Dollywood Resorts invites Families to Ring in the Holiday Season!

Dollywood Resorts invites families to ring in the season with festive Christmas celebrations and joyful New Year’s Eve events, creating unforgettable moments and continuing cherished Christmas traditions. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort invite families to celebrate the holidays in the Smokies with guest-favorite entertainment, decadent culinary offerings, all-new events and more.

On Dec. 11, resort guests are invited to join Dolly’s niece, Heidi Parton, as she sets the stage for the most wonderful time of year during HeartSong Lodge’s beloved annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Heidi and the Pink Betty Band welcome the wonder of Christmas with their rendition of Dolly’s “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” as guests sing along and enjoy Christmas treats and cheer. This special annual event welcomes the holiday season with warmth, wonder and tradition.

Ferryn & Brinkley return to HeartSong Lodge for special Christmas weekend performances. The dynamic duo is captivating audiences during the current season of The Voice as part of country artist Riley Green’s team. The sister pair, whose timeless harmonies capture the heart of classic country music, has been an entertainment staple and fan favorite at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Ferryn & Brinkley will perform Christmas favorites and classics in the lodge’s Acoustic Lobby Dec. 25-26.

New this year, HeartSong Lodge is ushering in 2027 with the debut of Midnight in the Smokies in the HeartSong Ballroom. This special New Year’s Eve gala allows adults to indulge in a grand chef-crafted buffet, dance to the spirit of the season with the Kim Kelly Orchestra, enjoy a midnight champagne toast and more. HeartSong Lodge guests who are 21 years and older can book the Midnight in the Smokies Room Package to receive two event tickets. For HeartSong Lodge guests looking for a celebration everyone can enjoy, a variety of children’s activities and all-ages entertainment in the Inspiration event rooms offer a fun-filled way for the whole family to ring in the new year together. Guests at DreamMore Resort also have an incredible line-up of family fun including performances by guest-favorite Run Katie Run. 

Returning this year to DreamMore Resort is the Christmas Eve Service. Celebrating the true reason for the season, the service begins at 9 p.m. on Dec. 24 in the DreamMore Resort lobby. It is led by Dollywood Parks & Resorts Chaplain Joey Buck and features live performances by Amy Hall.   

In the Spa at DreamMore Resort, the best holiday gift is a Smoky Mountain Christmas-inspired treatment. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Signature Manicure and Pedicure features peppermint mocha and chocolate infusions with a softening soak and gentle body scrub followed by a chocolate mask and hydrating body milk massage. Other Smoky Mountain Christmas festival-inspired services include a signature hot stone massage, signature facial and a pro peel facial enhancement. For guests looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, Spa gift cards provide the gift of relaxation. From Nov. 6 to Dec. 24, guests who spend $200 or more in Spa gift cards will receive a complimentary gift while supplies last. Gift cards must be purchased in store to receive gift.

At HeartSong Lodge, resort chefs are reimagining a beloved Dollywood landmark with impressive culinary craftsmanship. Dollywood’s iconic Grist Mill comes to life in a grand 7-by-6-foot gingerbread display in the lodge’s lobby area. This confectionary centerpiece showcases one of the park’s most recognizable sights and the sweet celebration of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. Resort culinary and engineering teams spent 280 hours crafting the display using 75 lbs. of gingerbread, 120 lbs. of fondant, 80 lbs. of royal icing, 2200 graham crackers, 20 lbs. of chocolate and 60 lbs. of isomalt for the water. Guests can see this delicious work of art now until Jan. 4, 2027.

Families looking for a place to gather during the holidays are invited to enjoy heartwarming holiday dinners and buffets at Dollywood’s resorts. On Dec. 24-25, Song & Hearth inside DreamMore Resort is serving Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffets. These special holiday offerings feature a variety of holiday classics and unique dishes including prime rib and stuffed pork loin, as well as a scampi station with shrimp and chicken. Traditional country favorites include sweet potato casserole, pot roast with carrots and potatoes, Southern fried chicken and more.

For New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, guests can celebrate the beginning of 2027 with buffets at Song & Hearth that include prime rib, jumbo shrimp, black-eyed peas and assorted desserts. At HeartSong Lodge, an indulgent three-course New Year’s Eve dinner at Ember & Elm featuring options including chicken and dumplings, rosemary garlic lamb chops, mason jar cheesecake and other delicious options creates an exceptional way to ring in the New Year.  

Reservations for holiday meals are highly encouraged and open to resort and non-resort guests. 

