Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood

the exterior of the Showstreet Palace Theatre at Dollywood is surrounded by flowers

We took a fantastic fall family trip this year to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. During this trip we spent the days experiencing the Harvest Festival at Dollywood and the nights experiencing the Great Pumpkin LumiNights exhibit!

Dollywood

Dollywood is a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, only a few minutes from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The park has been expanding and improving since my last visit, which was about 2 decades ago!

a waterwheel outside a mill reads LOADING DOCK

The theme of the park is the culture and history of the Appalachian region, including the family history of Dolly Parton, for whom the park is named.

a horse takes a break from driving the sugar cane mill

Dollywood features 11 themed areas with 9 coasters and countless other attractions, including a narrow gauge steam train that serves as a park icon.

Our family’s favorite coasters were the Whistle Punk Chaser and the Dragonflier.

the exterior of Mystery Mine is visible above the treeline

Even our five-year-old could ride them! Mystery Mine and Thunderhead were favorites for our older two children (the only two tall enough to ride those).

a close-up of the wooden structures that support Thunderhead

Just like in the rest of the region, the food is spectacular. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, generally praised as the best snack at the park, did not disappoint!

an exterior of the grist mill at Dollywood shows flowing water and a sign that reads HOT FRESH CINNAMON BREAD MADE DAILY

We ate lunch at Till & Harvest, which featured a limited menu of Mexican staples and a handful of theme park staples. It’s located in Wildwood Grove, the newest expansion of the park.

a sprout-shaped tree rains into a wishing pool in front of Till and Harvest Food Hall

When I was here in the mid-1990s, I actually saw Dolly Parton perform! The shows are fewer and farther between in the days of COVID-19. Smaller shows made up of one or two talented performers claim walkways like buskers and enhance the atmosphere.

Harvest Festival at Dollywood

The theme park has several seasonal events and we were happy to visit during them. Each fall, the Harvest Festival at Dollywood expands the offerings, celebrating professional craftsmen, showcasing southern music, and lighting up the sky with the Great Pumpkin LumiNights!

several smiling jack-o-lanterns line a ledge

Colossal pumpkins were added to the festival this year. Several massive pumpkins from all along the east coast were on display. They were so big, it was hard to believe they were real!

a giant pumpkin, surrounded by flowers, next to a sign that reads TIM BAILEY, JAMESTOWN, NY, 1080 LBS

Special foods were added for the season, too. Pumpkin-themed foods were everywhere and included pumpkin praline funnel cake, pumpkin bread, cannoli, and cream puffs. We tried the cream puffs, which were pumpkin flavored with praline sauce. They were delicious and extra rich!