Visiting Anakeesta & Dollywood at Christmas: My Complete Guide + Hotel Tips from Pigeon Forge

After years of spending the holidays in Orlando theme parks, I decided I wanted something completely different for Christmas—crisp mountain air instead of humid Florida nights, small-town charm instead of mega crowds, and holiday lights wrapped around real trees instead of palm trees. So this year, I packed up the car and drove 700 miles north to experience Gatlinburg Tennessee, Anakeesta Mountain, and Dollywood Christmas firsthand.

The Tap House at the the top of Anakeesta Mountain.

And I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect this trip to challenge my loyalty to Orlando as my favorite holiday destination. But it did.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I learned about visiting Anakeesta Gatlinburg TN and Dollywood at Christmas, plus a full breakdown of the hotel I stayed at—Tru by Hilton Pigeon Forge. If you're planning a Christmas trip to the Smoky Mountains, this article will help you avoid mistakes, manage crowds, and get the most out of your time.

And if you’d like to see the full experience unfold visually—including Astra Lumina, the Anakeesta Mountain Coaster, and the Dollywood Christmas Train Ride—you can watch my full video here:
👉 https://youtu.be/nUueF0aGWwg

The Drive from Orlando to Gatlinburg: What to Expect

Driving from Orlando to the Smoky Mountains is no small commitment. It’s roughly 700 miles and about 12 hours, depending on traffic and stops. I left before sunrise while most of Orlando was still asleep, trading palm trees for pine trees and Florida humidity for cool mountain air.

One of the unexpected highlights of the drive? Buc-ee’s. Not once—but twice. These massive travel centers break up the drive perfectly, offer some of the cleanest restrooms on the road, and surprisingly cheap gas. For families, this alone makes the long drive feel manageable.

Once you hit Atlanta, traffic slows significantly. After that, the drive becomes mountainous and scenic. By the time I reached Pigeon Forge, it was dark, cold, and completely worth it.

Where I Stayed: Tru by Hilton Pigeon Forge (Full Hotel Review)

For this trip, I stayed at the Tru by Hilton Pigeon Forge, and for families looking for a clean, modern, budget-friendly hotel during Christmas, I genuinely recommend it.

Tru by Hilton Hotel in Pigeon Forge is one of the better options in the area. It’s new, clean, modern and has a complimentary breakfast.

✅ What I Loved

• Modern, bright lobby with an open, casual feel

• Family-friendly atmosphere

• Indoor pool (great after a long park day)

• Free breakfast

• Excellent location close to Gatlinburg and Dollywood

• I booked entirely with Hilton points, which made it an incredible value

The room itself was simple but comfortable—two queen beds, strong water pressure in the shower, and everything felt new and well-maintained. The only downside? No drawers. Everything stays on open shelving, which is fine for short stays but not ideal for longer trips.

Tip:

If you’re visiting Dollywood Christmas and Anakeesta during peak season, booking early is critical. Holiday weeks fill fast in Pigeon Forge.

Day 2: Exploring Gatlinburg & Anakeesta Mountain at Christmas

Waking up to 55-degree mountain air instead of Orlando humidity instantly made the trip feel different. After grabbing coffee, I drove into Gatlinburg Tennessee, which transforms into a full Christmas village during the holidays.

Pancake Pantry: A Gatlinburg Tradition

If you go to Gatlinburg, you will see the line for Pancake Pantry—and yes, it’s worth it. Expect a 45-minute wait, especially during Christmas week. The pancakes are legendary, the interior feels frozen in time, and Dolly Parton has eaten here—which feels like the ultimate endorsement.

Anakeesta Gatlinburg TN: How to Do It Right at Christmas

By late morning, I arrived at Anakeesta Mountain, one of the biggest attractions in Gatlinburg. Here’s what you need to know before visiting:

Getting to the Top

You have three ways up the mountain:

• Chairlift (most scenic)

• Gondola (enclosed & warmer)

• Ridge Rambler truck (bumpy but fun)

I chose the chairlift on the way up for the views—and it was absolutely the right call. Floating above Gatlinburg with Christmas decorations below feels like something out of a movie.

Treetop Skywalk: A Must-Do

Treetop Skywalk

This is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America, and walking across the suspension bridges during Christmas, surrounded by bare trees and evergreens, is one of the most underrated experiences in Gatlinburg. It’s peaceful, scenic, and completely unique compared to anything in Orlando.

Anakeesta Mountain Coaster (Hellbender): Day vs Night

The Anakeesta Mountain Coaster, also known as Hellbender, is not included with admission—but it’s worth every dollar.

Hellbender Mountain Coaster

• Cost: About $15 per person for two rides

• Daytime Ride: Scenic, fast, smooth

• Night Ride: Completely different experience with lights and mountain darkness

Tip:

Ride once during the day and save the second ride for night. The contrast makes it feel like two totally different attractions.

