Category: Events

Dollywood’s Christmas On Ice

Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice! is back again this year as a part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, which includes such popular shows as Carol of The Trees, Appalachian Christmas, and The Polar Express 4-D Experience.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas features a dazzling display of over 4 million colorful Christmas lights, holiday shows, and events aimed at highlighting such a magical time in the Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice! presents the Ice Theater of New York, the nation’s premier ice dance ensemble. The cast also includes six singers who perform a variety of Christmas favorites—“Snow,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful” and much more.

This festive indoor ice skating production showcases skaters performing daring spins, spirals and fancy footwork in a genuine ice rink that will be created and frozen on the stage of DP’s Celebrity Theatre. With colorful costumes, Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice evokes a magical sense of Christmastime pageantry and celebration.

Smoky Mountain Christmas invites guests to also enjoy more than 20 rides and attractions, from Dollywood’s award-winning Thunderhead and Mystery Mine coasters to Country Fair’s family rides.

Santa and his hardworking elves can be found in Santa’s Workshop until Dec. 23. Stop by and tell him what you really want for Christmas. In Santa’s Workshop, guests also find an incredible display of larger-than-life-sized toys! A very busy guy this time of year, Santa makes his way through the park each evening (weather permitting) in the much-loved Parade of Lights, where brightly colored floats are accompanied by a cast of fun characters. Plus, Aunt Granny’s restaurant hosts daily dining with Coca-Cola Santa through Dec. 23.

Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge, Tn at the footsteps of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood itself is open 9 months out of the year from late March through December. The theme park offers guests over 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a number of East Tennessee crafters.

For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.

Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival

If you love bluegrass music, and who doesn’t, you’ll want to be in Pigeon Forge during the second week of December for the Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival. It’s a mixture of two very popular reasons people flock to the area every year: Christmas and bluegrass.

Special guest Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver headline the 2012 Christmas in the Smokies Festival, December 12-15 at the Ramada Inn & Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Not only that, but festival-goers will get to take part in instrument workshops for $25 per class. To start the week out, Wednesday will feature workshops, square dancing, jamming and a free concert.

As mentioned, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is renowned in the musical world. Their instrumentation and harmonies are second to none. Their old gospel sound takes you back to yesteryear and makes you feel like you’re in one of those old country churches clapping your hands and tapping your feet. Combine that with a powerful presentation and you’ve got one heck of a headliner for the Thursday, December 13 show.

The great bluegrass music doesn’t stop there, Marty Raybon, former frontman for the band Shenandoah, will leave people in awe this Christmas with his amazing bluegrass vocals. The Raybons band’s traditional tenor sound will be on full display during their Saturday night concert December 15th.

Headlining the Thursday and Saturday night festival slots will be Goldwing Express. Their shows have gained them notoriety in the United States and Canada as well. Not only do they harken back to their Native American heritage, Goldwing Express will mix it up with country, gospel and comedy performances during their show. It’s one that definitely should not be missed.

Also appearing on Saturday night, and Friday as well, is Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-press. Osborne is widely known for his talents on the mandolin and his hit song “Rocky Top” is especially well-regarded in these parts.

In all, the festival will feature 15 talented bluegrass artists including: Carolina Road, Your Host Band; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Marty Raybon, Goldwing Express, Ralph Stanley II, Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press, Gary Waldrep Band, Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s, Remington, Ryde, Bluegrass Mountaineers, The Larkins, Reno Tradition, Mountain Faith, Hart Brothers and Bluegrass Gentleman.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

Advance tickets for Artist Circle are $34 per days and $90 for three days. Reserved seats are $28 for per day and $75 for three days. General admission prices is $23 for per day and $60 for three days.

The show on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 is FREE to all Christmas In The Smokies ticket holders. You must at least purchase a one (1) day ticket to the festival to obtain a free ticket for Wednesday. For more information on tickets, call 919-779-5672. Children Under 12 are FREE.

Saturdays in December = Snow at the Titanic

Calling it “Real Snow off the Bow,” the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge has taken it upon themselves to turn the area into a winter wonderland whether it snows or not this December. At least on Saturdays.

