From harvest season to Christmas, music is always a big deal at Dollywood. The months of November and December attract some of the nation’s best acts to this charming theme park, which also comes alive with beautiful lights and decorations. The vibe changes considerably after early November, when pumpkins give way to holiday lights. Still, the atmosphere remains undeniably welcoming, with the entire park exemplifying holiday cheer as Christmas approaches.
Bid Farewell to Autumn Splendor During the Final Days of the Dollywood Harvest Festival
Photo Provided by @jessie2you
September 28-November 3
If you missed the first several weeks of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, you’re in luck — this year’s extended event continues for three days in early November. This is your final opportunity to take in the beauty of the park’s harvest-themed displays, featuring plenty of pumpkins, haystacks, and more. The Harvest Festival also represents an excellent learning opportunity; chat with master artisans to discover how they create such amazing products.
Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Embracing Halloween Frights and Delights After October 31st
Photo provided by @the_bowen_group
September 28-November 3
In recent years, Halloween has transformed from a one-day occasion marked by children trick-or-treating to a full month of partying for all ages. Now, the fun extends beyond the month of October to include three wonderful November evenings at Dollywood. If you’re obsessed with Halloween, think of this as your last hurrah before Christmas trees replace pumpkins.
At Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights, you’ll encounter a jaw-dropping array of glowing pumpkins, often designed to resemble animals. Stroll through Timber Canyon, where an expanded edition of the annual event has taken over. In addition to meandering through the pumpkin displays, you can boogie the night away during a Halloween-themed dance party featuring costumed characters and even jugglers.
Catch the Final Acts of Dollywood’s Southern Gospel Jubilee
September 28-November 3
Coinciding with the Harvest Festival, the Southern Gospel Jubilee brings a variety of talented musicians to Dollywood’s finest venues. Enjoy the auditory spectacle on November 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, when you can catch the likes of Jeff and Sheri Easter, Mark Bishop, and The Nelons. For the final days of the Southern Gospel Jubilee, all performances will take place at the Pines Theater. If you can’t make it to Dollywood for these final jubilee performances, don’t worry too much; daily musical entertainment will continue throughout the holiday season as part of the park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Celebrate the Season Dollywood-Style During the Park’s Annual Smoky Mountain Christmas Festivities
Photo Provide by @magnumxl89
November 10-January 5
Shortly after the Harvest Festival wraps up, holiday vibes take over at Dollywood. Suddenly, the park’s many pumpkins are replaced with Christmas trees and twinkling holiday lights. As with any special event at Dollywood, music plays a key role in the Smoky Mountain Christmas festivities. No matter when you visit, you’ll never have to wait long to hear live music. Hit up Celebrity Theater for the Christmas in the Smokies show, or enjoy familiar acoustic tunes at the Back Porch Theater.
Visitors of all ages love posing with costumed characters, which can be found throughout the day at Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Junction. Get your camera or favorite Instagram filter ready as you take one snapshot after another with Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
In the evening, take in the Parade of Many Colors, featuring themes from the beloved NBC special Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. This is nothing like any holiday parade you’ve ever seen. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the beautiful lights on display at the Glacier Ridge at Wilderness Pass. Day or night, you’ll feel right at home in the heartwarming holiday atmosphere of Dollywood.
