At Herschend, the Christmas season sparkles with cherished traditions, millions of lights, and experiences designed to bring families closer together. Beginning in November, our destinations light up with the Christmas spirit. Whether your family is looking for classic holiday shows, thrilling rides under the lights, or cozy seasonal treats, Herschend’s family of brands create festive traditions you’ll want to return to year after year.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, honored with the Golden Ticket Legend Award, runs Nov. 1 - Jan. 4. This beloved tradition transforms the park into a winter wonderland with more than six million lights. Enjoy seasonal flavors like Red Velvet Funnel Cake and Dollywood’s famous Cinnamon Bread while strolling through the arctic-inspired Glacier Ridge, or marvel at the soaring 50-foot animated tree, and gentle snowfalls in Wildwood Grove. Beloved shows like Christmas in the Smokies and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas fill theaters with holiday cheer, while thrill-seekers can ride Lightning Rod at night for unforgettable views over a sea of twinkling lights. On select nights, the “Merry & Bright!” fireworks finale makes it a holiday celebration to remember.
An Old Time Christmas runs from Nov. 1 - Jan. 4, when the park shines with more than 6.5 million lights and the all-new majestic real Grand Fir. Guests can savor warm wassail and indulge in sweet apple dumplings while experiencing the 80-foot animated tree with choreographed light shows and Christmas in Midtown, where 1.5 million lights form whimsical tunnels, toy trains, and glowing angels. With more than 100 artisans across the park, guests have endless opportunities to shop for handcrafted holiday gifts before hopping aboard the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train for carols among illuminated scenes. Additional experiences include on-stage performances such as A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and the new Heart of Christmas, as well as Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade.
Christmas Wild & Bright has more than two million lights to entertain families on select days from Nov. 21 – Dec. 31. Meet Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ride their favorite rides, and warm up with sweet or savory Christmas treats while wandering through Twinkling Timbers, Glimmer Grove, and the dazzling light tunnel. Special events include the Carol of the Animals light show, the Holiday Horizon Drone Show on Dec. 20, and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular.
This interactive holiday event glows with more than 1.5 million lights and features festive fun across four themed zones. The can’t-miss signature attraction is Blizzard Bluff, a four-story, 175-foot, eight-lane tubing hill covered in real snow and the largest snow tubing hill in Kentucky. Families will also love Lil’ Flurries Snowland, where little ones can build their own snowman, and Holly Jolly™ Junction, home to exclusive character greetings with Rudolph® and a 5D Rudolph® movie. Guests can wander through the 60-foot animated light tunnel in Santa’s Village, enjoy live shows, and take in roaming street performances. With family rides like the holiday-themed Tin Lizzie’s Speedway, plus fireworks on New Year’s Eve, it’s a true winter wonderland right in Louisville.
Fantasy In Lights powered by Georgia Power is one of the nation’s most dazzling displays— running Nov. 14 – Jan 4. This event features over 10 million lights along a seven-mile route, with 18 brilliant scenes. New for this year is Song of the Trees, where towering pines glow in harmony with music. Guests can also stroll through Winter Wonderland at Robin Lake Beach on select nights, enjoy the Callaway Christmas Village with its 40-foot Pixel Pine, sip cocoa, roast s’mores, and meet Santa himself.
The Newport Aquarium hosts Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland, running Nov. 29 – Dec. 24. Guests can wave to Scuba Santa as he swims among colorful fish, meet his cheerful elves, and explore a festive aquarium decked out with holiday lights, music, and playful penguins.
Making a splash just across the river from Philadelphia, Christmas Underwater returns Nov. 21. This festive event invites families to celebrate the season beneath the waves with Scuba Santa, magical indoor snow flurries, and the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree. Guests can also enjoy twinkling lights, holiday décor, seasonal shopping, and plenty of photo ops.
Celebrate the season at Holiday Splash, running Nov. 12-Jan. 4, where Canada’s largest aquarium transforms into an underwater winter wonderland in the heart of Stanley Park. Guests can stroll among over 1 million twinkling lights, enjoy Penguins 4-D, and watch Scuba Claus with adorable aquatic friends. Families can also visit on Christmas Day with limited hours.
Guests are invited to marvel at more than three million Christmas lights, Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree, and enjoy meet and greets with iconic characters from the classic TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays also features meet and greets with Santa, festive food and drink offerings, and Kennywood’s signature rides and attractions like the Jack Rabbit, Kangaroo, Noah’s Ark, and more – select days through January 4, 2026.
This magical wonderland takes place on select days from November 15 to December 31 and features more than one million lights, spectacular light shows, and meet-and-greets with Santa. This year, Dutch Winter Wonderland joins in the joy with 24 days of celebration, featuring delicious food and beverage offerings, select rides and attractions, and festive shows and entertainment.
This is the last chance for guests to mingle among half a million twinkling lights throughout the park, hop on beloved family rides while enjoying holiday treats, and admire Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree. Add some sparkle to the season at Holiday Lights ‘25, running select nights from November 28 through December 28.
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are gearing up to celebrate its upcoming Centennial. The Centennial show will bring a fresh look of gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks, as well as several never-before-seen elements, as the Globetrotters take on their renowned rivals, The Washington Generals. The domestic tour kicks off on Sunday, December 14, at Madison Square Garden, NYC followed by 200+ domestic markets and over 100+ international markets.
From dazzling light displays and festive shows to Santa encounters and holiday treats, Herschend offers countless ways to make the season bright. No matter which destination or immersive experience you choose, you’ll find joy, wonder, and holiday traditions your family will treasure for years to come.
