well as American crime and punishment.
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