Dollywood Announces Hiring Events for 2026 Season!

 With the excitement of a new season and a new groundbreaking ride to be unveiled in the spring, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has scheduled several hiring events in January and February to prepare for the exciting year ahead.

With the celebration of Dollywood’s 40^th anniversary season throughout 2025, The Dollywood Company continues to grow with abundant opportunities at all its properties. The 2026 season is the perfect time to join the award-winning Dollywood team. Exciting perks—including 100% free tuition, competitive wages, free lunch, and more—add to the reasons why The Dollywood Company is a great fit for anyone regardless of their career aspirations.

 

From part-time positions for students to full-time careers with advancement opportunities, working at Dollywood may very well become a lifetime home for those looking for a position that means “a little more.” Positions are available at each of the company’s properties, with most event attendees being hired on the spot with a position for the 2026 season at Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

 

Available positions will be posted at dollywoodjobs.com on Jan. 5, 2026. The first major hiring event of 2026 takes place Saturday, Jan. 17 at Sevier County High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional hiring events take place at Morristown Landing (Saturday, Jan. 24), Jefferson County High School (Saturday, Jan. 31), Newport Community Center (Saturday, Feb. 7), Sevierville Civic Center (Saturday, Feb. 14) and Seymour High School (Saturday, Feb. 21). All hiring events will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with the exception of the Newport event, which takes place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to attend the earliest hiring event possible for the largest selection of available opportunities.

 

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2026 operating season as well as for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

 

Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ride operators, ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.  In addition, a variety of new positions will be hired for the NightFlight Expedition ride, which opens next season. This new attraction offers many exciting job opportunities to be part of the opening team for the most anticipated new ride in Dollywood’s history.

 

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Technical support will be available at the hiring events to assist applicants in the process if needed.

 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts plans to host a number of hiring events throughout the season to give potential employees an opportunity to attend at the time that best suits their individual needs. Additionally, new job opportunities are posted throughout the year at dollywoodjobs.com.

 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

 

This season, Dollywood Parks & Resorts received a national Top Workplaces award from USA Today/Gannett and underscoring the friendly environment present at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Newsweek also named the park to the top of its Best Theme Park Customer Service list and most recently was named to Forbes’ Best Customer Service 2026 list.

 

For more information about positions, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.

Source: Dollywood

Junior Galaxy Explorers Show Off LEGO® Creations at Miami Children's Museum!

Creativity and imagination took center stage today at the Miami Children’s Museum, where children ages 6-12 participated in the very first Junior Galaxy Explorers search for LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort for a chance to be among the first-ever to ride the all-new Galacticoaster, opening February 27, 2026.

Aspiring young space designers arrived with their custom LEGO^® spacecraft – or built them on-site – and presented their creations to a Galactic Council of judges made up of industry and community leaders, including Ryan Wood, LEGOLAND Florida Resort Master Model Builder; Devante Robinson, Rocket Engineer from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future; and Deborah Spiegelman, CEO/Executive Director of the Miami Children’s Museum.

After presenting their builds, participants dropped off their completed spacecraft and explored the museum with their families, while judges reviewed entries as part of the nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers search. Winners will be selected by February 5, 2026, and announced by LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

In addition to the LEGO build experience, families enjoyed a dedicated toddler DUPLO^® play area, a space-themed photo opportunity, and Blue Origin’s “Postcards from Space” activation, which invited kids to imagine and share messages inspired by space exploration and the future of STEM.

The Junior Galaxy Explorers initiative invites children across the country to design their own LEGO spacecraft and submit a short video entry online or participate through select in-person museum events. 

Prizes include:

• The chance to be among the first-ever guests to ride the all-new Galacticoaster, opening February 27, 2026.
• A two-night stay at a LEGOLAND^® Hotel
• Four Annual Passes for the winner and their family
• A one-of-a-kind LEGO commemorative build

Galacticoaster is Merlin Entertainments’ largest investment to date and is the world’s first indoor space-themed family coaster that allows guests to customize their own ride vehicle. Guests will select their spacecraft’s nose, tail, wings, and special element, with a possibility of 625 combinations.

