‘Holly Dolly Christmas’ in Full Swing at Dollywood — A Winter Wonderland of Music, Lights, and Pure Dolly Magic
It’s that magical time of year again in the Smoky Mountains — “Holly Dolly Christmas” is back at Dollywood, and it’s brighter, merrier, and more heartwarming than ever. The annual holiday celebration, inspired by Dolly Parton’s timeless Christmas spirit, has transformed the entire park into a wonderland of glittering lights, joyful music, and pure Southern charm.
As guests step through the gates, they’re greeted by millions of twinkling lights that shimmer across the Tennessee hills, a dazzling reflection of Dolly’s signature warmth and creativity. The festival, which runs through the holiday season, features live shows, Christmas parades, and heartwarming performances of songs from Dolly’s beloved holiday album “A Holly Dolly Christmas.” Everywhere you turn, there’s a touch of Dolly — from the sparkling décor to the joyful carolers singing her festive classics.
Visitors can enjoy special performances like “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as well as the brand-new “O Holy Night: A Dolly Parton Christmas Story,” a show that blends faith, family, and music in the spirit of the season. And of course, no Dollywood holiday would be complete without the park’s legendary Parade of Many Colors, a nightly spectacle of lights, floats, and music inspired by Dolly’s childhood memories in the Smokies.
This year’s festival also includes new culinary delights, from classic Southern comfort foods to sweet holiday treats — gingerbread funnel cakes, peppermint hot chocolate, and warm apple cider that fills the air with cozy aromas. Families gather near the park’s massive Christmas tree for carol sing-alongs, while children can meet Santa himself in a cabin decorated with that unmistakable Dolly flair.
For Dolly, the festival is much more than a seasonal event — it’s a celebration of love, hope, and community. “Christmas has always been about family and faith for me,” she once said. “I want people to come here and feel the joy, the light, and the love that Christmas brings.” And at Dollywood, that joy shines through every glowing light and every smiling face.
Visitors say there’s something almost magical about hearing Dolly’s voice float through the park, whether it’s “Mary, Did You Know?” or “Hard Candy Christmas,” reminding everyone of the heart behind the holiday. Fans often describe Dollywood during “Holly Dolly Christmas” as stepping into a living Christmas card — one filled with laughter, kindness, and the spirit of giving.
As snowflakes fall gently over the park’s rustic cabins and roller coasters sparkle with white lights, Dollywood’s “Holly Dolly Christmas” continues to be one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions — a place where music, memory, and Christmas magic come together in true Dolly style.
Because at Dollywood, Christmas isn’t just celebrated — it’s felt, it’s sung, and it’s shared. And as Dolly herself might say, it’s a little bit of heaven right here in the Smokies.