Celebrate the season with beautiful holiday music from around the world as Dollywood introduces the new International Sounds of Christmas concert series during Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 5-Dec. 30).
This special series of weekend concerts features the von Trapp Children (Nov. 5-6 & 9-12), grandchildren of the Sound of Music family, who continue their grandparents’ enchanting musical legacy with stories and songs. Highlights include pieces from the endearing family classic which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The Moscow Boys Choir® (Dec. 3-4) brings a distinct Russian flavor. Founded in 1957, Russia’s most prestigious boys’ choir boasts a repertoire of new and vibrant carols of Russia, Europe and North America, many of which are sung in their language of origin. A Celtic Yuletide (Dec. 8-11), starring Michael Londra, brings an evening of traditional carols, ancient airs and old Christmas stories from Ireland. Londra, the former lead singer of Broadway’s Riverdance, presents a heartwarming evening of Christmas in Ireland with Celtic music and dance including heartwarming Irish carols and Gaelic versions of such classics as “Silent Night” and “The Maiden’s Lullaby.” The series concludes with Vinok Worldance (Dec. 15-18). Canada's foremost professional company delights audiences with stunning footwork, colorful costumes, and a repertoire of world dance and folk music celebrating the traditions of Christmas from around the globe.
Multiple shows are scheduled each day in the park’s Showstreet Palace Theatre and are free with park admission. Free general admission tickets will be distributed each day from the Showstreet ticket booth on a first-come, first-served basis and are required for admission.
The international flair continues with the return of America’s tallest Christmas pyramid located at the entrance of Craftsman’s Valley. Honoring the rich heritage of Germany’s Erzgebirge region, the 45-foot-tall, three-tiered Christmas pyramid is the centerpiece of Dollywood’s Olde World Christmas. The pyramid gently revolves, revealing intricate carvings depicting the Nativity. The first tier features the three kings and a camel rotating, keeping a watchful eye on a stationary Mary, Joseph and the Christ child. The second tier revolves to reveal two shepherds and five sheep, while three trumpeting angels occupy the third tier.
International shopping selections await guests at the Olde World Christmas Market in the park’s Valley Exhibition Hall with a collection of authentic European items including handmade smokers, nutcrackers, pyramids, tin toys, glass ornaments, Advent calendars, pewter and wooden ornaments. Items from Steinbach, Christian Ulbricht and Glasser, world-renowned creators of holiday collectibles, are available as well. New this year are the glass ornament creations of Germany’s IngeGlas, featuring the fine craftsmanship of the Müller-Blech Family, 14th generation glass blowers.
In addition to a dazzling display of more than 3 million holiday lights, Dollywood’s Christmas festivities also feature heartwarming shows, including popular favorites Christmas in the Smokies, O’ Holy Night, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, An Appalachian Christmas and The Victorian Melodies, as well as the spectacular synchronized light and musical display of Carol of the Trees. All shows are included with Dollywood admission.
Special activities for children include Santa's Workshop, a whimsical, activity-filled attraction in Peppermint Valley. Santa’s home away from home features holiday craft projects, play areas, and a post office for sending letters to Santa.
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