🎄Sevier County Christmas Stuff AND New Years Eve events that You Might Be Interested In!🎄

Hi Everyone,

I have been doing some research for all things Christmas and New Years Even in Sevier County for 2024.  What's Open for Meals, Fun Stuff to Do, etc.  Dollywood is closed on Christmas Eve Tuesday, as well as Christmas Day Wednesday, reopening at 11am on Thursday.

As of this writing, Thursday December 26th says the Crowd Calendar for Dollywood attendance will be at 83%, which makes it a "Pack Your Patience" kind of day as it will be very busy.  It would be a PERFECT day to take the Pigeon Forge Trolley and skip all the parking lot stress.  The Trolley will drop you off at the Front Gate.  Watch my quick Video Guide Below.  Note that the parking lot at Patriot Park may be at capacity - maybe not but note that the Overflow Parking Lots are adjacent to the Teaster Lane side of The Island.  Watch the video and you'll see what I am referring to.

What is in this article?

🟣Restaurants that are open.  I've researched online and found a few restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas.  Happy to add to this list - drop a comment to let me know.

🟣Other entertainment options that are open on Christmas, like Snow Tubing, Ripley's, Mountain Coasters and more!

🎄Let's Get Started🎄

🟡⚫NYE INFO BELOW...I will update this post as I come across new events.

🟡NYE AT DOLLYWOOD RESORTS - TWO PARTIES, ONE AT DREAMMORE AND ONE AT HEARTSONG.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts

🟡NYE AT THE ISLAND

🟡

🟡Gatlinburg Road Closures for NYE - WATE-tv Link

🟡

Other fun things you will want to check out while you're in the area.

🟣Entertainment Options

🟢Ober Gatlinburg

🟢The Island

Winterfest is happening at The Island during Christmas.

🟢Anakeesta

Enchanted Christmas - more info at their website HERE.

🟢Skyland Ranch

Christmas Feast, Festival of Lights Info and More - Click Here

🟢Mountain Coasters

• 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.

🟢Ripleys Everything

Aquarium - Open 365 days a year.

Everything Else - Should Be Open - Here's their other stuff - click here.

Seen on Ripley's Aquarium FB Page

Ripley's Attractions in Sevier County
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

Super Fun Zone

Moving Theater

Haunted Adventure

Mirror Maze

Davy Crockett Mini Golf

Old MacDonald's Farm Mini Golf

Mountain Coaster

Super Fun Park

🟢Wonder Works

Pigeon Forge Attractions | Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

🟢Dig N Zone construction experience park

Seasonal Events - Dig'n Zone Theme Park

🟢Snow Tubing

Outdoor - Rowdy Bear, Skyland Ranch & Ober

Rowdy Bear Mountain - Smoky Mountain Snowpark in Pigeon Forge | Pigeon Forge Snow Tubing

Skyland - Snow Tubing

Indoor - Pigeon Forge Snow

Indoor Snow Tubing and Snow Park | Pigeon Forge Snow

Check out my short video about Pigeon Forge Snow

🟢Go Karts

Xtreme Racing Center of Pigeon Forge (4.4 stars google)

SpeedZone Fun Park (4.4 stars google)

The Track Family Fun Park (4.5 stars google)

NASCAR SpeedPark (4.2 stars google)

Space Race Adventures (4.6 stars google)

Adventure Raceway (4.4 stars google)

🟢Trampoline Park

Sevier Air Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park (4.7 stars google)

Christmas Restaurants and Events - These restaurants say that they're open Christmas Eve and Christmas.

🔴Bubba Gump Shrimp

🔴Calhouns PF & G'burg

🔴Crawdaddy's

🔴Crockett's Breakfast Camp

🔴Cherokee Grill

🔴Chesapeake's

🔴Jason Aldeans

🔴Loco Burro

🔴No Way Jose's - PF & G'burg

🔴Smith and Son Corner Kitchen

🔴Smoky Mountain Brewery- PF & G'burg

🔴Gauche Urbano

🔴Hard Rock Cafe

🔴JT Hannah's Kitchen

🔴Reagan's House of Pancakes

🔴Apple wood Farmhouse and Grill - reservations needed

🔴Five Oaks farm kitchen

🔴Fort Worth Steakhouse

Other things I've seen online, below.

