Dollywood Debuts new production show and parade of lights

Theme Park’s 2002 Christmasfest Began November 9 PIGEON FORGE, TN - With the holiday season fast approaching, the elves at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park are busy assembling a variety of Christmas packages for visitors this year, including a new production show and a nightly parade of lights. Dollywood’s ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas is an original production show with a new twist on the classic children’s poem. Shown daily in the park’s Pines Theatre, the new show features elaborate costuming and stage design along with a variety of audience participation. The story unfolds as one family’s last-minute Christmas rush begins to transform into a celebration of the true meaning of the season. With help from the “creatures that are stirring,” friendly neighborhood carolers, and even Santa’s over-burdened reindeer, the family soon discover the real reason of one Holy Night. To add some colorful illumination to the more than three million lights that decorate the park, a new Parade of Lights will also entertain visitors each evening. With some help from the determined Little Engine That Could(tm), story-book characters from the children’s classic will follow the engine’s lead through the streets of Dollywood to deliver the toys just in time for Christmas morning. This “brilliant” parade also features real-life characters including toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and even a few of Santa’s elves. At Dollywood’s Heritage Hall, “A Century of Santas” will be on display featuring $1 million in original artwork that showcases the Classic Coca-Cola(tm) Santa’s transformation through the years. And kids can give mom, dad, or the grandparents the perfect Christmas gift with a recording of a their own heartfelt rendition of their favorite holiday song at our Kids’ Christmas Karaoke stage. In addition to the new show, parade of lights, and other “gifts,” Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas offers a variety of holiday entertainment for the entire family. The park’s signature shows include Christmas in the Smokies, a musical production accompanied by a live orchestra; Christmas with The Kingdom Heirs, Dollywood’s award-winning Southern Gospel quartet; O Holy Night, a living nativity; and Carol of the Trees, with thousands of lights synchronized to holiday music. The park’s attractions are also transformed at Christmas to include a Holiday Fantasy Forest, Classic Christmas Carousel, and Peppermint Valley featuring Santa’s Giant Workshop. Unique Christmas gifts can be found at the park’s 50 one-of-a-kind shops, and delicious tastes of the season - from steaming hot wassail to a buffet with all the trimmings - are served throughout Dollywood’s variety of restaurants.  Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas began November 9 and continues through December 30 on a varied schedule. For specific operating days and times, call the park’s Holiday Hotline at (865) 428-9488, or visit www.dollywood.com.