SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS WELCOMES GUESTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A special Multitude of Angels display, 3.3 million lights, strolling carolers, heartwarming entertainment and culinary delights invite you home for the holidays as Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas 2003 celebration gets under way Nov. 8.
"Christmas is that special time when our hearts long to be with the ones we love," said Dolly. "With a little help from our friends at the North Pole, we've transformed Dollywood into a magical winter wonderland where families of all ages can celebrate the season together."
A new Multitude of Angels display is the centerpiece of this year's event. Illuminated angels of various shapes and sizes appear throughout the park including 24 six-foot-tall angel topiaries along Showstreet and three 20-foot-tall angels outside the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. In addition, more than 50 lighted angels will decorate the trees surrounding the chapel as part of the new Joy of Christmas, a daily non-denominational candle lighting ceremony at 7:15 p.m. that takes place just outside the chapel.
Young and old alike will enjoy the dazzling visual display as 3.3 million lights trim the park in festive holiday color, while miles of glittery ribbon and pine garland wrap the park like a festive holiday package. An elegantly decorated 30-foot Christmas tree creates a spectacular focal point in the park's Market Square. In keeping with the Multitude of Angels theme, 12 four-foot garden angels will border the base of the tree.
The Christmas wishes of every child come to life during the daily light parade featuring a cast of characters. In addition, Santa's Workshop will be bustling with activities including a giant children's play area as well as a variety of foods and amusements. Located in the park's Country Fair area, visitors can mail letters to Santa at the post office, have a keepsake photo made with Santa and visit with St. Nick in this whimsical interactive workshop.
Other new elements of Smoky Mountain Christmas 2003 include:
-- An Appalachian Christmas--A 20-minute acoustic performance celebrating the sounds of traditional mountain music on the Back Porch Theatre stage.
-- Victorian Carolers--A quartet of Victorian carolers outfitted in period costumes stroll throughout the park performing holiday music true to the Victorian era.
Christmas in the Smokies, the popular holiday show, returns with performances daily in the Celebrity Theatre. This 50-minute musical production features a 12-member cast and seven-piece band directed by David Grapes, Producing Artistic Director of the Nashville-based Tennessee Repertory Theatre. Twas the Night Before Christmas is back. Under the direction of Curt Wollan, Executive Producer of Troupe America in Minneapolis, the musical's 12-member cast and five-piece band perform daily in the Pines Theatre. Both shows include new material for the 2003 season.
Additional Christmas entertainment includes:
-- Carol of the Trees--A presentation of synchronized light, pyrotechnics and music.
-- O' Holy Night--The Christmas story presented by the living Nativity.
-- Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs--Dollywood's award-winning gospel quartet sings Christmas favorites.
-- Heartsong--A multi-sensory Smoky Mountain story narrated by Dolly.
Nothing is more welcoming than good food during the holidays, and Dollywood's Christmas menu is full of tempting treats. New in 2003 is the All You Can Eat Buffet at Aunt Granny's featuring a selection of breakfast items as well as the traditional Christmas dinner specialties including roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham. The special brunch buffet is served all day, everyday.
Smoky Mountain Christmas begins Nov. 8 and continues through Dec. 30 (closed select days). Operating schedule and park hours vary. For more information, please call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit the park's website at www.dollywood.com.