The Miami event was the first of several in-person stops designed to celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning – key pillars of LEGOLAND Florida’s mission to inspire the next generation of builders. The next event will be held on January 10, 2026, at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale.

For more information about Junior Galaxy Explorers at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and to submit your digital entry visit: LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.

Source: Legoland Florida

ICYMI: Six Flags Over Texas Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Holiday in the Park Starting Nov. 23

 The most wonderful time of the year is about to sparkle even brighter as Six Flags Over Texas celebrates 40 years of Holiday in the Park. This is an annual tradition that transforms the park into a twinkling winter wonderland filled with over two million lights, more snow than ever, hundreds of live trees, the first-ever holiday shop, brand-new entertainment and heartwarming holiday cheer for guests of all ages.

From the first snowfall on Merry Main Street to the final twinkle of the park’s towering Christmas tree, guests can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and scents of the season like never before. This year’s celebration shines brighter than ever with festive entertainment, jolly characters, international holiday displays and sweet seasonal treats that celebrate four decades of magic.

“Holiday in the Park continues to be one of our most cherished events,” said Mark Boyer, vice president and park manager for Six Flags Over Texas. “This year we are truly transforming the park with more lights than ever, over the top decorations themed for each area of the park and daily snow along Merry Main Street where guests will also find Santa, Mrs. Claus and our new Christmas store. This year we honor 40 years of holiday joy and tradition with something special for everyone.”

Holiday in the Park 2025 highlights:

• NEW Tinker’s Toy Factory: Guests will step into a whimsical world of acrobatics with this high-energy, cirque-style holiday spectacular in the recently renovated Southern Palace.
• NEW Christmastime Keepsakes Store: Strolling down Merry Main Street guests will step into the ultimate spot to check off that Christmas list, filled with dazzling ornaments, charming gifts and festive keepsakes.
• Nightly Snowfall on Merry Main Street: Guests can stroll down Merry Main Street as snow falls amid thousands of glittering lights and joyful holiday music.
• The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Each night the park’s towering Christmas tree comes to life with a breathtaking display of lights.
• Live Entertainment: There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than singing and dancing along while dozens of performers take center stage during nine live shows including: The Mistletones, a trio of songstresses who will perform classic Christmas tunes reminiscent of the 1940s; T’was a Merry Mishap, a modern and comical twist on the classical story “Twas the Night Before Christmas;” Holly Jolly Trolley, complete with a full cast performing classic holiday songs; and the Looney Tunes Holidaze Dance Party.
• Next Level Décor: The park will dazzle guests with 2.5 million lights, more than 150,000 decorations, 305 live trees, two 45-foot pixel light trees, more snow than ever and hundreds of costumes.
• Holidays Around the World: This is a cultural showcase of international celebrations, including a brand-new life-size Nativity set and vibrant displays from around the globe.
• Pics with St. Nick: Families will create timeless holiday memories with Santa in his festive workshop, complete with twinkling décor and merry elves.
• Storytime with Mrs. Claus: With classic holiday tales, Mrs. Claus delights children and adults alike in a cozy storytelling nook.
• Holiday Treats & Eats: The celebration would not be complete without holiday-inspired dishes and desserts like red velvet hot chocolate, warm pumpkin spice beignets, sweet potato fries with cinnamon sugar, chicken wings with cranberry BBQ sauce, gingerbread churros and a variety of mocktails and adult beverages.
• Family Activities: Families can gather around the crackling fire to make their own ooey-gooey s’mores, or head to Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Kitchen to decorate some sweet treats with special kits available for purchase.
• Rides in the Winter: With cooler days ahead, guests get to experience the thrill of Six Flags’ world-class attractions surrounded by twinkling lights and merry melodies.

 

Guests can enjoy unlimited visits to Holiday in the Park with the 2026 Silver Pass available now through Dec. 1 during the Cyber Sale for just $55 - the same price as a one day “Good Any Day Ticket.” Guests receive unlimited visits to Six Flags Over Texas for the remainder of 2025, including all Holiday in the Park dates, and unlimited visits through Labor Day 2026 plus free parking.