Guests can add a little more Christmas magic to their stay with the Christmas Tree Décor package at both Dollywood Resorts, which includes a three-foot faux Christmas tree and décor, baked Christmas cookies, Christmas ornament and more. Packages are on sale for stays now through Jan. 3, 2027.

For further information on holiday special events, dining reservations, room reservations and more at Dollywood resort properties, visit https://www.dollywood.com/resorts/.

Source: Dollywood

Holiday Lights on the Lake Marks 30th Anniversary with a Season of Holiday Magic!

For 30 years, Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park has been a cherished part of Blair County's holiday season. This year, the beloved tradition celebrates its milestone 30th Anniversary, opening Friday, November 13, 2026. The spectacular drive-through holiday light display will welcome visitors nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through January 3, 2027.

This milestone honors the vision and dedication of those who brought Holiday Lights on the Lake to life, along with the sponsors, local businesses, and community supporters who have helped sustain its legacy. What began as a special holiday experience has grown into one of the region's most treasured traditions, bringing generations of families and friends together and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Visitors can enjoy nearly 200 illuminated holiday displays, including longtime favorites such as the Avenue of Trees and Tunnel of Lights. Tune your radio to 88.5 FM for festive holiday music as you travel through the park, enjoying the familiar sights and traditions that have made Holiday Lights on the Lake a family favorite for 30 years.

The holiday cheer continues at Santa's Village, located in the park's front plaza. Guests of all ages can visit Santa Claus and have photos taken: $15 for one 5x7 photo, or two for $25, nightly through December 23. The Gift Shop offers seasonal gifts and holiday treasures, while the Snack Shack features delicious treats and refreshments from local businesses.

Visitors can also enjoy the Alto Model Train Museum Association's holiday model train exhibit, bringing additional wonder and nostalgia to the season. Admission to Santa's Village and the Train Display in the front plaza is free.

Throughout the season, the front plaza will come alive with holiday activities, seasonal shopping, community performances, and special events. Festivities begin with the Holiday Market on Saturday, November 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring more than 30 holiday vendors, refreshments, and a visit from Santa.

To commemorate its 30th Anniversary, guests will have special opportunities to experience Holiday Lights on the Lake beyond the traditional drive-through. Six guided walking tours will be offered throughout the season, advance registration is required. Additionally, two special walking-only evenings on January 8 and 9, 2027, will allow visitors to explore the illuminated displays at their own pace, enjoying the holiday magic from a different perspective. Additional event schedules will be shared online.

Unlimited Visit Passes are available for $75 and may be purchased at the Lakemont Park Administrative Office or entrance gate while supplies last. Single-visit admission is $18 per standard vehicle, with varied rates for larger-sized passenger vehicles.

As we celebrate 30 years of holiday magic, we invite our community to revisit cherished memories, create new traditions, and share the joy of Holiday Lights on the Lake with the next generation.

For more information, call 814-949-7275, visit www.lakemontparkfun.com, or follow Lakemont Park on Facebook at facebook.com/lakemontpark.

Source: Lakemont Park 

Kings Dominion debuts Hops & Harvest Festival This Weekend!

  

Kings Dominion debuts Hops & Harvest Festival with seasonal flavors, craft beverages and live entertainment

 

New fall celebration transforms International Street into an autumn gathering featuring specialty food, local beverage tastings and family fun!

Kings Dominion will debut Hops & Harvest Festival, a brand-new fall celebration that transforms International Street into a festive gathering place filled with seasonal flavors, local craft beverages, live entertainment and family-friendly activities on select dates Nov. 14-29.

Running from noon to 6 p.m., Hops & Harvest invites guests to experience a fresh new side of fall at Kings Dominion, where harvest-inspired menus, regional beverage tastings, live music and interactive activities come together in one of the park's most iconic settings.

 

"This is a completely new way to experience Kings Dominion in the fall," said Jennifer Schofield, park manager of Kings Dominion. "Hops & Harvest brings together everything guests love about the season, from comforting flavors and local craft beverages to live entertainment and memorable moments with family and friends. International Street will become the perfect place to gather, explore and celebrate fall."

 

Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy:

• New seasonal menu items featuring fall-inspired ingredients and flavors across Grain & Grill, Firehouse BBQ, Pizza Parlor and Biergarten.
• Limited-time culinary offerings including Korean raspberry BBQ sliders, brisket mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, white flatbread pizza topped with butternut squash and prosciutto, hearty chili, pumpkin spice giant pretzels, cinnamon apple funnel cakes and cinnamon sugar donut holes.
• Fall-inspired specialty cocktails including an apple butter old fashioned and a candied orange amaretto sour.
• Local beer flights featuring four pours that showcase regional craft beverage makers.
• Live music and specialty entertainment at the Bandstand and Biergarten.
• Interactive activities and games along International Street.
• Rotating local food trucks located near the Eiffel Tower.