As a part of Titanic’s Christmas in a Winter Wonderland, the popular Pigeon Forge attraction is creating their own snow starting November 22-24 and every Saturday in December – 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, beginning at 7pm. And there is no need to worry about money, it’s FREE and there will also be FREE parking. Just remember to bring your camera!

So if you’re wondering if it will snow this year in Pigeon Forge, the answer is “YES”. Pigeon Forge’s Titanic Museum Attraction even guarantees it. We’re talking real snow here. Yes, REAL snow. The snow is just a part of the Titanic museum’s “Christmas in a Winter Wonderland,” dedicated to honoring the memories and celebrating the lives of the 2,208 passengers and crew who lost their lives aboard the Titanic.

Every Saturday in December, the Titanic will produce real, falling snow off the ship’s bow. Not only that, the entire ship will be adorned in Christmas lights and decorations, so pack a camera, camcorder, have your smartphone ready because it’s going to be an amazing night you won’t want to forget.

“Everything about our Christmas in a Winter Wonderland Celebration is aimed at giving our visitors and their families a unique, memorable holiday experience,” said officials with the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. “A memory that will last forever – and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”

For more information on the Titanic Museum Attraction’s Christmas in a Winter Wonderland or the Titanic attraction itself, call 800-381-7670.

Breakfast with Santa at the Old Mill

Join Santa Claus for breakfast at the Old Mill on December 1 and bring your Christmas wish list.

Kids! Here’s your chance to tell Santa Claus everything you need to tell him before he makes his magical Christmas Eve run. It’s Breakfast with Santa Claus at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, December 1.

Children of all ages are welcome to share their hope and wishes with the man himself – Santa. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy one of the finest Southern=style breakfasts in the Smokies at the Old Mill Square. What more could any child ask for? Well, a new bike, video games, you get the picture.

The Old Mill is known around the region for its delicious country breakfasts of eggs, country ham, sausage, hickory smoked bacon, pancakes, and biscuits. And don’t forget their omelets. Choose from a cheese, vegetable, or Southern omelet.

Also located on the Old Mill premises is the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille, the Old Mill General Store, the Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, the Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen, the Old Mill Creamery, the Old Mill Candy Kitchen, the Old Mill Toy Bin, and Sassafras – the newest store and a unique shop featuring jewelry, apparel, purses, bags, hats, scarves and much more.

Since 1830, the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge has entertained and fed visitors the world over. It has become a true Smoky Mountain destination for those looking for great food, a wonderful shopping experience, and knowledge on the history of the Smoky Mountains. Guests can still watch meal and flour being ground by the water powered granite French Burhr in the mill just as they did it in the 1800s, or candy making, or new pottery thrown.

Additional information on the Old Mill’s Breakfast with Santa Claus can be obtained by calling 865-428-0771.

Old Mill Holiday Open House

Come to the Old Mill Open House on November 10 and sample some great holiday foods and shop some great deals.

If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Pigeon Forge, you’ve more than likely heard about the Old Mill, Old Mill Square, the Old Mill restaurants, etc. Well, for those of you who have yet to shop or taste any of their delicious food at the restaurant or the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille, a great opportunity is coming your way. It’s the Old Mill’s Holliday Open House on Saturday, November 10 from 10 am to 6 pm.

It’s one of the best times to shop for gifts at the Old Mill and sample some of their holiday food they’ve specially prepared for this occasion. We’re talking great Southern food that will leave you planning your next trip to the Old Mill restaurant. The restaurant itself has made a name for itself by offering some of the best breakfast servings in the Smokies with such edible delights as homemade biscuits, pancakes and omelets. Lunch and dinner includes Southern specialties like homemade meatloaf, southern fried steak, country ham, fried chicken, chicken pot pie, spicy broiled catfish, and much much more.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to shop some great deals on local products and Old Mill fare, the Old Mill general store will have everything from their own corn meal, flour, pancake mix, and various specialty mixes. That, along with so many jellies, jams and local products, you won’t know what to do with yourself. At the general store, you can find something for everyone on your Christmas list.

