CHRIS YOUNG TO HEADLINE T-MOBILE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP CONCERT DEC. 3

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SPECIAL GUESTS MITCHELL TENPENNY AND KAMERON MARLOWE JOIN YOUNG ON STAGE AT GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL PLAZA IN ATLANTA ON EVE OF SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

CONCERT IS FREE TO FANS IN PERSON AND VIA LIVESTREAM

Multi-Platinum global entertainer Chris Young will headline the first-ever T-Mobile SEC Championship Concert on Dec. 3, the eve of the SEC Championship game. Young, whose massive hits include “Famous Friends,” “I’m Comin’ Over,” “Tomorrow” and “Gettin’ You Home,” will take the stage with support from special guests and fellow Sony Music Nashville artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Kameron Marlowe at Georgia International Plaza outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. EST with performances from Marlowe and Tenpenny, followed by Young taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. EST.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I pretty much live and breathe football,” says Young.  “I am beyond pumped to team up with T-Mobile and the SEC to headline the concert before the SEC Championship game! Let’s GO!!”

This epic fan experience featuring three Sony Music Nashville stars is free and open to the public with no ticket required. Fans on the ground can catch unique photo opportunities, food and beverages available for purchase and more. For fans who cannot attend in-person, T-Mobile will host a worldwide livestream broadcast of Chris Young’s performance beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST via Young’s YouTube and Facebook channels, watch HERE.

T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro by T-Mobile customers and their guests can snag exclusive stage-front access, complimentary charging and more in the T-Mobile Magenta Zone. Customers can also score limited edition Chris Young swag and a complimentary beverage … just for being a customer. Capacity in the T-Mobile Magenta Zone is limited, so customers are encouraged to arrive early. All they have to do is show their phone for entry.

This special performance from Chris Young will highlight music from his recently released album, Famous Friends. The record includes the multi-week No. 1 title track with Kane Brown and new single, “At The End Of A Bar” with Mitchell Tenpenny. Fans can also catch Young on his weekly podcast, “The Quad with Chris Young” as he and friends Josh, Hailey and Ryan discuss four topics: Sports, Movies, Music and a weekly Hot Take. Listen HERE.

Last month Tenpenny released his 11-song Christmas album Naughty List. The project arrives on the heels of his new EP, Midtown Diaries, which contains his current radio single “Truth About You.” The song became the largest streaming debut of his career, garnering 2.5 million streams in its first three days of release. Fans can hear Tenpenny perform the new music on his current headlining TO US IT DID TOUR.

Marlowe recently released “Steady Heart,” one that the rising star calls his favorite to date. His currently single “Giving You Up” is currently spinning at country radio and has earned more than 115 million on-demand streams. He is currently on the road with Riley Green after earning rave reviews for his opening stint on Brad Paisley’s Tour 2021.

COLE SWINDELL RELEASES DUET WITH LAINEY WILSON “NEVER SAY NEVER”

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“Never Say Never” Premiering Across Country Radio Now
 Song Released Today in Tandem with Official Lyric Video
Grammy-nominated multi-Platinum superstar Cole Swindell releases “Never Say Never,” a duet with BBR Music Group’s fast-rising new artist Lainey Wilson today and is available at all digital service providers. Swindell co-wrote the duet with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill. “Never Say Never” is the Georgia native’s 12th career single and the follow-up radio single to his back-to-back No. 1 hits “Love You Too Late” and most recently his milestone multi-week, 10th career No. 1 hit “Single Saturday Night,” which has already logged over 245 million streams globally. “Never Say Never” is also the follow-up single to Wilson’s No. 1 smash hit “Things A Man Oughta Know,” which is still streaming more than three million times each week since it peaked in September.
The highly anticipated duet is premiering across country radio now. “Never Say Never” will go for official radio adds on Monday, November 22.
“Never Say Never” is being released in tandem with the release of the lyric video HERE.
“I am so excited to release ‘Never Say Never’,” said Swindell. “I wrote ‘Never Say Never’ with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill in 2018 about a relationship you just can’t stay away from. I have been a fan of Lainey Wilson’s for a while now and what she brings to this song is everything it needed. So glad it’s finally out!”
“’Things a Man Oughta Know’ was such an incredible ride, I can’t wait to get this next song out into the world and see where it leads,” said Lainey Wilson “It makes the journey that much more special that I get to share it with a friend this time around—I’m looking forward to playing it for y’all and I’m sure Cole is too!”
Click HERE to purchase/download “Never Say Never.”
Swindell recently wrapped his tour with Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour and has been on the road headlining his own dates. He will perform on the just announced CBS presents NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH, Friday, Dec. 31 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT, 11:30 PM-1:30 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The special will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

AFTER 30 YEARS, THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS TO MAKE GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT

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GRAMMY® Award-Winning Group Enters the Hallowed Circle on Dec. 4

Kentucky Headhunters Live

During all of their years as entertainers, GRAMMY® Award-winning southern rock, blues and country group The Kentucky Headhunters have never performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. That all changes on Saturday, Dec. 4 when the boys from the Bluegrass State walk into the Opry’s hallowed wooden circle for the very first time.