 

Season-ending value for senior guests

Guests age 65 and older can also take advantage of Kings Dominion's limited-time Senior Admission offer, which provides free admission for the remainder of the 2026 season, valid through Nov. 29. Eligible guests can register online and visit multiple times throughout the festival's run and the remainder of the operating season.

 

For more information and to plan a visit, please visit Kings Dominion.

Source: Kings Dominion

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils an Action-Packed 2027 Line-Up!

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils an Action-Packed 2027 Line-Up,

Featuring Fan-Favorite Seasonal Events, Including the Return of Universal Fan Fest Nights, and High-Octane Thrills with Its New High-Speed Roller Coaster,

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” Now Open

 

The Debut of the All-New Premium Diamond Annual Pass,

Plus Limited Time Savings of Up to $50 on Annual Pass Options

Add to the Thrill of Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

With another thrilling year on the horizon at Universal Studios Hollywood, the destination is sharing its 2027 Event Guide to help guests maximize their itinerary – and the Best Day in L.A. – for quintessential memories, extraordinary moments and top notch experiences.

For a year of endless fun and adventure, the theme park is debuting an exciting all-new premium Annual Pass. The Diamond Annual Pass, now available for purchase, is designed to meet today’s most enthusiastic Universal Studios Hollywood fan and features an array of coveted perks, including Universal Express access, no blockout dates, general parking, one Halloween Horror Nights ticket, one Universal Fan Fest Nights ticket, one VIP Experience ticket, 20% discount on in-park food, beverages and merchandise, invitations to special events, discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for friends and family and 10-15% discounts at Universal CityWalk Hollywood venues.

 

An Annual Pass helps guests navigate all that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer. And just in time for the holidays, guests can take advantage of up to a $50 savings on the purchase of passes, including the Platinum Annual Pass, Gold Annual Pass, Silver Annual Pass and California Neighbor Pass, for a limited time. All Pass options and benefits are available here. Restrictions apply.

 

The newly opened “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster and the return of popular seasonal events are just a few of the attractions that make Universal Studios Hollywood a unique, must visit destination. This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights returns in April with eight immersive experiences for guests to discover along with Halloween Horror Nights arriving in September.

 

At a glance, here’s what to expect in 2027:

             

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Follow @UniStudios on Instagram, X and TikTok and like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook.

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood

Dollywood Named America’s Best Theme Park Customer Service By NEWSWEEK - Smoky Mountain destination ranks #9 out of all businesses included on the list!

Newsweek has named Dollywood Parks & Resorts as the #1 theme park company in the United States for customer service. Following a recurring trend for the Smoky Mountain family destination, the award follows several recent honors that have recognized the park and its resorts as the best-of-the-best. Dollywood also ranked #9 on the entire list of brands across more than 190 categories.

The America’s Best Customer Service 2027 ranking is based on an independent survey of U.S. customers who have either made purchases, used services, or gathered information about products or services in the past three years. Organizations do not pay and cannot apply to appear in the rankings.

Fifty percent of the ranking is based on the results of more than 200,000 evaluations of brands that were collected from customers who were asked a number of questions about their interactions with the companies. Consumers were asked whether they would recommend brands to friends or family. The other 50% of the ranking comes from feedback of brand assessments in the areas of quality of communications, professional competence, range of services, customer focus and accessibility. Results were provided for 190 categories, with the top 3-5 brands recognized in each category.  

Dollywood received a score of 92.31 out of 100, placing it atop the Amusement Park Experience category. The top five were Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Disney Parks & Resorts, Universal Parks & Resorts, Busch Gardens Theme Parks, and SeaWorld Parks. Interestingly, Dollywood’s 92.31 overall score ranked it #3 out of the entire Transportation and Travel category which includes airlines, car rentals, cruise operators, luxury hotels, premium hotels, and spa resorts & retreats, vacation rentals, music festivals, gas stations, rideshare companies and more. The Top 10 in the category are The Ritz Carlton 92.65), Costco (92.56), Dollywood (92.31), Royal Caribbean (92.28), Four Seasons (91.85), Viking Cruises (91.47), Waldorf Astoria (91.17), Homewood Suites (91.00), Hilton (90.93), and Disney Parks & Resorts (90.63).

