Dollywood kicks off holiday season with the beginning of ‘Smoky Mountain Christmas’

by: Naomi Hillmer

Posted: Nov 3, 2025 / 05:49 PM EST

Updated: Nov 3, 2025 / 06:36 PM EST

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — While you may have just finished packing away your Halloween costumes, or are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, Christmas is just around the corner, and Dollywood is getting into the holiday spirit.  

Starting November 1 and lasting until January 4, Dollywood is celebrating a “Smoky Mountain Christmas”.  According to PR director Wes Ramey, the park was one of the first places in Sevier County to start the trend.  

 “Back in the early 90s, the area after the leaves kind of fell off the trees, everyone kind of went home,” he said. “There wasn’t a lot going on in the area, so the folks here at Dollywood said, ‘Let’s find a way to extend the season.’ So they started hanging Christmas lights.”  

With six million holiday lights, themed performances, and treats, Dollywood has been recognized as one of the best amusement parks in the country to get into the holiday spirit. 

“We’re the 15-time and only winner of the Golden Ticket for ‘Best Theme Park Christmas Event,’ and when you come into the park, especially as the sun goes down and the lights really get bright, you really understand why we’ve earned that award so many times,” said Ramey.  

From November 1 to November 9, Dollywood will also be participating in “Sevier County Days.” Allowing anyone who lives or works in the county to visit “Smoky Mountain Christmas” for a $5 donation, which then goes to benefit local nonprofits.  

“It varies from year to year. We see what the need is in the community, and then we give according to that. But with a lot going on right now with the government shutdown, we know a lot of the area nonprofits are in need, so we’ll manage all that once the Sevier County Days are over and give them out as needed,” said Ramey.  

Nonprofits like Sevier County Food Ministries, Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries, and Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic are among many that benefit. As do the thousands of employees who manage the park and resort properties.   

“It has really extended that season allows us to be able to employ folks for a longer period of time, and just really give back to the community,” said Ramey.