Smoky Mountain Christmas is Dollywood’s winter festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 2026 edition runs from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The park does not open every day in that window, and the festival carries through the afternoon and into the evening, when the lights come on. Dollywood’s festival page presents Peppermint Valley in Country Fair and the nightly Snow in the Grove show in Wildwood Grove as the new experiences to look for.
The festival suits families, couples and anyone who wants a large lights display without buying a separate event ticket. Festival activities are included with regular Dollywood theme park admission, while some experiences, food and merchandise cost extra. Live shows, themed areas and seasonal food fill the day, and the park’s rides and attractions stay part of the visit. Operating days and hours vary through the season, so check the park calendar for the day you plan to go.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Dates: November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Event nights: Select days, check the park calendar
- Highlights: More than six million lights, Snow in the Grove, Merry & Bright, Holiday Light! fireworks on select weekends
- New for 2026: Peppermint Valley in Country Fair and Snow in the Grove in Wildwood Grove
- Ticket: Included with admission
What’s new for 2026
Dollywood’s festival page highlights two new experiences. Peppermint Valley turns the Country Fair area into a sweet-treat scene, with red and white candy cane lights and cheerful holiday decorations. Snow in the Grove takes over Wildwood Grove after dark, where snow falls, glowing Roly Poly characters appear and the Wildwood Tree lights up with music and color.
Both were also featured in Dollywood’s 2025 festival announcement, so they are new experiences that are still being promoted this season rather than a fresh 2026 debut. We did not find any other 2026 additions announced. Check the official Dollywood Christmas page closer to opening day for late changes or schedule updates.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
Dollywood promotes the festival with more than six million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees and decorations around the park. Snow in the Grove runs in the evening, and a recent Dollywood announcement describes snow machines running every half hour, with the Roly and Poly characters appearing during or after each snowfall.
Live shows highlighted for the festival include Christmas in the Smokies, O’ Holy Night and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. On select weekends, Merry & Bright, Holiday Light! ends the day as a fireworks presentation choreographed to familiar Christmas music. Show and fireworks times change from day to day, so use the schedule in the park app or on the website.
Rides and attractions open
Dollywood describes the festival as a day that includes its award-winning rides and attractions, and one visitor guide says you can still enjoy your favorite rides during the event. The park does not publish a fixed winter ride list on the pages we could check. Which rides operate depends on the day, the temperature, wet weather and maintenance, so do not count on one specific coaster being open. Check ride status when you arrive.
Holiday food and treats
The park describes its seasonal menu as hearty holiday dishes and plenty of Christmas sweets. A Smoky Mountain Christmas Tasting Pass lets you sample several seasonal selections for one price, and the park’s page directs you to the current details. A recent guide lists roasted red pepper and gouda soup and a chocolate peppermint ice cream sandwich among the festival items, and the park’s cinnamon bread remains a regular stop for many visitors. Menus can change, so confirm what is offered on the day.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
Festival activities are included with regular Dollywood theme park admission, and there is no separate event ticket. One-day tickets and season passes are sold on the Dollywood website, and buying ahead is usually cheaper than paying at the gate. Pass benefits and prices change, so confirm them on the official page before you buy.
Food, merchandise and other add-on experiences are separate purchases. The park states that additional experiences require a separate payment.
Tips for your visit
Park hours and operating days vary throughout the festival, so check the calendar before you go. A recent guide notes the park stays open until 9 p.m. on operating days. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends and holiday weeks. Arriving early gives you time for the daytime shows before the lights and Snow in the Grove start after dark.
Winter days in the Smokies can be cold, so bring layers, gloves and a hat, and plan for a long evening outdoors. Weather can affect rides and move shows, so keep an indoor show as a backup plan. If you want to stay nearby, book lodging early for the busiest December dates.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
Smoky Mountain Christmas 2026 at Dollywood FAQs
When does Smoky Mountain Christmas 2026 start and end?
The 2026 festival runs from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The park is not open every day in that window, so check the official calendar for operating dates and hours.
Is Smoky Mountain Christmas included with park admission?
Yes. Festival activities are included with regular Dollywood theme park admission. Some experiences, food and merchandise require an additional purchase.
Do rides run during Smoky Mountain Christmas?
Dollywood’s rides and attractions are part of the festival day, but the winter lineup varies with the weather and the day. The park does not publish a fixed list on the pages we checked, so check ride status when you arrive.
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Photo: APK / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.