 

Holiday in the Park runs on select nights Nov. 23 – Jan. 4. For park hours, entertainment schedules, and ticket information, visit sixflags.com.

Source: Six Flags Over Texas

THE WINTER MUSIC SERIES RETURNS TO DOLLYWOOD’S DREAMMORE RESORT AND SPA

 A lineup of talented performers is set to take the stage during this year’s Winter Music Series, creating unforgettable memories at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Sounds of unique and harmonious melodies fill the Smoky Mountain air as event guests enjoy a series of country music performances in an intimate setting.

The 2026 Winter Music Series is a ticketed event open to both resort guests and non-resort guests, providing an extraordinary experience during select winter weekends throughout Januray, February and March. Each performance begins at 7 p.m. 

 

The event kicks off on Friday, Jan. 30-31 with performances from Mark Wills. With eight Top Ten hits under his belt, Wills has recorded Gold and Platinum albums, and his song “19 Somethin’” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He also is known for his hits "Don't Laugh at Me," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Places I've Never Been."

Grammy award-winning country artist Linda Davis returns to the Winter Music Series Feb. 6-7. Her duet with Reba McEntire, “Does He Love You,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard country charts and won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Davis has recorded more than 15 singles and has acquired three Grammy wins in her career.

Aaron Tippin’s undeniable talent takes center stage during Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb 13-14. Tippin’s debut single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something" became a popular anthem for American soldiers fighting in the Gulf War, establishing him as a distinct act tailored for the American working class. His achievements over the years include one platinum album and six gold albums. His other well-known singles include “Kiss This,” “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio” and “Workin’ Man’s Ph. D.”

T. Graham Brown brings his soulful blend of country music to guests when he returns to DreamMore Resort Feb. 20-21. With his background in film, stage and television, Brown possesses a unique perspective on storytelling and songwriting, producing multiple top 10 hits and three number one songs. Brown’s chart-topping songs include “Drowning in Memories,” Hell and High Water” and “Don’t Go to Strangers.”

 

Grammy and Emmy Award-Winning artist John Berry makes his Winter Music Series debut Feb. 27-28. The singer-songwriter became a staple on the country charts in the 1990s with country favorites including “Your Love Amazes Me,” Standing on the Edge of Goodbye” and “She’s Taken a Shine.”

Ruby Leigh, one of the stars of Season 24 of “The Voice,” closes out the concert series March 6-7. Her impressive audition on the show prompted all four judges to turn their chairs in an effort to have the singer on their team. She enthusiastically picked country star Reba McEntire as her coach, and her natural and remarkable voice led her to finish as runner-up in her season.

Guests can purchase the Winter Music Series room package that includes a standard room at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and admission for two to each evening of music. Winter Music Series tickets are $25 for general admission; $20 for Dollywood Season Passholders; and $10 for guests of DreamMore Resort and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. For more information about the event, to book your Winter Music Series room package, or purchase individual tickets, please visit https://www.dollywood.com/Resort/DMR-Events/Winter-Music-Series.

Source: Dollywood

 

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT APPOINTS BRIAN BACICA AS PARK PRESIDENT

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort today announced the  appointment of Brian Bacica as its new Park President, overseeing all operations, guest experience, and  future expansion plans across the Resort—including LEGOLAND® Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water  Park, SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Hotel properties.  

Bacica joins LEGOLAND Florida Resort at a pivotal moment in the Park’s evolution. On February 27,  2026, the Resort will debut Galacticoaster, the first indoor, space-themed family coaster in the Park’s  history and the largest single in-park investment to date—launching a new era of immersive, tech forward, guest-driven expansion. 

An experienced operator and business strategist, Bacica brings more than three decades of executive  leadership experience across the attractions, hospitality, and food & beverage industries. He has held  senior positions with Disneyland Resort and Universal Parks & Resorts in both California and Florida and  has led major revenue divisions, large-scale operational teams, and transformative resort expansions  throughout his career. 