🔴Local Goat - closed 24th & 25th.

🔴Paula Deen's Restaurant at The Island in Pigeon Forge

🔴

🔴

🔴

Gatlinburg, below...

🔴

🔴List of Grocery Stores and Drug Stores that are open on Christmas - Click Here  Locally, the big chains are Kroger, Publix, Aldi, DG Market & Food City...and Walmart & Target too.

🔴List of Fast Food places that are open on Christmas - Click Here

🦃Thanksgiving in Sevier County 2024 🦃

Hi Everyone,

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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.

🟣CATERING OPTIONS

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.

Pigeon

Forge

2532 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 868-1500

Gatlinburg

1004 Parkway #101

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-4100

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.  

Buddy's BBQ Sevierville

Website Here

Buddy's is always ready to go with large orders.

$49.99 Smoked Turkey

Family Feasts starting at $89/99

www.buddysbarbq.com/thanksgiving

Order by November 22nd!

Wilderness At The Smokies

Popeye's Has a Cajun Turkey that you can order in advance.

Info Here on their website.  Dig around to order it, if they are not already sold out.

🟣Entertainment Options

Combine a feast with lots of fun stuff.  Ober Gatlinburg's event was one of the first events I came across on Facebook.

Ober Gatlinburg

The Island

Winterfest is happening at The Island during Thanksgiving.

Anakeesta

Enchanted Christmas - more info at their website HERE.

Skyland Ranch

Thanksgiving Feast and More - Click Here

Mountain Coasters

• 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.

Ripleys Everything

Aquarium - Open 365 days a year.

Everything Else - Should Be Open - Here's their other stuff - click here.

Seen on Ripley's Aquarium FB Page

Ripley's Attractions in Sevier County
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

Super Fun Zone

Moving Theater

Haunted Adventure

Mirror Maze

Davy Crockett Mini Golf

Old MacDonald's Farm Mini Golf

Mountain Coaster

Super Fun Park

Wonder Works

Snow Tubing

Outdoor - Rowdy Bear, Skyland Ranch & Ober

Rowdy Bear Mountain - Smoky Mountain Snowpark in Pigeon Forge | Pigeon Forge Snow Tubing

Skyland - Snow Tubing

Indoor - Pigeon Forge Snow

Indoor Snow Tubing and Snow Park | Pigeon Forge Snow

Check out my short video about Pigeon Forge Snow

Go Karts

Xtreme Racing Center of Pigeon Forge (4.4 stars google)

SpeedZone Fun Park (4.4 stars google)

The Track Family Fun Park (4.5 stars google)

NASCAR SpeedPark (4.2 stars google)

Space Race Adventures (4.6 stars google)

Adventure Raceway (4.4 stars google)

Trampoline Park

Sevier Air Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park (4.7 stars google)

Other Fun Stuff

Mountain Monster - more info coming

Ziplines

more info coming

🌟💵Save Money - Current Promotions for Dollywood & other Pigeon Forge Attractions 💵🌟

Hi Everyone,

Let's check out the current promotions that Dollywood is offering - as of TUESDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2024.  

Link to dollywood.com for tickets and more info - click here.

🟢🟢I HIGHLY recommend checking this out, Dollywood will update it frequently with new deals and offers. Dollywood.com's Offers Web Page - you may see an offer you like! - Click Here

🟢🟢Dollywood 10% Discounts through Sam's Club - LINK HERE

Use your Sam's Club Membership to get 10% Off.  $86 for Adult, $77 for kids 4-9.  Read details at link for all the info you need, and to purchase tickets.

🔵OTHER PROMOTIONS FOR THE AREA

Above, a ticket deal for Soaky Mountain.  Expires on 12/31/24.

