“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know…”

One of my favorite Christmas songs is just a holiday wish, especially for a Southern girl who usually doesn’t see much if any snow until at least January. And no offense to Irving Berlin or Bing Crosby or the countless other singers who make this sound like such an idyllic holiday setting. My dream for Christmas this year is to make the perfect holiday a reality (meaning actual relaxation and family time for me and mine). So I’m figuring up how long I can take up residence at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Here’s why, and I’m starting with Thanksgiving – if I’m dreaming of the perfect holiday season, I might as well start with Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving

The joy of Thanksgiving for me is that it combines two of my favorite things – the deliciousness that is a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and my family. When you can put those two together – and add the bonus of not having to cook up all that deliciousness – that might just be the perfect holiday dream! Imagine Thanksgiving ham and turkey and prime rib and too many dessert choices to even comprehend – that’s what’s on the Thanksgiving feast menu at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. Then I can send my family over to Dollywood on the resort trolley to see shows and ride rides and drink hot chocolate while I take a much needed nap and watch some football. That’s not a dream – more like heaven. You do have to make a reservation for this bountiful dinner on November 23, but that’s the most stressful thing involved if you’re spending Thanksgiving here – except maybe what to have for your second and third helpings.

Christmas Happenings

As I emerge from the food, fun, family and festivities after Turkey Day, the menu of what to do just gets even better at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. Again, the only stressful part is figuring out what to do first – should I watch the nightly Christmas tree light display out on the event lawn and then take the kids to a breakfast bonanza with Santa or Rudolph the next morning or do it all the same day? Decisions, decisions …

Hint: beginning on November 24, there are multiple options to see the cool tree display; nightly “shows” take place daily at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Added bonus: Santa himself hosts the tree lighting ceremony on its debut day!

For me, one of the best ways to relax during the craziness that is the holidays is just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds and the twinkling lights on holiday trees and decorations. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort sure delivers in this area. It is beautifully adorned for the season, combining elegance and a country Christmas – from the lighted trees brightening our way to the entrance and gigantic wreaths welcoming us when we first arrived to the aforementioned Christmas tree light show and a 30-foot decorated tree at the bottom of its grand staircase.

Entertainment at the resort takes on a holiday twist with its nightly storytelling in the living room area featuring holiday favorites. There are s’mores around the outside firepits, and Camp DW has Christmas-y fun including holiday crafts, cider to sip, and time with Santa and his elves to go over Christmas wish lists. I’m going to check out the schedule to watch whatever classic holiday movies are going to be shown during our visit and can’t wait to be serenaded by the resort’s carolers and listen to my favorite holiday tunes on the grand piano in the lobby. I’m in Christmas music heaven just thinking about it.

And you know I’ll have to schedule a spa appointment to recover from all the stress of having so much to do. I hear there is Merry Winter Facial and a Peppermint Mani/Pedi. Wonder which one I can work in during my resort visit? Ok, who am I kidding? I’m doing all three – everyone else will just have to wait or start the Dollywood day without me.

Speaking of which, I have found that the best way to experience Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is to start and end at the resort. You just hop on your own exclusive trolley (it’s really for all the guests, but this is about my Christmas dream so please humor me), get dropped off at the entrance, have all the fun you can manage at Dollywood, go back and take a short nap and have a snack at the resort, hop back on the trolley and repeat. Perfect Dollywood experience!

New Year’s Eve Celebration

When 2017 comes to a close on New Year’s Eve, I’m headed back to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Again, the biggest “problem” I’m having is deciding exactly what to do. Do I head up at dusk and start off with a buffet dinner or just start with the Countdown to Midnight Dance Party? So many choices, just one night!

I’m going to help you out with your decision making to make your Christmas dreams come true – here’s the link to finding out about everything happening at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa this holiday season. Whew – I’m exhausted from all the possibilities. I’m taking Dolly’s advice that I saw in my room last time I visited the resort – I’m going to dream more (meaning it’s time for a nap).

Make your holiday dream become a reality by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit www.dollywood.com/resort.