During his time with Universal, Bacica played a significant role in the opening of Volcano Bay, the  company’s first purpose-built water park, and helped lead the rebranding of Universal CityWalk  Hollywood—both key milestones strengthening tourism growth and destination performance.

Most recently, Bacica served as Park President for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island,  leading two of Florida’s top tourism destinations with more than 6,000 team members. Prior to that, he  served as Park President for Six Flags Great Adventure Resort in New Jersey, overseeing operational  and capital growth across theme parks and resort property, including new coasters, water-park  

enhancements, and lodging developments. 

“LEGOLAND Florida Resort is entering an incredibly exciting period of expansion and innovation, and I’m  honored to lead the team as we deliver on some highly anticipated Park updates,” said Bacica. “With  major investments like Galacticoaster on the horizon, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build new  experiences that spark imagination, strengthen family connections, and elevate Central Florida as a must visit destination for families. I can’t wait to continue that momentum with this talented team and bring even  more LEGO adventure to life.”  

In addition to his corporate leadership roles, Bacica has served on multiple nonprofit and community  boards, including involvement with Discover A Star Foundation supporting children’s health and  homelessness initiatives. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the  University of Phoenix. 

For more information about LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and its 2026 calendar of events and openings,  visit LEGOLAND.com/Florida.

Source: Legoland Florida

Silver Dollar City Named America’s #1 Christmas Event for 8th Time!

 Eight wins and still glowing! Silver Dollar City has been named USA TODAY’s “Best Theme Park Holiday Event” for a record eighth title. The park is thanking fans with $30 off tickets to An Old Time Christmas for a limited time.

Silver Dollar City is now the most-awarded holiday theme park event in the country.

The No. 1 ranking followed a four-week national vote that included major parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

“What means the most to us is that this honor comes from our fans,” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “Here in the Ozarks, we believe in slowing down, sharing a smile and welcoming folks like family—and our Citizens pour that spirit into every Christmas light and every moment of joy.”

An Old Time Christmas, now an eight-time winner, features more than 6.5 million lights; the Heart of Christmas show starring Grand Ole Opry member Rhonda Vincent, and the Broadway-style production of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. This season also marks the final year of Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade—a “last chance” fan favorite.

New this year is The Grand Fir, a 47-foot live Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 lights and illuminated during three nightly ceremonies. The iconic eight-story Christmas tree in Silver Dollar City’s Town Square dazzles guests with LED-mapping technology synchronized to music in a 360-degree display of angels, shepherds, ornaments, snowflakes and more.

In Christmas in Midtown, 145 miles of lights span 70,000 square feet, joined by the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train, a 12-foot talking tree, a Living Nativity, visits with Santa and Christmas treats throughout the park.

An Old Time Christmas, presented by Humana, continues through January 4. The special $30-off tickets are available online at silverdollarcity.com from Dec. 10–16 and can be redeemed Dec. 18–Jan. 4, excluding Saturdays. 2026 Season Passports are also on sale through Dec. 25 with affordable payment plans available.

Source: Silver Dollar City

WinterFest Ranks No. 2 in the Nation as Six Flags Entertainment Secures Three Spots in USA TODAY 10Best Holiday Event Awards

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, is ringing in the season with a major win: three of its holiday spectaculars have been named among the Top 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Events for 2025 in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Leading the way is WinterFest at Kings Island, joined by Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Nominations were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being voted on by the public, making this achievement a true reflection of guest passion and holiday magic.

“We’re delighted to see our parks recognized among the best holiday destinations in the country,” said Christian Dieckmann, chief commercial officer for Six Flags Entertainment. “Our teams work tirelessly to create immersive experiences filled with lights, music, and festive cheer that families look forward to every year. With parks from coast to coast, our guests can enjoy the magic of the holidays expertly blended with the thrills only Six Flags can provide.”

