The excitement for Dollywood’s 2025 season is undeniable as the park gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After experiencing the park through the years, renewing my season pass for next year is an easy decision—there’s just so much to look forward to, from new shows and attractions to classic favorites that keep me coming back year after year.
Dolly Parton’s vision, which started with the park’s opening in 1986, has blossomed into one of the world’s premier family destinations. In 2025, Dollywood will pull out all the stops, kicking off its milestone season with a special Season Passholder Preview Day on Friday, March 14, and followed by the highly anticipated I Will Always Love You Music Festival from March 15 through April 13. This festival sets the tone for a year full of celebration, including the return of the Golden Ticket Award-winning show “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton,” which recounts Dolly’s incredible journey from Sevier County to stardom in Nashville.
One of the highlights I’m eagerly awaiting is the 40th-anniversary show debuting Memorial Day weekend. This new production will showcase memorable moments from Dollywood’s rich history of entertainment, offering guests a trip down memory lane. There’s also a special new drone and fireworks show planned for the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, which will feature even more drones than before in a dazzling nighttime display. I had the pleasure of seeing the current drone show this year, and it’s nothing short of mesmerizing—so I can only imagine how breathtaking the new version will be.
Dollywood’s year-round festivals are another major draw. The Flower & Food Festival, from April 18 to June 8, will once again bloom with vibrant Mosaiculture displays and more than half a million flowers spread throughout the park. The culinary offerings during this event are also top-notch, showcasing the talents of Dollywood’s world-class chefs.
The Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights, set for fall, continue to be a favorite for many, with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and the return of the enchanting Peppermint Valley during the Smoky Mountain Christmas season.
Next year also sees the return of some enhanced experiences like the Imagination Playhouse, which brings Dolly’s Imagination Library books to life on stage. This beloved attraction will be a permanent feature throughout the 2025 season, along with new meet-and-greet opportunities during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. “Heartsong: The Movie” is also set to return, remastered for a new generation, running alongside “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends” at Dreamsong Theater.
For those of us who love Dollywood’s Country Fair, exciting changes are in store for 2025. The area is receiving a refresh and will transform during the Harvest Festival into Candy Corn Country, a whimsical celebration of this classic fall treat. The park’s festive theming and family-friendly atmosphere during the holidays make Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas a can’t-miss event, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how the park will top itself this coming season.
Dollywood’s 40th anniversary promises to be a season unlike any other, and I can’t wait to be part of the celebration. Between the entertainment, the festivals, and the overall family-friendly atmosphere, it’s clear that Dolly Parton’s vision for a place where families can create lasting memories together is alive and well. If you’re considering a season pass, now’s the time—Dollywood’s 2025 season is set to be one for the ages.
For more information about 2025 season passes, visit Dollywood.com.
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(Photos / Dollywood)
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