“I must say The Kentucky Headhunters had to take a deep breath, twice, when our publicist Don Murry Grubbs called to say we had been asked to be on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time,” says Headhunters guitarist and vocalist Richard Young.
In the early ’90s when the Headhunters released their debut album, Pickin’ on Nashville, Bill Monroe approached Roy Acuff about having the group perform on the Opry stage.
“Mr. Acuff said, ‘I think they are probably good boys and would do a fine job, but let’s get ’em a haircut first,” reminisces Young. “Needless to say, it never happened. We are so looking forward to our first appearance on the Opry stage in 30 years. We still got our hair, too. Well, most of it!”
The Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Willie’s Roadhouse), and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM.
Last month, the Headhunters released their first album of all-new material in half a decade. The twelve-track compilation, That’s A Fact Jack!, is available now via Practice House Records (distributed by BFD). The album is available to stream/download now HERE.
About The Kentucky Headhunters
The Kentucky Headhunters, declared “the great American rock ‘n’ roll band” by Billboard, began their professional journey in 1968 when brothers Fred and Richard Young and cousins Greg Martin and Anthony Kenney formed the southern blues-rock band Itchy Brother. The band later became The Kentucky Headhunters. Their first album from the early ’90s, Pickin’ on Nashville, was released by Mercury Records and surprised the world, becoming a bona fide hit, selling over two million copies. The album won a GRAMMY® Award, three CMA Awards, an American Music Award and an ACM Award. It spawned four consecutive Top 40 country hits: “Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine,” “Dumas Walker,” “Oh Lonesome Me,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Angel.” The Kentucky Headhunters are Richard Young, Fred Young, Greg Martin and Doug Phelps. To date, the band has sold over eleven million records worldwide.

Del McCoury Sings His Own Version Of The Blues On “Once Again”

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Second Single from Upcoming Album “Almost Proud”
On his newest release, “Once Again,” bluegrass elder statesman Del McCoury leans into a swaggering, swinging, piano-led shuffle; blue as blue can get. “It’s the same night after night, heart broke on a stool under neon lights,” sings one of the most unique and recognizable voices in bluegrass music. “Once Again ” is the second single from McCoury’s upcoming album Almost Proud (McCoury Music), a blue-collar collection of songs that reflect McCoury’s self-image of a working man who chose music as his vocation. Almost Proud, out on February 18, 2022, is comprised of four songs about love lost, one love song that sounds like many others he’s cut as a tribute to his wife of 57 years, Jean, two cheatin’ songs, 2 drinkin’ songs, one extolling the virtues of hard work, and one about a working-class hero standing up to big coal in the West Virginia of the early nineteen hundreds. Today, Relix premiered “Once Again.”Fans can give this beer-soaked blues tune a listen now at this link, pre-order or pre-save Almost Proud right here, and check out the previously released single, “Running Wild,” at this link.
Over the course of the pandemic, McCoury found himself as fully engaged and absorbed by music as he was when he was a teenager, throwing himself into listening to as much music as he could. According to Del, he listened to well over 200 songs, including some that had been in a neglected box in his music room for over 10 years. He listened intently. He listened for songs that excited him. He listened for songs that he would find interesting if he heard them on the radio. When asked about the song selection, Del says, “I’m as excited about listening to new music today as the day I started—finding a new tune or a story that tickles me. This album is the best of what I heard while the world was on pause.” With a strong idea of his favorites, the Del McCoury band entered the studio, mixing in some classics along the way—notably “Rainbow of My Dreams,” which McCoury first heard sung by a young Lester Flatt in the 1940s.
Just like his live performances, McCoury started Almost Proud with his regular point of view: “If I’m not interested, how can I expect the audience to be?” This collection of songs kept 82-year-old McCoury engaged during the pandemic and it’s part of a body of work that ended up being nearly 30 songs—so it’s likely to see a volume 2 in the very near future. At the end of the day, Del may be almost proud of what he’s accomplished, but he’s always proud of the music he records.
The Del McCoury Band will be wrapping up their 2021 tour tonight (11/19) at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., and tomorrow night (11/20) in Albany, New York, at Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre. For more information and to stay tuned for 2022 tour dates, please visit delmccouryband.com/tour.

