The holiday season in the Great Smoky Mountains brings plenty of opportunities to celebrate, and Dollywood’s two resort properties in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are giving travelers even more reasons to plan a winter getaway.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort are welcoming guests with live entertainment, special dining experiences, seasonal spa treatments and celebrations to ring in 2027.

Smoky Mountains bring plenty of opportunities to celebrate, and Dollywood’s two resort properties in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are giving travelers even more reasons to plan a winter getaway.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort are welcoming guests with live entertainment, special dining experiences, seasonal spa treatments and celebrations to ring in 2027.

From a Christmas tree lighting featuring Dolly Parton’s niece to an elaborate gingerbread masterpiece and a new New Year’s Eve gala, the resorts offer experiences that go well beyond a traditional overnight stay.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic escape or a relaxing break from the holiday rush, both properties have something special planned.

A Christmas Celebration With a Touch of Dolly Parton

One of the season’s signature experiences takes place Dec. 11 at HeartSong Lodge, where Dolly Parton’s niece, Heidi Parton, will help celebrate the holidays during the resort’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

Heidi and the Pink Betty Band will perform their rendition of Dolly’s “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” inviting guests to sing along while enjoying seasonal treats and the festive atmosphere.

The entertainment continues Christmas weekend when Ferryn & Brinkley return to the lodge’s Acoustic Lobby for performances Dec. 25-26.

The sister duo, appearing on NBC’s The Voice as members of country artist Riley Green’s team, has become a familiar favorite at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Their performances will feature Christmas favorites and timeless classics.

Over at DreamMore Resort, guests can enjoy additional seasonal entertainment, including performances by the popular group Run Katie Run.

A Gingerbread Masterpiece Inspired by Dollywood

One of the sweetest attractions at HeartSong Lodge isn’t something guests can eat.

The resort’s culinary and engineering teams have recreated Dollywood’s iconic Grist Mill as an elaborate gingerbread display measuring seven feet by six feet.

The impressive creation required 280 hours of work and an extraordinary collection of ingredients, including 75 pounds of gingerbread, 120 pounds of fondant, 80 pounds of royal icing and 2,200 graham crackers.

Another 20 pounds of chocolate and 60 pounds of isomalt, used to recreate the mill’s water features, helped bring the familiar landmark to life.

The display is located in the lodge’s lobby and will remain available for guests to admire through Jan. 4, 2027.

For visitors familiar with Dollywood, it’s a creative tribute to one of the theme park’s most recognizable landmarks and an especially appealing holiday photo opportunity.

Holiday Dining Worth Gathering Around

Christmas in the Smokies wouldn’t be complete without a memorable meal, and both resorts are preparing special menus for the occasion.

At DreamMore Resort, Song & Hearth will offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffets on Dec. 24-25.

Guests can choose from traditional favorites such as Southern fried chicken, pot roast with carrots and potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. Other offerings include prime rib, stuffed pork loin and a scampi station featuring shrimp and chicken.

The restaurant will also serve New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day buffets featuring prime rib, jumbo shrimp, black-eyed peas and an assortment of desserts.

For travelers seeking a more intimate dining experience, HeartSong Lodge’s Ember & Elm will offer a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner. Menu selections include rosemary garlic lamb chops, chicken and dumplings, and mason jar cheesecake.

Holiday dining reservations are strongly encouraged, and the restaurants welcome both overnight resort guests and visitors staying elsewhere in the area.

Ring in 2027 With a New Celebration

HeartSong Lodge is introducing something new this year for adults looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.

Midnight in the Smokies, held in the HeartSong Ballroom, will feature a chef-crafted buffet, dancing to the Kim Kelly Orchestra and a champagne toast at midnight.

The resort is offering a special room package for guests ages 21 and older that includes two tickets to the gala.

Families traveling with children will have their own opportunities to celebrate, with all-ages entertainment and children’s activities planned in the lodge’s Inspiration event rooms.

DreamMore Resort also will offer family-friendly New Year’s festivities, giving visitors several ways to welcome the new year.

Christmas Traditions and a Little Holiday Relaxation

For families who enjoy incorporating meaningful traditions into their travels, DreamMore Resort will host its annual Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24.

The 9 p.m. gathering in the resort lobby will be led by Dollywood Parks & Resorts Chaplain Joey Buck, with live musical performances by Amy Hall.

Travelers looking to unwind can also visit the Spa at DreamMore Resort, where seasonal treatments draw inspiration from Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.

The Smoky Mountain Christmas Signature Manicure and Pedicure combines peppermint mocha and chocolate-inspired treatments with a softening soak, gentle scrub, chocolate mask and hydrating massage.

Other offerings include a hot stone massage, signature facial and facial enhancement.

Through Dec. 24, guests purchasing $200 or more in spa gift cards in person will receive a complimentary gift while supplies last.

Bring a Little Christmas Magic Into Your Resort Room

Families who want to make their accommodations feel more festive can add the Christmas Tree Décor package at either property.

The package includes a three-foot artificial Christmas tree with decorations, baked Christmas cookies, a Christmas ornament and additional seasonal touches.

Available for stays through Jan. 3, 2027, the offering is particularly appealing for travelers spending Christmas away from home who still want to enjoy the familiar comforts of the holiday.

Make the Smokies Your Holiday Destination

A stay at either Dollywood resort also puts travelers close to one of the country’s most celebrated theme park Christmas events.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas features more than six million lights, live entertainment, seasonal food and festive attractions throughout the park.

Combining a visit to Dollywood with time at one of its resorts allows travelers to experience the excitement of the theme park while enjoying additional amenities and entertainment just minutes away.

I’ve always appreciated the way Dollywood approaches the guest experience. The attention to detail, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to making visitors feel valued are among the reasons I continue returning to the destination. It’s encouraging to see that same philosophy reflected in the resort offerings.

What makes these properties especially appealing is the variety of experiences available without having to venture far from your accommodations. Guests can spend an evening enjoying live music, gather for a memorable meal or simply relax in surroundings inspired by the natural beauty of the Smokies.

For those considering a December escape, Dollywood’s resorts offer more than a place to stay.

They provide an opportunity to enjoy the season at a destination where Southern hospitality remains an important part of the experience.

For additional information about special events, accommodations, dining reservations and holiday packages, visit Dollywood’s official resort website.

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(Photos and video courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)