Dollywood's 2025 Operating Schedule and Events Calendar

As one of the most beloved theme parks in the country, Dollywood never disappoints when it comes to delivering a year packed with entertainment, seasonal celebrations, and family fun. In 2025, Dollywood is offering an exciting lineup of festivals and events that highlight the beauty, culture, and festive spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re a returning passholder or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you plan your trips around Dollywood's 2025 operating schedule and its can’t-miss events.

Key Dates for Dollywood's 2025 Season

• Passholder Preview Day: March 14, 2025

  • If you’re a Dollywood season passholder, you get the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to experience the park in 2025! This special preview day gives passholders an early look at the park’s new additions and favorite attractions before the general public arrives.

• Dollywood’s Official Opening Day: March 15, 2025

  • Mark your calendars—Dollywood officially opens its gates to the public for the 2025 season on March 15! From thrilling rides to world-class entertainment and mouthwatering Southern cuisine, this is your first chance of the year to enjoy everything Dollywood has to offer.

• Last Day of the 2025 Season: January 4, 2026

  • The holiday magic of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas closes out the season with its final day on January 4, 2026. Be sure to catch the last of the Christmas lights, festive performances, and wintertime fun before the park takes a break to prepare for the 2026 season.

Dollywood’s 2025 Festival and Event Calendar

Dollywood is renowned for its unique seasonal festivals that transform the park throughout the year. Here's a closer look at the events that will shape the 2025 Dollywood season:

I Will Always Love You Music Festival

• Dates: March 14, 2025 – April 13, 2025

Kicking off the 2025 season is the brand-new I Will Always Love You Music Festival, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s iconic song. This festival will showcase a variety of musical performances, with artists paying tribute to Dolly and performing across multiple genres, including country, gospel, and bluegrass.

• What to Expect: Live music will fill the park with daily performances on multiple stages. From rising stars to well-known musicians, this festival honors Dolly’s rich musical legacy. It’s the perfect way to start your spring visit to Dollywood!

Dollywood's Flower and Food Festival

• Dates: April 18, 2025 – June 8, 2025

Dollywood's Flower and Food Festival returns in 2025 with even more stunning floral displays and delicious cuisine. This festival transforms the park into a vibrant garden with towering topiaries, flower-covered sculptures, and beautifully landscaped pathways.

• What to Expect: Stroll through breathtaking flower displays, and snap photos with larger-than-life floral creations. Food lovers will delight in festival-exclusive menus featuring seasonal dishes and refreshing drinks. From floral-inspired desserts to savory treats, the food offerings at this festival are sure to impress.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

• Dates: June 14, 2025 – August 3, 2025

Summer at Dollywood is always full of fun, and the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is packed with excitement for the entire family. The park is open later during the summer months, giving you extra time to enjoy the rides, shows, and summer-only attractions.

• What to Expect: This event features thrilling nighttime entertainment, including the spectacular Sweet Summer Nights Drone & Fireworks Show, which lights up the sky with synchronized drones and fireworks. Cool off with interactive water features and fun family games scattered throughout the park. Expect live music, street performances, and unique summer food items to top off your day.

Dollywood's Harvest Festival

• Dates: September 12, 2025 – October 27, 2025

The fall season brings the Harvest Festival to Dollywood, one of the park’s most cherished events. During this time, the park is decorated with autumnal beauty, including pumpkins, cornstalks, and stunning fall foliage. The highlight of the festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where the park comes alive after dark with thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns.

• What to Expect: Stroll through the park as it transforms into a glowing wonderland of pumpkins, featuring intricately carved jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin sculptures, and whimsical displays. Throughout the day, enjoy live bluegrass and Southern gospel performances. Plus, savor delicious fall-inspired foods like pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and hearty harvest fare.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas

• Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026

No place celebrates Christmas quite like Dollywood, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas event has been named America’s best Christmas event for over a decade. This magical holiday season brings over 6 million twinkling lights, festive shows, and holiday treats, creating a winter wonderland unlike any other.

• What to Expect: Marvel at the Parade of Many Colors, enjoy heartwarming performances like Christmas in the Smokies, and explore Santa’s Village with your little ones. The park is decked out with Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights, making every corner feel festive. Holiday treats and hot cocoa are available throughout the park, making this a must-visit event for families and Christmas lovers.

Plan Your Visit to Dollywood in 2025

With its exciting lineup of festivals and events, Dollywood offers something special every season of the year. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for fun in the summer or someone who enjoys the magic of Christmas, Dollywood has a celebration for everyone. Here are a few tips to help plan your 2025 visit:

• Season Passholders: Take advantage of the Passholder Preview Day on March 14, 2025, to get an exclusive first look at the park before it opens to the public. It’s a great way to enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds.
• Festival Lovers: Plan your visit around your favorite festival! Whether you want to see the spectacular drone show in the summer or the glowing pumpkins during Harvest Festival, each event brings a unique atmosphere to the park.
• Holiday Enthusiasts: If you’re a fan of Christmas, visiting Dollywood during Smoky Mountain Christmas is a must. Be sure to dress warmly and plan to stay after dark to see the park lit up with millions of Christmas lights.

Dollywood's 2025 season promises to be packed with fun, entertainment, and adventure for all ages. With an exciting lineup of seasonal festivals and world-class entertainment, you won’t want to miss any of the action. Book your Pigeon Forge cabin rental and get ready to experience Dollywood in 2025!