Looking for something a little more crafty? The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery house has a number of specialty and serving pieces in many unique glazes, plus a collection of original sculptures that really set off a home’s decor. Just another great Christmas shopping opportunity to be had at the Old Mill’s Holiday Open House event.

So, if you’ve never been out to the Old Mill, it’s restaurants and shops, or if you’ve been a hundred times, stop by the Holiday Open House event Saturday, Nov. 10 and get reacquainted with or introduced to Old Mill Square. We know you’ll find something you’re sure to come back again for.

Old Mill Square
175 Old Mill Avenue at Traffic Light No. 7
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37868
865-428-0771

Pigeon Forge Relay For Life Memorial

Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park is getting their own Relay For Life memorial, offering encouragement for those who have been struck by cancer or know someone who has.

A Relay For Life Brickway is scheduled to be dedicated at Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park on Saturday, Nov. 3 in front of a number of supporters who have participated and donated to the annual Sevier County walk to fight cancer.

With the dedication scheduled for 11 am, the memorial is for those who have faced, are facing, or know someone that has faced cancer. It’s also a way to encourage everyone to fight back in whatever way they can against the deadly disease.

As for the ceremony, engraved bricks will be permanently placed around Patriot Park’s south side walking track – the one next to the campground.

“Cancer affects all of us in some way, whether directly or indirectly,” said Brian Atchley, Sevierville mayor and Relay For Life chair. Atchley would know, he survived his own bout with cancer.

“Cancer does not discriminate,” he said. “Statistics tell us 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with a form of cancer at some point in their lifetime.

“The Relay For Life Memorial Brickway provides an ongoing opportunity for everyone to participate in the fight against cancer, so that we find a cure and eliminate those statistics.”

If you know have known someone battling cancer, you can dedicate a brick and paver for them. The bricks can three lines of dedication with up to 14 characters on each line. For additional information on the bricks, or to obtain an order form, contact Bill Worsham at billyworsham267@yahoo.com or call 865-382-1523.

If you’re interested in a little something more aesthetics wise, you can purchase granite pavers for $200 and bricks for $100 with all proceeds benefiting the Sevier County Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

Looking for other Relay For Life events in the area? The Wal Mart Heroes 578 Relay For Life Team will be serving hot dogs, chili, potato soup, baked goods, and other items Nov. 9, 10, and 11. For more information, contact Earl Gibson at earl1969@charter.net.

Pigeon Forge’s Salute to Veterans

Pigeon Forge’s 2nd Annual Salute to Veterans Parade kicks off Winterfest in Pigeon Forge on Nov. 6 along the parkway before moving to Patriot Park.

Come and be a part of Pigeon Forge’s 2nd annual Salute to Veterans and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for America and those who are still serving today. The parade is scheduled for Nov. 6 and is the official start of Winterfest in Pigeon Forge. For those who came out last year, you’ll remember the salute to America’s veterans, appearances by  a number of local entertainers and the illumination of 5 million Christmas.

Now, if you’re unable to attend the Salute to Veterans, Winterfest and all that it entails continues through Feb. 28, 2013, with all the Christmas shows of the past that everyone loves, the town’s biggest lighting display and so many events that it’s impossible not to be able to catch at least a few.

The Salute to Veterans parade starts at 4:30 pm at the south end of town and travels along the Parkway to Patriot Park. If you decide to take in more than the parade, Patriot Park is a great place to continue the experience. There will be a number of vintage and current military vehicles on display at Patriot Park, which is also where the Winterfest kickoff celebration will commence with the lighting of Pigeon Forge’s winter display and a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus.

Winterfest Kickoff begins at 4:30 p.m. when the inaugural Pigeon Forge Salute to Veterans Parade steps onto the Parkway, proceeding north to Patriot Park. In all, the parade lasts about one hour.

Cub Scouts will present the colors and lead spectators in the Pledge of Allegiance at Patriot Park following the parade. Kids will be able to play in the park and food vendors will be hand for those in attendance to purchase food from. The proceeds go to benefit local charities. Bring your lawn chairs for the Patriot Park performances. The Winterfest display lighting is expected to begin soon after 8 p.m.

