If you ask people what comes to mind when they think about Christmas, they will probably say they think of lights and decorations, music, a feeling of magic or joy associated with the season, time with family, or faith. I visited Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival to see how the park fared in these areas.
Lights and Decorations
More than 6 million lights illuminated the park. Trees were lit along pathways, projection shows made a large LED-lit Christmas tree come alive, and there were photo opportunities with Christmas decorations. The park was decorated with various animals, twinkling lights, trees, ornaments, and building lights. Of course, the Dollywood Express Train Depot was no exception, with the train decorated for the holiday.
A nice feature of the festival was that it did not simply string lights on buildings and turn on lights. Special touches included the blue and white lights shining on a waterfall before entering the Glacier Ridge area and a beautiful reflection on the water from the wheel at the Grist Mill. The park did not forget to add some classic touches, such as the old-style Santa and snowman by the Red’s sign or the photo opportunity nodding to the classic Jingle Bell Rock Christmas tune. Walking under the twinkling lights at Glacier Ridge sets the mood that you are near the North Pole observing the Northern Lights. Large ornaments could be found around trees. Simple and old-fashioned window garland added to the atmosphere as well.
Music
Christmas music (religious and secular) was piped around pathways so you could hum to seasonal tunes. Some people sang out loud; it was difficult not to at times. Christmas music was present at various shows, including the Candlelight Carolers singing traditional Christmas hymns, singers and dancers performing some favorites of the season, Dolly’s family performing songs from her Christmas album, and the Kingdom Heirs gospel quartet singing a mix of Southern Gospel and Christmas music.
The Feeling of Magic or Joy
Photographers were available to capture the Christmas memories. The Christmas music playing throughout the park added to the overall atmosphere. We completed the Santa’s List…Naughty or Nice activity, which is one of the things that gave me a feeling of joy the most. I am happy to report that I made the nice list, but I am even more pleased to share that it was an activity that renewed my childlike energy at this time of year.
I have never been one to be fascinated by trains or to display a train at Christmas, but I was excited to get a picture of the Dollywood Express decorated for Christmas. Many people were eager to get their shot of the train. Put this photo fun on your to-do list when you visit during the Christmas season.
In addition to the LED-lit Christmas tree with its scheduled digital projection shows, there was also a Christmas drone show at night. Even though we left before it began, catching a “Merry Christmas” formed in the sky from the drones as we walked to the trolley to return to the resort was a fun moment.
Time With Family
Families had an opportunity to spend quality time with one another as they posed for photos with photographers. Various Christmas shows highlighted what makes Christmas special (home for the holidays or time with loved ones) and added value to the park experience. The Santa’s List activity provided a special moment for families (or giggling adults like me). Collectively, the park’s Christmas activities and light-viewing opportunities contributed to an atmosphere of spending holiday time with family.
Faith
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel was prominently displayed and available for viewing. The surrounding area around the chapel was decorated with lights. There was a large nativity scene across from the chapel. Various shows featured faith-based songs or religious-based storylines. O’ Holy Night's production tells the story of a little girl looking for an angel while shepherds follow a star. The Kingdom Heirs sang various Southern Gospel and Christmas songs during its shows.
Overall Experience
Going to the festival when it first began allowed us to start our Christmas season as early as possible, so if you would like to extend the season as long as possible, this is an advantage of attending it as soon as it begins. Going earlier helped me get into the Christmas spirit before the rush and chaos of the season hit, allowing me to enjoy the festival instead of feeling stressed because it was one more thing to do before time ran out in December. The festival was worth going to start my Christmas.
Some improvements could be made to the festival. I look forward to the addition of lights and displays in the coming years, perhaps with some additional high-tech projections. Additional professional photographers and picture opportunities would be a good goal for the park. The park could also expand its faith-based decorations and light displays.
We left with Christmas photos, having seen Christmas lights, enjoying a show with Christmas music, and having heard Christmas music playing while walking around the park. It was worth our time and expense to travel and attend the festival. You could say the festival was the whole package…the whole Christmas package.
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