Dolly Parton Kicks Off the Holiday Season at Dollywood’s “Smoky Mountain Christmas” Celebration [Photo Gallery]

Dolly Parton Kicks Off the Holiday Season at Dollywood’s “Smoky Mountain Christmas” Celebration [Photo Gallery]

Dolly Parton kicked off the holiday season with her annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Nov. 9.

In addition to a performances by Dolly with her brother Randy and several nieces, Dolly opened the park’s newest expansion, Glacier Ridge, a “frosted version of the Smoky Mountains” that features a 50-foot-tall animated Christmas tree, a walk-through version of the Northern Lights and a variety of other light shows set to classic holiday tunes. Glacier Ridge pushes the park’s total count to more than 5 million twinkling lights.

“Christmas is so important to me for so many reasons,” says Dolly. “I’m so thankful that it’s a time when our family comes together to share stories, remember old times, and make new memories we’ll take with us through the next year and beyond. There’s a lot of laughin’ and a whole lot of love when we all get together. I want those folks who come to experience Christmas with us at Dollywood to feel like they’re part of the family, making those memories and sharing those special times. I know the fun they’ll find in Glacier Ridge will help them create brand new memories and traditions.”

Most of Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions also operate in this merry environment, with rides racing along just above the 5 million twinkling lights.

Smoky Mountain Christmas is open now through Jan. 5, 2019.

Check out the photo gallery, courtesy of Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com.

photos by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Blogs

Conner Smith Pulls Out Of Shows In Order To “Process Recent Events” Following Fatal Crosswalk Car Accident

Conner Smith has withdrawn from two upcoming shows on June 20 and June 21 to process the aftermath of a fatal car accident that occurred in Nashville on June 8, where the 24-year-old country singer accidentally struck and killed a 77-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk. “As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events,…

Conner Smith Pulls Out Of Shows In Order To “Process Recent Events” Following Fatal Crosswalk Car Accident

Conner Smith has withdrawn from two upcoming shows on June 20 and June 21 to process the aftermath of a fatal car accident that occurred in Nashville on June 8, where the 24-year-old country singer accidentally struck and killed a 77-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk. “As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events,…

Margo Price Praises Tyler Childers Ahead Of Their New Collaboration, “Love Me Like You Used To”

During an exclusive listening party in London before her show at the Scala on Wednesday (June 18), Margo Price shared insights about her upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, which is set for release on August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. Her new collaboration with Tyler Childers called “Love Me Like You Used To,” caught the…

Margo Price Praises Tyler Childers Ahead Of Their New Collaboration, “Love Me Like You Used To”

During an exclusive listening party in London before her show at the Scala on Wednesday (June 18), Margo Price shared insights about her upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, which is set for release on August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. Her new collaboration with Tyler Childers called “Love Me Like You Used To,” caught the…

Lukas Nelson Aims To “Connect” With Fans “Who Will Follow Me Until I’m 90” With New Album, ‘American Romance’

Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson and leader of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, is set to release his debut solo album, American Romance, on Friday (June 20). The 36-year-old Grammy-winning musician is aiming to create a significant musical legacy of his own by staying true to his country-western, folk, and Americana roots.…

Lukas Nelson Aims To “Connect” With Fans “Who Will Follow Me Until I’m 90” With New Album, ‘American Romance’

Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson and leader of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, is set to release his debut solo album, American Romance, on Friday (June 20). The 36-year-old Grammy-winning musician is aiming to create a significant musical legacy of his own by staying true to his country-western, folk, and Americana roots.…

“Backup Plan” Producer Austin Shawn Reflects On Creating Bailey Zimmerman’s Hit Collaboration With Luke Combs

In a new interview with Billboard, producer Austin Shawn discusses the hit song "Backup Plan" by Bailey Zimmerman, and shares insight into the country star’s forthcoming album. Shawn says that the decision to feature Luke Combs was spontaneous. “When I finished the first rough mix on it, Bailey was like, ‘Should I text it to…

“Backup Plan” Producer Austin Shawn Reflects On Creating Bailey Zimmerman’s Hit Collaboration With Luke Combs

In a new interview with Billboard, producer Austin Shawn discusses the hit song “Backup Plan” by Bailey Zimmerman, and shares insight into the country star’s forthcoming album. Shawn says that the decision to feature Luke Combs was spontaneous. “When I finished the first rough mix on it, Bailey was like, ‘Should I text it to…

The Red Clay Strays Add Extra Dates To Their Sold-Out North American Tour

On Monday (June 16), the Red Clay Strays announced additional dates on their 2025 Get Right Tour across North America. The new shows are in Cincinnati, Ohio; Pikeville, Kentucky;  Macon, Georgia; and Huntsville, Alabama, and are set to take place in September and October. The ACM Award-winners will offer a fan pre-sale beginning on Wednesday…

The Red Clay Strays Add Extra Dates To Their Sold-Out North American Tour

On Monday (June 16), the Red Clay Strays announced additional dates on their 2025 Get Right Tour across North America. The new shows are in Cincinnati, Ohio; Pikeville, Kentucky;  Macon, Georgia; and Huntsville, Alabama, and are set to take place in September and October. The ACM Award-winners will offer a fan pre-sale beginning on Wednesday…