“These awards are a meaningful recognition of the people who make Dollywood Parks & Resorts such a special place,” explained President Eugene Naughton. “Our hosts work hard every day to create experiences that go beyond our guests’ expectations, and the welcoming atmosphere they provide is often what our guests remember most.

“We’ve always believed that we don’t do the work we do to win awards; we do it because taking care of people is the right thing to do. While we’re grateful for this recognition, our greatest measure of success is what guests take home with them—the memories they’ve made, the connections they’ve strengthened and the time they’ve shared with the people who matter most. If guests leave with those things, we know we’ve done our job well.” 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ score also ranked it #9 out of the more than 700 brands across 190 categories represented in the survey. The top 10 companies on the overall list are MDLive, Ameriprise, Edward Jones, LongHorn Steakhouse, Dickies, Ritz-Carlton, Costco, Whataburger, Dollywood, Royal Caribbean.  

According to Newsweek, “With more choices available than ever, consumers increasingly judge businesses not only by what they offer, but by the experience they provide. Exceptional customer service helps build trust, strengthen loyalty and turn one-time customers into long-term advocates. Whether resolving issues, answering questions or simplifying complex interactions, companies that consistently deliver reliable, responsive and personalized support stand out in a competitive marketplace where customer expectations continue to rise across every industry.

To view the entire list, please visit rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-customer-service-2027

Source: Dollywood

Edwardian Christmas has arrived at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge!

The elegance and spirit of an Edwardian Christmas have arrived at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, where guests are invited to experience the beauty and traditions of the holiday season as they might have appeared aboard the RMS Titanic. With glittering holiday decorations, nostalgic seasonal music, new artifacts and the new Titanic Dining Experience, the museum offers a distinctive way for families to celebrate the season while honoring the lives and stories of Titanic's passengers and crew.

“Christmas at the Titanic Museum Attraction is about more than beautiful decorations,” said Cole DeBerry, General Manager. “As we transform the museum with glittering lights, nostalgic holiday music and festive displays, we do so with the understanding that we're giving the ship and her passengers a glimpse of the beautiful Christmas they never had the opportunity to experience. It's a meaningful way to honor their memories while sharing the wonder of the season with our guests.”

 

Guests will be immersed in the holiday spirit, experiencing a breathtaking Edwardian-style Christmas that pays homage to the luxurious era in which the Titanic sailed. Guests are welcome to play an original 1906 piano and walk an exact replica of the Grand Staircase, all while being surrounded by the spirit and elegance of the holiday season. And visitors will marvel at the unique artifacts rich with historical significance located throughout the Pigeon Forge museum. New artifacts added this year to the Dining Salon gallery highlight Titanic’s dining culture, kitchen operations and onboard entertainment.

 

For those looking for a unique holiday evening at the museum, the new Titanic Dining Experience offers a special immersive setting that blends live entertainment, character interaction, museum exploration and dinner inside a hidden First-Class Dining Room.  Guests will find themselves transported back to the year 1912 and become part of Titanic’s story as they explore re-created ship spaces, encounter historic figures from the voyage and dine in an exclusive setting inspired by the elegance of First-Class travel.

 

“Our mission has always been to honor the people who sailed aboard Titanic and share their stories in ways that connect with our guests,” DeBerry said. “With our new Dining Experience, visitors have another opportunity to step into the world of 1912 and discover the history, elegance and personal stories that make Titanic so remarkable. It's an especially memorable experience to share during the holiday season.”

 

The Titanic Museum Attraction’s holiday displays continue through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, visit TitanicAttraction.com.

Source: Titanic Museum Attraction - Pigeon Forge

Holiday World 2027 Calendar Announced and Pre-K Passes Available!

Holiday World will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 8, 2027. Park officials have officially announced the 2027 calendar, which features extra late-night closing times by popular demand. Free 2027 Pre-K Passes for children born between July 1, 2021, and November 1, 2023 are available online now.

“It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start planning for next year’s Summer fun already,” says President & CEO Matt Eckert. “Cannonball! construction is moving quickly. Our larger-than-life inflatable swans, ‘Ron the Swan’ and ‘Ron Swan’s Son, ’ were recently put in place, and the track is going up quickly!”

2027 Platinum Season Passholders will be among the first to ride Cannonball! water roller coaster, with an exclusive preview day on Saturday, May 1, and all Season Passholders will be able to ride on Sunday, May 2. Platinum Season Passholders and Guests of Santa’s Cottages will also be able to use Early Entry to enjoy first rides of the day on Cannonball!, then select Splashin’ Safari attractions in June and July.