Pigeon Forge’s Fun Time Trolleys will offer complimentary rides on the Trolley Tour of Lights that night.

A part of the town’s winter season since 1990, Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest has been named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and has transformed Pigeon Forge into a Southeast winter destination.

Thanksgiving Fireworks at the Titanic Attraction

Stop by the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge this Thanksgiving, November 22, for a spectacular fireworks display.

Why wait until New Years to see fireworks? The Titanic attraction in Pigeon Forge is planning on sending the year out with a bang, just a month or so early. So, on November 22, they are going to pay tribute to the 2,208 people who lost their life aboard the Titanic with a spectacular fireworks display.

The night sky will be filled with fireworks that night as we all celebrate the lives and legacies of the ship’s passengers, crew and rescuers. Officials with the Titanic attraction say it will be the largest fireworks event on the Smoky Mountain Parkway since the museum’s grand opening in 2010.

And that’s not all…. Guests will be able to take in the Titanic’s holiday lighting display, Edwardian-period decorations, the liner’s costumed staff, and a gift shoppe overflowing with original, one-of-a-kind gifts.

At Titanic Pigeon Forge, visitors get a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the luxury liner’s past. Guests can walk what the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic would have been like before that fateful day. You’ll also get to view some 400 artifacts pulled directly from the ship’s remains on the ocean floor. Touch a real iceberg while you’re there, put your hands in actual 28-degree water, and try to balance yourself on a sloping deck.

Pigeon Forge’s Titanic Museum Attraction is a gateway to 1912. Between the educated crew and the 400-plus priceless artifacts on display throughout the museum, it’s really a homage to the lives of those passengers and crew members on board the Titanic’s maiden voyage. It’s also a collection valued at over $4.5 million.

The Titanic Memorial Room lists the 2,208 people who died in that voyage. Each name is inscribed on the wall. Guests can match their boarding pass, which lists a passenger’s name, with the pass-holder’s fate there.

You definitely do not want to miss the Grand Staircase. Constructed from the original Harland & Wolff plans with its oak carvings and cherub statue, the Grand Staircase is a work of art in its own right. Its oak wall paneling and elaborate railings and iron scroll work come alive in the light. Listen carefully to hear what the floor was made of – something considered most expensive for 1912.

A few of the activities guests can enjoy while touring the museum include:

– Simulating loading coal into a burning furnace.
– Getting into an actual size lifeboat. Sending an SOS signal, and tying rope knots.
– Steering a ship.
– Standing on the Titanic’s bridge and hearing the Captain’s commands.
– Standing on the deck of the ship’s stern and experiencing the different precise angles of the ship as it gradually descended into the water over a span of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
– For young guests eight and under, there is a special section (Tot-Titanic) devoted to them with various interactive games and stations.

Halloween activities in Pigeon Forge

There are a number of groups in town with Halloween festivities planned where kids can get candy and have fun in a safe environment.

Each year Pigeon Forge, as well as most Smoky Mountain towns, hold their share of haunted houses and corn mazes and attract quite a large Halloween following. So what about the smaller children in which Halloween really means a bit more? What are they to do when they aren’t quite old enough for haunted houses or haunted corn mazes? Well, Pigeon Forge has a few options this year that are sure to leave smiles on the youngest trick-or-treaters.

Halloween in Pigeon Forge is actually aimed more at the younger crowd than Gatlinburg. Whereas Gatlinburg features a number of haunted houses and attractions, Pigeon Forge counters with a number of festivals and community events. With the backdrop of the beautiful Smoky Mountain fall foliage, it’s also a great time to get reacquainted with all that Pigeon Forge has to offer. Throughout October, Pigeon Forge will be adorned to the nines in fall decor as part of the town’s Harvest Celebration which also features numerous craft shows, a decorating contest and other special events. It really sets the mood for some fun trick or treating at the end of the month.

