It's a "Holiday Fantasy Forest" at Dollywood's Smokey Mountain Christmas

Pigeon Forge, TN -- As the first signs of the chilly winter air descend upon the mountains of East Tennessee, Dollywood is preparing to flip the switch on over three million twinkling lights for its annual holiday celebration, Smoky Mountain Christmas. The eleventh year of this Yuletide family favorite begins November 10, offering visitors a chance to stroll through the park's new Holiday Fantasy Forest.

Tinker the Talking Tree is back in 2001 at Dreamland Forest, which is transformed into a Holiday Fantasy Forest full of 250,000 lights complimented with a variety of other holiday dˇcor. Under the sparkle and glow, the playland becomes a winter wonderland of activity for children of all ages, including a story time presentation with Tinker and new Forest Friends.

To offer visitors a chance to warm up before a wild Yuletide night ride on the Tennessee Tornado or relaxing moonlit journey aboard the Fantasy Express train, Dollywood is adding new warming stations to the 2001 Smoky Mountain
Christmas. Guests can enjoy a warm cup of apple cider in front of a crackling fireplace, or roast marshmallows with the family around an open campfire.

When the sun sets for the day, the stage is set for Carol of the Trees, a dazzling display of synchronized lights and music. Observers at this one-of-kind presentation will find extended viewing space and seating areas
around the lake at Rivertown Junction. Park favorites Christmas in the Smokies, Hometown Holidays, O Holy Night, and Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs also return this year. And Santa will again set up his workshop in Peppermint Valley, full of interactive games and activities for the whole family.

As no Smoky Mountain Christmas is complete without a holiday feast, delicious seasonal foods will also be served with traditional Southern offerings of ham, turkey and dressing, fresh vegetables, and homemade breads and desserts.

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas begins November 10th and continues to December 30th; operating days and hours vary. Tickets are $31 for adults and $11 for children (tax included).

For more information on the events to be found at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, visit the park's website at www.dollywood.com.