This will be Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s fifth year offering a free Pre-K Pass. Children must be born between July 1, 2021, and November 1, 2023 in order to qualify, and their age must be verified with a government-issued document when the pass is first processed.

“We put families first here at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari,” adds Eckert. “We’re proud to be a leader in high-quality family-friendly entertainment. With Free Unlimited Soft Drinks, Free Parking, Free Sunscreen, and Free Pre-K Passes, our value is unmatched!”

The 2027 calendar includes the return of fan-favorite programming, from Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival to Happy Halloween Weekends, and Holidays in the Sky drone show. The expanded calendar includes more July operating hours and more operating days

“The fans have asked and we listened,” adds Eckert. “We’ve expanded operating hours significantly for the 2027 season, and we’re bringing back our most popular events.

The parks’ limited time Black Friday Deals on Tickets begin November 23.  Season Pass discounts decrease January 2, 2027.

Holiday World’s location in Santa Claus, Indiana—just a few hours from cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville, and Columbus—makes it an accessible and worthwhile destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Holiday World is a popular multi-day getaway destination for residents of Kansas City, Atlanta, and Chicago.

Source: Holiday World

Las Vegas Chippendales Brave Universal Horror Unleashed!

To celebrate the scariest season of the year, Universal Horror Unleashed, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ year-round horror destination in Las Vegas, dared some of the Strip’s famous Chippendales from their home at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to step inside and face the terror of the “Scarecrow: The Reaping” haunted house. The question is: did those iconic cuffs and collars make it through unscathed?

Located at the AREA15 District in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed presents a nightmarish spectacle featuring live entertainment with four themed immersive areas set in an abandoned production warehouse, plus four terrifying film-quality haunted houses: “Universal Monsters,” “Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and “Scarecrow: The Reaping.” The horror extends to the food and beverage offerings, with themed bars and food locations serving craft cocktails and themed bites in select areas, and a retail location with unique collectible merchandise.

To learn more about Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, visit UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.

Source: Universal Horror Unleashed Public Relations

Universal Orlando Resort to Bring All-New Indoor Thrill Coaster to Universal Epic Universe!

Just over a year after its official debut, Universal Epic Universe is already preparing for its next thrilling addition: an all-new indoor coaster coming to Dark Universe, one of the theme park’s five extraordinary worlds. Located next to the award-winning Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, the upcoming attraction will immerse guests in an all-new story inspired by the iconic Universal Monsters franchise. Construction is already underway, with an opening planned in the years ahead.

This new thrill ride is another example of how Universal Orlando Resort continues to bring all-new experiences to life across the entire destination. In the next year alone, guests can look forward to:

• the reimagined Universal Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse, opening later this year at Universal Studios Florida
• the high-speed roller coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, opening in 2027 at Universal Studios Florida
• a new signature full-service restaurant in Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure, opening in 2027
• the music and entertainment venue Luke Combs’ Category 10, slated to open at Universal CityWalk in late 2027

More information about the all-new coaster coming to Dark Universe will be revealed at a later date. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Source: Universal Orlando Resort

Last Day of HalloWeekends for 2026 – Sunday, Nov. 1st!

Today marks the final day of Cedar Point's 2026 operating season and guests have one last opportunity to experience the chills, thrills and screams of HalloWeekends before the park closes for the season.

During Saturday night's opening ceremony, the mysterious Mr. Midnight revealed that 2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of HalloWeekends, with fan-favorite HalloWeekends icons emerging from the darkness once again as part of the milestone celebration. Additional details, dates and offerings for the anniversary season will be announced at a later date. A new 30th anniversary logo is now available.

Before the fog lifts for the final time this season, guests can brave haunted attractions including the new-for-2026 Diablo: The Infernal Path and The Conjuring: Beyond Fear, encounter sinister scare zones such as Cut Throat Cove and Clownz: Hall of Infamy Tour, and witness the high-energy spectacle of Skeleton Crew, the event's jaw-dropping stunt show.

The final day also represents guests' last chance this year to experience favorite rides including Boo Streak (Blue Streak), MaverEEK! (Maverick) and the Midway Scareousel (Midway Carousel) along with many of Cedar Point's other world-famous attractions.

Last Day of HalloWeekends for 2026 – Sunday, Nov. 1

Dates for the 30th anniversary of HalloWeekends will be announced with the 2027 season of events schedule!

Courtesy of Cedar Point