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.