If you know of any additional discounts, please let me know in the comments below.  I will update this post when I have updates.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information - 

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• 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.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.
• 2024-2025 School Break Calendar - includes Fall, Christmas & Spring Breaks for regional schools.

🟢🟢🟢

⭐ Dolly and Dollywood to open a hotel in Nashville ⭐

🔹November 12, 2024 update at the bottom.

🔹May 7 2024 update above the bottom!

December 7, 2023

Dolly and Dollywood are opening a hotel in Nashville.  Details are scarce at this time, but they have purchased an office building at 211 Commerce Street - it's at the corner of Commerce and 3rd Avenue South, just feet away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville's tourist district.  The unconfirmed plans are to convert this office space into a hotel.

Here is the office building that's been purchased.   Their neighbor is the ''batman'' building, also known as the AT&T Building.

This is really interesting news because it brings up to me all of the potential possibilities of how they will tie into creating trips to this new hotel, and with Dollywood, which is about 200 miles east of Nashville.

It's really too early for any of that speculation, but no doubt that is in their plans.  If you're not up to speed with all of Dolly's and Dollywood's business adventures, back in 2012 on Dolly's birthday, she and Gaylord Opryland Hotel had agreed to partner to open a Water & Snow Park on the other side of Briley Parkway, near the Opryland Hotel property.  Ultimately, those plans fell through for various reasons and at the time Dolly announced the cancelled plans, She said I will have something for Nashville soon!  So, 11 years later here we are.

Oh, and I nearly forgot Trinkets & Treasures.  Dolly opened up a gift boutique on 2nd Avenue called Trinkets & Treasures.  It opened in 2010, several weeks before the horrible floods that affected Nashville in unprecedented ways.  T&T was destroyed in the floods.  So, right now Dolly is 0-2 in Nashville business adventures, but let's focus on the positive.

According to this article from American Songwriter, 

The office building was bought up by Parton and The Dollywood Co. for a whopping $75 million. The enterprise is an effort by the “I Will Always Love You” singer to invest in the future of Nashville–a cause near and dear to her heart.

I'll keep an eye on this and report back when I hear updates.  Watch this space. 

⭐⭐⭐

May 7, 2024 Update

Still no official word from Dollywood regarding this project, however, some savvy internet sleuths found a trademark application from Dollywood for "Dolly Parton's Songteller Hotel''.  

Do note how Dollywood has named the on-site resorts at the park.  They are named "Dollywood's DreamMore Resort" and Dollywood's HeartSong Resort", no mention of Dolly in the name.  But this trademark is "Dolly Parton's Songteller Hotel''.  So, while I'm not positive that the trademark is for the Nashville hotel, I'm leaning towards that being true for this simple difference in names.  I do want to caution however, that Dolly and Dollywood keep info pretty tight, so I could be way off base.  Maybe they're opening a new hotel in Pensacola, Florida, where they also own property??  You just never know with them and so, this is just my feeling based on the information we have so far.

this is what was flying around, causing lots of speculation.

The investigation Begins! 🔎

I did some sleuthing of my own and found a bit more info.  In the online file attached to the 984... number above, there are three sets of goods and services that Dollywood notes in the application, that would occur at this property.  That gives an idea or two of what they're planning in Nashville - or wherever the SongTeller hotel may be.  😉😉😉

By the way, this is all on the internet and is publicly available information!  Check it out here, if you like.  If you're able to shed more knowledge about this trademark application process, please do in the comments!!!

• Gift Shop
• Resort Services
• Hotel Accommodation
• Restaurants - plural
• Catering Services
• Offering Conference Rooms and services
• Offering Exhibition space, as a service
• Offering Meeting facilities, as a service
• Banquet rental services for weddings, social functions and special events.
• Health spa services
• mani/pedi
• facials
• massage
• beauty salon services
• hair cutting
• nail care
• skin care
• makeup application
• body and facial waxing

All of this sounds like they're planning on a nice property, not unlike what you will find at DreamMore and HeartSong resorts at Dollywood.  They're staying in their hospitality lane!