Speaking of Halloween activities, Pigeon Forge prides itself on its family friendly, safe atmosphere. First, stop by the Belz Annual Pigeon Forge Halloween Egg Hunt, held on October 28th. The festivities for the Halloween Egg Hunt begin at 6pm. For additional information on this event, call Belz in Pigeon Forge at (865) 453-7316.

Pigeon Forge’s community Halloween celebration is held every year by the City of Pigeon Forge. The town’s Department of Parks and Recreation hosts a trick-or-treat bash every year in order to encourage a safe Pigeon Forge Halloween for everyone. The 11th Annual Safe Halloween in Pigeon Forge Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 6-9 p.m. Children and their families can come by for games, participate in a costume contest, visit a Not-So-Haunted House, go on a hayride, listen to live entertainment, and of course get lots of CANDY!

Candy will be given out by local businesses in the gym of the Pigeon Forge Community Center as well as other treats from their decorated tables and booths. For more information call (865) 429-7373.

Many other churches and schools in the area will also be doing their own Halloween-styled celebration and we would love to hear from you if you have a Halloween event you’d like advertised. Our first happens to be some of our neighbors in Seymour, TN who will be hold a Harvest Festival at the First Baptist Church on Oct. 31. at 6 pm. Open to the public. Come for games, candy, and inflatable attractions for the kids.

We hope everyone has a fun, happy, and safe Halloween this year!

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 10 – Dec. 30)

If Christmas lights and good, old-fashioned holiday songs are what jingles your bells, then don’t miss out on Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and its many events over the next few months.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas has become as much of a Christmas tradition in Pigeon Forge as catching the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart. Between Dollywood’s two-month and Winterfest, the town is literally covered in Christmas lighting from November until New Years. Some residents even keep decorations up through the winter nowadays.

What we’re talking about is 4 million lights, all wrapped around every pole, roof, tree, and bush in the park. It really is a winter wonderland. Most of the same shows you’ve enjoyed in years past are back this year including Dolly Parton’s all-time favorite Christmas in the Smokies. Looking for a safe and fun place to bring the kids this Christmas season, come see a few, or all of the performances put on by Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.

While you’re there, make sure to check off Santa’s Workshop from your list. Everyone loves the life-sized toys as well as the 18-foot-tall Christmas tree – a park favorite. Your mouth will drop once you see the giant wagon, sailboat, dollhouse and all the other Christmas goodies sitting under the tree. Santa and his elves will be trying to put the finishing touches on what should be a Christmas to remember for a number of little boys and girls. Miss out on Santa while you’re at the park? You can also catch him in the Parade of Lights, along with a number of brightly lit floats and colorful characters.

Here are all the big events taking place during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas this year:

Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice
The Ice Theater of New York performs Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice.

Christmas in the Smokies
Featuring a 12-member cast and seven-piece band, this Christmas tradition at Dollywood includes performances of local holiday favorites that celebrate the joy of the Christmas season.

Appalachian Christmas
The Back Porch Theatre puts on an acoustic Chrsitmas show every year called Appalachian Christmas that is not to be missed. Everyone loves Christmas music that takes you back to a simpler time.

Carol of the Trees
Thousands of lights synchronize with holiday music each night during the holiday season to transform our Rivertown Lake into a symphony for the season.

Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs
The Kingdom Heirs lift your spirits as they perform a Southern Gospel Christmas with your favorite Christmas hymns and songs.

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosts worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

O’ Holy Night
Live out “The Christmas Story.” Three wise men help a little girl looking for an angel.

Parade of Lights
Dollywood’s daily Parade of Lights features Christmas floats of every shape and size adorned with brightly colored Christmas lights. Don’t miss this parade!

“The Polar Express 4-D Experience”
THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE is the popular book set to life at Dollywood. A young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and along the way discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
A mysterious, white-bearded stranger helps one family find a Christmas miracle in this delightful musical featuring a five-piece band and a 12-member cast.

For a few helpful tips on Dollywood, check out our suggestions for Dollywood visitors. Whether you’re riding the coasters or lounging in the lazy river during the summer, or checking out Santa’s workshop in December, they’re applicable for the season ticket holder and first time guest alike.