We're passionate about all things Dollywood and Sevier County, and we want to share that passion with you. Come along as we explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From Dollywood and Splash Country to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, there's something for everyone in Sevier County.
We're also big fans of Dolly Parton, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on her latest news and projects. We're sure you'll find something to love here.
I hope you enjoy this Dolly at Dollywood Thanksgiving Special from 1987, as much as I do every year. Feels like a wayback machine trip.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving! Thank you all for your continued support with What's Up At Dollywood as it continues to grow.
Dolly, as far as I know, is not going to be at the Dallas Cowboys football game this year, sadly. But you can re-live that show in its full glory below, through Youtube.
You may have to click a link to watch on YT itself, due to the NFL media rules.
Here's Dolly all the way back in March of this year, 2024 in the Opening Day Dolly Parade at Dollywood.
I have been doing some research for all things Thanksgiving in Sevier County for 2024. What's Open for Meals, Fun Stuff to Do, etc. Dollywood is closed on Thanksgiving Thursday, reopening at 11am on Friday. As of this writing, Friday November 29th says the Crowd Calendar for Dollywood attendance will be at 40%, which makes it a great day to go if that number holds. It will likely change as the date draws closer and the weather is good. Dollywood's two resorts and restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving Day.
What is in this article?
🟣Restaurants that are open. I've found a few lists of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day.
🟣I've listed some catering type options for those of you who want to retreat to a cozy cabin and not cook, or cook very little. Note that some advance ordering will need to happen.
🟣Other entertainment options that are open on Thanksgiving Day, like Snow Tubing, Ripley's, Mountain Coasters and more!
🦃Let's Get Started 🦃
🟣Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Thursday
Visit East Tennessee's Facebook page has this great list of Restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day...3 Pages worth!
I have a couple Restaurant Related blog posts that might be of interest to you...
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
There are several restaurants that offer these Takeaway Feasts. Perfect if you're wanting to have all your fun in a cabin! Make sure you order in advance.
Applewood Farmhouse Grill
Applewood Farmhouse Grill has a special Thanksgiving-To-Go special menu with Two Offerings - Mini Feast $75, or Family Feast for $135, details Below. Applewood Farmhouse Grill also has 'Cabin Packs' year-round, which is another option for you from Applewood Farmhouse Grill.
Link to Applewood Farmhouse Grill Thanksgiving Website - Click Here
Thanksgiving-To-Go Meal - Two Options Available
Here's what's included in the 'Mini Feast' for $74.99, above. LINK
Here's what's included in the 'Family Feast' for $134.99, above. LINK
Cabin Packs - Dinner and Breakfast Options
Year-Round Offerings
Calhoun's Restaurants - They will cook an entire Thanksgiving Dinner for you. They have Two Sevier County Locations, as well as in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Oak Ridge. See all Locations Here.
Calhoun's' Sells "Holiday Packs" of either Smoked Turkey or Prime Rib, with sides, as well as their own Beers! Be sure to order in advance, 48 to 72 hours. Check out the details and pricing HERE.
They also sell "Family Packs'' with other options like BBQ Pork, Brisket and Rib, with sides. You can order online the day-of for Family Packs. Check out the details, pricing and Order Online HERE.
You can read more about their beer offerings on this drink menu from the Pigeon Forge location...on Page 5...Click Here for PDF.
Guide To Mountain Coasters - Every Single Coaster, how they do pricing, LOTS OF INFO. Take a look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County. All of them should be open on Thanksgiving...and they may be busy.
Dollywood has released information related to the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. I've got menus, operating calendar and more below. Smoky Mountain Christmas starts on Friday, November 1st and runs thru January 5th, 2025.
Dollywood is open daily throughout the Festival Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Dollywood's schedule through the festival is 11am to 9pm. Dollywood closes on New Years Eve at 9pm, so no midnight celebration at the park. However, the resorts have celebrated in the past with a prix fix event. I'll keep my eyes peeled for it and report it back here if I do. LINK TO NYE at the Dollywood Resorts - Click Here for info. You'll see there is one event at each resort and they're unique - so check that out.
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Let's dig into some more details.
🟠Christmas Festival Menu Items - Beverages, Savory Bites & Desserts
🟡Beverages
🟡Savory Bites
🟡Desserts, mmmm desserts
Click on any picture to enlarge - These are from the Dollywood Website, Check it out HERE.
🟠Country Fair Buffet Menu-Christmas Buffet
🟠Tasting Pass Options
Don't forget to use your Gold & Diamond Pass for a discount.
This tasting pass operates the same way as all the other passes before it. You get to choose any five items from the Christmas Festival Menu. You don't have to use them all in one visit. You can share a pass - they could make for a great date night meal!
🟠What's Up Around The Park?
Relive the magic of last year's Smoky Mountain Christmas festival through these videos of our fun activities. Get excited for what we have in store for 2024!
Christmas Drone Show - Watch my 2023 Drone Show Video Below
🟠Rides - Weather Permitting, All of the rides should be in operation, except for the two water rides which have closed for the season.
Dollywood does have Weather Guidelines that they follow for inclement weather and temperatures, and Smoky Mountain Weather can throw some curveballs. Read my blog post about Dollywood's Weather Guidelines HERE.
This was written and published by Wes Ramey for the dollywood blog in 2023 but, it's still great info in my opinion, for photo opportunities, entertainment, everything!
The spirit of Christmas shines merry and bright during our Smoky Mountain Christmas festival presented by Humana during this special season, with the event beginning on Nov. 4 and ho ho ho-ing all the way through Jan. 6, 2024! The 15-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event boasts more than 6 million shining, shimmering lights throughout the park, but the newest ones will fly above the park each evening as part of a stunning holiday drone show - Joyful. Our summer drone show has been one of my family’s favorite nighttime experiences for the last several years, so we are really looking forward to this sparkly new sight during the holiday season.
Read the rest at the link above.
🟠Music / Entertainment / Performances / Meet N Greet
More Information Coming Soon.
You Can Check the Daily Schedule at this link - new links are posted here each week. Click Here.
Here's the Schedule for Week Two.
Pro Tip: Notice how Dollywood uses an orange font in the showtimes above? If you would like to see every single show, then plan your day according to those orange showtimes.
Shows/Performances...
Heidi Parton's Christmas to Remember is new this year.
Appalachian Christmas is the Smoky Mountain String Band's Christmas Show, if you weren't aware.
Looks to me like all of the other shows are returning from last year.
Other Cool Stuff...
Snow in the Grove is new this year. Everyday beginning at 6pm, then every half hour with the last one at 8:30pm.
Merry & Bright FIREWORKS Show is new this year. It takes place in Wildwood Creek on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:45pm. This show replaces the Joyful Drone and Fireworks Christmas Show from last year. See my video of the 2023 Joyful Show HERE.
Always popular Santa's List returns to The Village. It's everyday from 11am to 8pm in the Heartsong Theater.
Wings of America (Bird Show) moves to Saturdays Only with a special holiday themed show.
The Dolly Parton Experience will have some Christmas related items throughout the various exhibits, as I understand it.
⭐Check out Dollywood's Website for the latest information about Special Smoky Mountain Christmas Entertainment. HERE.
🟠Dollywood App
🟠Special Offers
Note that the $82 offer ends on 11/24/24.
🟠Season Passes
Read my article about Season Passes that, if you purchase a 2025 pass now, will include admission to this Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. Read that HERE
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Check out my previous videos from Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas to get a preview of all the fun you can expect.
🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
Good luck with the planning process and ask any questions you may have in the comments below. I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.
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