Watch this space as more information becomes known!

⭐⭐⭐

November 11, 2024 Update

Dollywood has confirmed that a hotel is in the works, as well as confirming the Songteller name, but not too much else beyond that.  In new news regarding the hotel, Dollywood has secured permits to begin the renovations that will transform this property into a hotel, you can read that story below if you wish.

Dolly Parton Building Nashville Hotel - Connect CRE

⭐⭐⭐

🎵 ☃️ Dollywood's DreamMore Resort - Winter Concert Series 2024 Announcements ☃️🎵

Hi Everyone,

Escape the winter chill and immerse yourself in the warmth of country music with Dollywood's DreamMore Resort's Winter Concert Series. From January to early March, cozy up in an intimate setting and experience live performances by renowned country music artists. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or simply seeking a delightful winter getaway, Dollywood's Winter Concert Series offers an unforgettable experience. Choose from individual concert tickets or a convenient room package that includes two tickets to the performance of your choice. Embrace the soothing melodies, revel in the vibrant atmosphere, and create cherished memories at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort's Winter Concert Series.

This year we have two options for ticketing. One for resort guests who buy a package, and one for non-resort guests.

Tickets and more information can be found at THIS LINK at the Dollywood website.

Featured Artists for 2024

Ronnie McDowell - On Dolly's Rockstar album, her song "I dreamed about Elvis", she recorded it years ago with The Jordanaires and Ronnie McDowell.  You just need to listen to the 2-3 minute interview she did in support of Rockstar - below.

Here's a LINK to the Cued Up Video I'm referring to:  Click Here

OR

If you'd prefer to jump to 3:30:00 in the video, you can do that below.

I recommend watching the whole video, above, if you are a Dolly Fan/ Rockstar fan.

Here is I Dreamed About Elvis, from Rockstar

🟢🟢🟢

Check out my blog for all types of Dolly Parton news and videos.  I have a show on youtube called What's Up At Dollywood and I have tons of Dollywood videos!

🤩 Dolly Parton interview round-up 🤩

Hi Everyone,

Here is a round-up of recent Dolly interviews.   Dolly has been on a blitz lately, giving interviews left and right in anticipation of the release of her rock album, Rock Star, out Friday, November 17th, 2023.

Dolly Parton Interviews

During the grand opening of the HeartSong Lodge and Resort, Dolly Parton sat down for a series of interviews with various media outlets.

United Kingdom Promotional Trip

As part of her recent promotional trip to the United Kingdom, Dolly Parton conducted an interview with BBC reporter, Zoe Ball.

CBS and ABC Interviews

Dolly Parton has also been featured in recent interviews with CBS and ABC.

🟢🟢🟢

Nashville's Talk of the Town - a 30-minute episode dedicated to Dollywood, HeartSong, their Dolly interview and a nice look at Nashville's Lipscomb University's exhibit on Dolly's style team gurus who make Dolly's clothes for all her various events, performances, engagements, etc.  Its a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, or Behind The Seams, as Dolly puts it in her new book, which is the basis for the exhibit.  Watch that HERE.

Fox 5 Atlanta - Read more and Watch that HERE.

WGN-TV Morning News in Chicago - Great interview, watch below...

WBTV-News Charlotte, NC - Watch below...

🟢🟢🟢

This recent BBC interview can be watched, below...

🟢🟢🟢

Norah O'Donnell and CBS

ABC News with Robin Roberts Full Interview

Unfortunately, this video for the full interview was pulled down.  If you have HULU, you can watch the full interview there.

However, here is a teaser video from GMA....watch that below.

💵 Dollywood's DreamMore Resort Flash Sale - Up to 30% your stay, per night

Hi Everyone,

Just passing this promotion on to you all!

More info HERE 

Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort construction photo-update

Hi Everyone, Dollywood has released a few pictures of the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort that's currently under construction behind the DreamMore Resort at Dollywood.