Award-Winning Holiday Event Details

 

WinterFest at Kings Island (ranked no. 2)

Location: Mason, OH

Dates: Select evenings from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, 2025

Why It’s a Must-See:

• Over 7 million dazzling lights, including a 300-foot Eiffel Tower Christmas tree.
• 13 live shows, including Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball and It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!
• Ice skating at Snow Flake Lake, nightly parades, and holiday-themed rides.
• A New Year’s Eve bash with fireworks, balloon drop, and DJ party.

 

Knott’s Merry Farm (ranked no. 7)

Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

Dates: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day)

Why It’s a Must-See:

• Ghost Town blanketed in holiday décor, snowfall effects, and thousands of twinkling lights.
• Signature shows like Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas Ice Show and Home for the Holidays.
• Christmas Crafts Village, seasonal treats, and Santa’s Christmas Cabin.
• Carolers and live music for a nostalgic holiday vibe.

 

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (ranked no. 8)

Location: San Antonio, TX

Dates: Select evenings from Nov. 22 to Dec. 23, 2025, followed by New Year’s Eve celebrations Dec. 26, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026

Why It’s a Must-See:

• 2.5 million lights, 75,000 decorations, and a towering 70-foot Christmas tree.
• 14 live shows including A Christmas Carol and The Majesty of Christmas, and Looney Tunes® holiday fun.
• Snowfall effects, tree lighting ceremonies, and festive character greetings.
• Seasonal favorites like stuffed turkey legs and s’mores funnel cakes.
• Rockin’ New Year’s Celebration event runs Dec. 26–Jan. 4 with fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

 

Six Flags Entertainment’s Full Kaleidoscope of Holiday Events

 

Dazzling holiday celebrations are in full swing from coast to coast. Ten parks offer magical events that blend heartwarming traditions with high-energy thrills at WinterFest, Holiday in the Park, Knott’s Merry Farm and Christmas in the Park. Twenty-five million twinkling lights, photos with Santa, festive décor, live entertainment, seasonal gifts and a limited-time menu of unique feasts and treats will join the parks’ iconic array of roller coasters and family rides to transform them into winter wonderlands of fun.

 

In addition, four of the company’s resort hotels offer special winter stay experiences ranging from festive getaways to fully immersive holiday escapes with exclusive entertainment and magical surprises around every corner.

Events are currently operating at these participating theme parks on select days:

• Canada’s Wonderland: WinterFest – Through Jan. 3, 2026
• Knott’s Berry Farm: Knott’s Merry Farm – Through Jan. 4, 2026
• Six Flags Mexico: Christmas in the Park – Through Jan. 18, 2026
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Holiday in the Park – Through Dec. 23, 2025; plus New Year’s celebrations Dec. 26, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026
• Six Flags Over Texas: Holiday in the Park – Through Dec. 31, 2025
• Six Flags Magic Mountain: Holiday in the Park – Through Jan 4, 2026
• Kings Island: WinterFest – Through Dec. 31, 2025
• Carowinds: WinterFest – Through Jan 3, 2026
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: NEW! WinterFest (a 2025 Best Theme Park Holiday Event nominee) – Through Jan. 4, 2026
• Hurricane Harbor Oaxtepec: Christmas in the Park – Dec. 20, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026

Holiday escapes are available at the following resorts:

• Six Flags Great Escape Lodge (Lake George, NY): Holiday in the Lodge – Through Dec. 24, 2025. This visit to the Adirondack Mountains includes festive décor, themed activities, live entertainment and unlimited access to the indoor waterpark.

• Castaway Bay (Sandusky, OH): Through Dec. 31, 2025. This resort near the southern shore of Lake Erie includes themed activities, meet and greets with Santa and admission to the indoor waterpark.
• Knott’s Hotel (Buena Park, CA): Through Jan 4, 2026. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, this hotel has special holiday packages that include all-day drink wristbands, hotel parking, admission to Knott’s Merry Farm and a breakfast buffet option.
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort (New Braunfels, TX): This resort in the San Antonio metropolitan area is perfectly positioned for great getaways to the Texas Hill Country, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Resort open daily (waterpark closed).

For a complete listing of event dates, links to tickets and more, visit www.sixflags.com or each park and resort’s website.

Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation