Discover why Dollywood is considered the best theme park in the U.S.! From thrilling rides and Southern charm to Smoky Mountain Christmas magic, experience family fun like never before.

December 31st, 2025 

Simply put, Dollywood is the best theme park in the country! These are not just idle words thrown out to create a buzz but rather a strong opinion based on many elements of truth.

Firstly, the rides and attractions. No other theme park that I’ve been to has done a better job in blending Thrill Rides and still making them family-friendly. In every part of Dollywood were roller coasters and rides that my entire family wanted to experience and every age enjoyed them. From the legendary Big Bear Mountain with its 3 different launches; Dragon flier, which had your legs dangling on this smooth coaster, to the FireChaser Express, that launched you forwards and backwards.

Also, making Dollywood stand out above the rest is its undeniable Southern charm and cleanliness. Every worker there treats you like a friend instead of someone annoyed that you’re asking them a question. The whole park too including the bathrooms was clean. I hate taking my kids places where trash is thrown everywhere, people smoke and vape in your face, and it has a disgusting smell. Dollywood is the opposite; even the air itself smells like cinnamon, peppermint, and smoked barbeque. That comes from its high-standard plethora of food options, which are all reasonably priced compared to any other theme parks.

Dollywood, being the best, is at its best, during their annual event Smoky Mountain Christmas which lasts from November 1st until January 4th. The holidays are in full effect in the Smokies and fully illuminated over Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, and highlight has to be Dollywood.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas displays over 6 million twinkling lights that whisk you away to a winter wonderland of pure exhilaration. There is no down part of the theme park. Every inch is decked out with lights, decorations, and multiple Christmas trees, helping the park come to life and seem to hum like a Christmas carol itself.

Each night of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas ended with a bang! The spectacle Merry & Bright finished each night with a motley display of color and sound lighting up the sky with gorgeous fireworks. The Wildwood Grove area was prime real estate to view the fireworks, see the color-changing Wildwood Tree, and experience the snow coming down.

The heartbeat of Dollywood though has to be it’s not-to-be-matched professional performances. The standout is Christmas in the Smokies, which brings Broadway to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The show, the sets, the performers, and the original and beloved songs, are simply stellar. It has become a tradition for families all over the world to come and see; and see annually again and again. Other shows like Twas the Night Before Christmas and O Holy Night, were loved by the kids as well.

From a prior news release the iconic Star, Dolly Parton is quoted saying, “When I want to get in the Christmas spirit, all I have to do is close my eyes and remember all the cherished times and stories with my family through the years.”

“I’ve found that Christmas at Dollywood has a way of bringing those memories back to life – for me and so many people – by having a way to make new traditions and spend precious time with all the people that we love.”

There is no time of year more special than Christmas. It’s a time of faith, family, and fun, and these three central elements form the fundamental heartbeat of Dollywood itself. This place is just good for your soul.