This year — my first as a travel writer — I noticed something surprising: Dolly Parton has a way of turning strangers into friends and skeptics into superfans.

No matter where in the world I went, people lit up at the sound of her name. They’d snap their fingers, hum the opening lines of “Jolene,” or lean in to tell me about their trip to Dollywood, one of the most popular amusement parks in the U.S., tucked away near the Smoky Mountains where Dolly grew up.

Everyone seems to have a Dolly story, and every story feels personal.

For me, it’s no different.

After Hurricane Helene tore through Southern Appalachia in September, I found myself thinking more about the eight years I spent living in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.

As a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, I went to Dollywood for fun, but I didn’t fully understand its deeper meaning back then.

That came later, when I saw how Dolly, who donated $1 million to hurricane relief, never forgot where she came from. I realized I couldn’t forget, either.

Earlier this year, I found out my grandmother, a lifelong Pennsylvanian, has strong feelings about Dolly.

I listened, fascinated, to my grandma’s thoughts on Dolly’s complicated relationship with Porter Wagoner and her curiosity about Dolly’s famously tiny size 5-1/2 shoes.

This new dialogue led to a family trip to Dollywood in July (pre-hurricane), which became a generational bridge that helped us understand each other. The lyrics to Dolly’s songs are just as true today as they were when she wrote them.

We shared stories, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for what Dolly’s created — a place where families like mine can reconnect. Now, I can’t wait to go back. And what better time to visit than Christmas?

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas began November 1 and runs through January 5, so there’s still time to visit during the season.

The park has been converted into a festive wonderland of six million twinkling lights, cozy holiday treats, and live entertainment that brings Dolly’s warmth and generosity to life. For anyone looking to create new traditions or rekindle old ones, here’s what’s in store during Christmas at Dollywood this year.

Six million lights and a snowy grove

Dollywood practically glows during Smoky Mountain Christmas. Over six million lights decorate trees, paths, and buildings. Each area has its own unique displays, and there’s something to catch your eye at every turn — including a new attraction in Wildwood Grove.

Guests walk past buildings covered in holiday lights and garlands during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, open November 1 to January 5.

What’s new: Snow in Wildwood Grove and Christmas Reflections

Wildwood Grove has added a new experience this year called Snow in the Grove, where artificial snow falls over the Wildwood Creek section of the park at scheduled times.

Guests can enjoy the snow as they walk the area, which is also home to the Wildwood Tree, a large illuminated structure that lights up nightly with synchronized displays.

Two characters, Roly and Poly, roam the area, greeting families and posing for photos.

Meanwhile, over in Rivertown, the new Christmas Reflections light display places five large illuminated trees around the pond, creating a peaceful, scenic spot for photos or a break from the busier areas of the park.

The new Snow in the Grove attraction will give the feeling of a white Christmas with artificial snow falling at scheduled times.

Returning favorite: Glacier Ridge

Glacier Ridge, a major light display that spans Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, and Wilderness Pass, has returned this year. Guests walking through these areas will see colorful light patterns and themed decorations synced to holiday music. The displays are designed for both walking paths and open spaces.

Blue lights illuminate the Mystery Mine rollercoaster at Dollywood.

Christmas shows and live entertainment at Dollywood

Dollywood continues its tradition of live shows during the holiday season. This year, catch “Christmas in the Smokies,” a long-running musical show performed at the Celebrity Theater, which features classic holiday songs.

You can also see a family-friendly showing of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

However, the newest lineup addition is “A Christmas to Remember,” a show at the Dreamsong Theater starring Heidi Parton, Dolly’s niece, who shares holiday songs and family traditions.

Performers bring holiday cheer to the stage during a Christmas show at Dollywood, part of the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration running November 1 to January 5.

Seasonal food and treats

For dessert, guests can expect peppermint twist cupcakes, gingerbread cookies, and the park’s iconic cinnamon bread served warm with icing.

(Dining spots can get crowded during peak times, so plan ahead if you want to grab a seasonal meal.)

Rides and attractions

Most of Dollywood’s regular rides remain open during Smoky Mountain Christmas, including popular coasters like the Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle. The Dollywood Express, a steam-powered train, runs as usual and provides scenic views of the park’s light displays.

Santa’s Smoky Mountain cabin

Santa has also set up shop in Dollywood. His cabin is tucked away like a scene from an Appalachian storybook, where kids can share their wishes and see Santa putting the final touches on his list before he heads back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. (There’s no more Santa after Christmas Day.)

Twinkling lights and garland frame Dollywood’s iconic grist mill, a festive centerpiece during Smoky Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 to January 5.

Continued holiday cheer at the resorts

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and the newly opened HeartSong Lodge & Resort extend the holiday magic into the evening after you’re finished visitin the park.

DreamMore’s lobby currently gleams with a two-story Christmas tree, and outdoor fire pits invite families to roast marshmallows while sipping hot cider.

At HeartSong, lantern-lit windows and roaring fireplaces create a cozy retreat for guests looking to wind down after a day in the park. The on-site restaurant, Ember & Elm, has also crafted seasonal menus.

What to know before visiting

• Dates and Hours: Smoky Mountain Christmas runs daily with varying operating hours. Visit Dollywood.com for specifics.
• Tickets: Admission includes access to all lights, shows, and rides. Special reserved seating for performances can be purchased for an additional fee.
• Crowds: Evenings and weekends are the busiest. Weekdays offer smaller crowds and shorter wait times.
• Weather: Expect chilly temperatures, especially after sunset. Wear layers and comfortable shoes suitable for walking the park’s hilly terrain.