Dolly Parton News Roundup

 Hi Everyone,

Dolly has been in the news again recently for a handful of different things, and so I have a roundup of a few Dolly related newsworthy items for you.

👉Dolly Parton wants to open ‘Dolly Center’ in Nashville

Source: msnbc

In an interview with The Tennessean,[Gannett paywall], Dolly Parton revealed early details for a museum she wants to open in Nashville. While

there has yet to be a confirmed opening date for the museum or details on what

the museum will be, it will most likely be similar to her Dollywood museum. 

“I’m going to have a museum here [in Nashville] pretty soon,” Parton

revealed. “We have the museum at Dollywood, of course, but I would love to have

something here since this is really my home.”

However, the museum is just the beginning, as she said she wants to create

a massive complex, known as “Dolly Center.” The center would include possible restaurants,

bars, and grills, owned by the “Jolene” singer. Parton said she wants a business in Nashville, but

“right now though, I’ve got so many things going. I can do without that for the moment. But someday, I

will have a business here.”

While there is still plenty of time to iron out the details, she did say it could be located on lower Broadway.

Interesting!  I think the two most recent Dolly-ventures in Nashville were her store Trinkets and Treasures on 2nd Avenue and the water/snow park.  Unfortunately, she opened up T&T just before the catastrophic flooding in 2010 and the store flooded and never reopened.  The second plan was the never-realized joint venture water/snow park between Dollywood and Gaylord Opryland that was announced on Dolly's birthday in 2012.  As plans moved forward on that project, details came to light that were not aligned with Dollywood's business strategy at that time, so the project never materialized.

So, I'll keep an eye on that and let you know of new developments.

👉Better late than never' | Dolly Parton joins TikTok

The Queen of Country Music joined the infamous video-sharing app on Sunday.

Author: Diamond Carroll

Published: 6:17 PM EST December 4, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Queen of Country Music has officially joined TikTok!

Dolly Parton joined the infamous video-sharing app late Sunday afternoon. The announcement was

made on her Twitter account with the caption "better late than never." 

Since joining the app, she has accumulated over 36k followers and her fans are truly excited!

Better late than never 😉https://t.co/ZYsuTMuyod pic.twitter.com/6MGl4bR1JX
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 4, 2022

👉 Video Interview

Source:  How Dolly Parton gets in the Christmas spirit (tennessean.com)

This is a fun interview where she discusses her movie a bit and then how she get's in the Christmas spirit at home.

👉Dolly ‘regrets’ secret song locked away in Dollywood

by: Hope McAlee

Posted: Dec 2, 2022 / 11:42 AM CST

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dolly Parton confirmed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that she has a secret song locked away in Dollywood, and also shared that she regrets it.

In a 2021 article, WATE reported that Parton shared in her book that a CD with a never-before-heard song was locked in a “Dream Box” at Dollywood’s DreamMore resort in Pigeon Forge.

On The Tonight Show, Fallon asked Parton about the song that will be released in 2045, and appeared shocked when she said “That’s the truth.”

“We do a lot of things at Dollywood, and one year, we thought about that. They asked me if would write a song that nobody would ever hear. I’ll be dead and gone, well I might not be, cause I’ll be 99. You know me, I might still be hoppin’ around.” Parton said.

Parton said that she put the CD in the box and included a CD player, instructions on how to play the song, and notes on how they were creating music at that time. She also said that since then, she has regretted the decision to put that song in the capsule.

“I don’t know what they’ll do with it, but I have regretted that because it was a really good song,” Parton said. “I keep wantin’ them to let me dig it up put something else it it that isn’t as good.”

Parton also added that if anyone is around when the song is played, she hopes they’ll enjoy the song.

🦋

.@dollyparton confirms she has a secret song locked away in Dollywood. 👀 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/KLQmNEHlpM

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) December 1, 2022

🦋

Dolly's Time Capsule at DreamMore Resort.  Source:  my video tour of DreamMore Resort, check it out here.