Vista Gardens & Observation Tower

Observation Tower over Vista Gardens

Vista Gardens wraps around the mountain with winding paths, sculptures, and overlook points. If you have the energy, climb the observation tower. The views stretch across layers of mountains and valleys—this alone makes Anakeesta worth the visit.

Anakeesta Christmas at night.

Anakeesta Christmas at Night & Astra Lumina

This is where Anakeesta fully transforms.

When night falls, the entire village lights up. Firepits glow, shops twinkle with warm white lights, and holiday music fills the air. It is stunning.

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta

Astra Lumina is an additional upcharge experience and requires a reservation. It’s a laser-based, celestial-themed night trail that winds through the forest using projections, lighting effects, and sound design.

• Cost: About $18 per person

• Walk time: Roughly 30–40 minutes

• Experience level: Fully immersive, artistic, unique

Is it beautiful? Yes.
Do I think it should be included with general admission? Also yes.

Still—it’s unlike anything you’ll find in Orlando theme parks and very worth doing at least once.

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Day 3: Dollywood Christmas — What You Need to Know

This was the day I had been waiting for.

Unlike most Orlando parks, Dollywood opens later—typically at 11am—and stays open late during Christmas. This gives you a slow, relaxed morning.

Cinnamon Bread Hack at DreamMore Resort

Here’s a secret most first-time visitors don’t know:

👉 You can buy Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread at the DreamMore Resort without a park ticket.

I grabbed a loaf, sat by the fireplace, and started the day in the most Dollywood way possible.

Arriving at Dollywood: Holiday Crowds Are No Joke

Traffic into Dollywood during Christmas is heavy. This is not the time to show up at opening and expect quick entry.

My Biggest Dollywood Christmas Tip:

✅ Arrive at least one hour before opening.

I didn’t—and paid for it with long parking delays.

Is the TimeSaver Plus Pass Worth It at Christmas?

Short answer: Yes. Absolutely. No question.

During Christmas week:

• Standby waits hit 120–160 minutes

• Even with TimeSaver Plus, waits hovered around 45 minutes

Without it, I would’ve missed half the park.

The Dollywood Christmas Train Ride: What to Expect

The Dollywood Express steam train is one of the most iconic experiences in the park—and during Christmas, it becomes even more popular.

Riding the Dollywood Express

Important things to know:

• The train only departs on the hour

• You should line up 60 minutes early

• It is a real coal-burning steam engine

• You will get soot in the air (wear glasses)

Despite all that—it remains one of the best attractions at Dollywood and well worth the time investment.

Rides I Did at Dollywood During Christmas

Even with holiday crowds, I rode:

• Lightning Rod

• Wild Eagle

• Barnstormer

Lightning Rod Coaster

Movement through the park is slow during Christmas due to foot traffic alone. Crowds funnel tightly through themed areas, so patience is required.

The Dolly Experience: Unexpected Highlight

One of the biggest surprises of the day was The Dolly Experience, which showcases Dolly Parton’s entire life and career.

If you’ve ever seen Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Hollywood Studios, this feels very similar in tone and storytelling. It’s beautifully done, moving, and the perfect place to rest your feet while still feeling productive.

Should You Do Dollywood at Christmas in One Day?

Honestly?

👉 No.

If you can, plan two days for Dollywood Christmas if you're visiting during Thanksgiving week through Christmas week. The crowds are simply too heavy to do everything comfortably in one day—even with TimeSaver Plus.

Is Dollywood Christmas Better Than Orlando?

This is the question everyone asks me now.

Here’s the honest answer:

• Orlando offers scale

• Dollywood offers soul

Dollywood Christmas feels handmade. Personal. Traditional. It’s not about projections and IP—it’s about lights, music, mountains, and warmth. And sometimes, that wins.

Final Thoughts & Who This Trip Is Best For

This trip is perfect for:

• Families wanting a true Christmas destination

• Theme park fans wanting something outside Orlando

• Couples looking for a cozy, festive getaway

• First-time visitors to Gatlinburg Tennessee

Watch the Full Experience

This article gives you the tips—but the full experience is best seen.

🎥 Watch my complete Dollywood & Anakeesta Christmas video here:
👉 https://youtu.be/nUueF0aGWwg

You’ll see:

• The full drive

• Anakeesta by day and night

• Astra Lumina

• The Mountain Coaster

• Dollywood Christmas lights

• The steam train ride

• And how crowded the parks truly get

If you have questions about visiting Anakeesta, Dollywood, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge during Christmas, leave a comment on the video or reach out through OrlandoParksGuy.com. I read every one.

And if you’re deciding between Orlando or the Smoky Mountains for Christmas—this trip might just change your mind.

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About Darren: 

Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.

🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy

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Search for more information on my blog.

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