8 NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH WITH NEFESH MOUNTAIN!

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Nefesh Mountain Live: A Hanukkah Holiday Concert to Air November 28-December 4

Boundary pushing Bluegrass/Americana band Nefesh Mountain is kicking off the holiday season with a new one-time series for Hanukkah called 8 Nights with Nefesh Mountain! Beginning this Sunday, November 28 the band will begin an eight-night run, releasing new music videos from its recent album Live From Levon Helm Studios: A Hanukkah/Holiday Concert. Each video and accompanying story from the band will be released at 6:00 PM EST for each night of Hanukkah, and will be posted on its YouTube channel, as well as Facebook and Instagram pages.

Additionally, the band’s televised special, Nefesh Mountain Live: A Hanukkah Holiday Concert, will air nationally on JLTV between November 28 – December 4. Recorded at The Barn at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY in 2020, the concert special features original material, a selection of handpicked classic bluegrass tunes, and other often-overlooked Hanukkah songs. Here’s a complete list of dates and times:

Nefesh Mountain Live: A Hanukkah Holiday Concert on JLTV
Sunday, November 28, 9:00 PM ET and PT
Monday, November 29, 1:00 PM ET
Thursday, December 2, 1:00 PM ET
Saturday, December 4, 8:00 PM ET and PT

On the first night of Hanukkah, Nefesh Mountain will be performing at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA. The venue will be streaming the show live, and the band founders Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff will light the first candle of Hanukkah. Streaming information can be found HERE.

Nefesh Mountain is currently on tour. You can find tour dates HERE:

Their latest album, Live From Levon Helm Studios: A Hanukkah Holiday Concert, is now available wherever music is streamed, and on their website HERE:

GARTH BROOKS IS SET FOR FAYETTEVILLE – DONALD W. REYNOLDS RAZORBACK STADIUM

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SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022, 7:00 P.M. – GARTH’S FIRST TIME EVER AT THE HOME OF THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS!

FIRST TIME IN ARKANSAS IN OVER 7 YEARS!
ONLY ARKANSAS & OKLAHOMA STADIUM APPEARANCE IN 2022
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, AT 10:00 A.M. CT

November 23, 2021–Garth Brooks is set for Fayetteville. The concert will be on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

This will be Garth’s first time ever at the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks and his first appearance in the state of Arkansas in over seven years. This will also be Garth’s only Arkansas and Oklahoma stadium appearance on the tour in 2022!

Tickets will be on sale Friday, December 3, at 10 a.m. CT.

The concert will feature in-the-round seating. There will be an eight-ticket limit per purchase.  There are only three ways to purchase tickets: at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks; on the Garth Brooks line at Ticketmaster, 1-877-654-2784; or through the Ticketmaster app on your mobile phone. Please note there will be no ticket sales at the venue box office on Friday, December 3.

Tickets will cost $94.95, all inclusive.

CHRIS JANSON ANNOUNCES HEADLINING “HALFWAY TO CRAZY” TOUR, BEGINNING FEBRUARY 2022

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15+ Dates Include Stop at Nashville’s Famed Ryman Auditorium

Once described as a “live legacy in the making” (Rolling Stone), country music star and acclaimed entertainer Chris Janson is now cementing his place in touring history. Today he announced his headlining “Halfway to Crazy” Tour, spanning 15+ dates through April (with more to come). Named to Bobby Bones’ personal list of greatest performers in country music, Janson will hit auditoriums, theaters and, for the first time, arenas across the nation. Joining him on the run are hit-making singer / songwriter Ray Fulcher and up-and-comer Shane Profitt. Fan club members can purchase tickets beginning this Wednesday, Nov. 17, followed by the public on-sale on Friday, Nov. 19 at 10:00 a.m. local. See below for details.
“I’m super excited to hit the road in early 2022,” Janson said. “It’s been incredible to be back in front of an audience again this year, with crowds more hungry and grateful for live music than ever before. Whether you’re a fan or an artist, there’s nothing like a seeing a live show. I can’t wait to see everyone on the ‘Halfway to Crazy’ Tour and to maybe play y’all some new music that I’ve got coming real soon…”
Fans at each show can expect to hear all their party-starting favorites, from Janson’s 3x Platinum smash “Buy Me A Boat” to his three other No.1 smash hits. He is also due to preview songs from his forthcoming album, due in early 2022. The to-be-announced project features flagship single “Bye Mom” (listen HERE), currently climbing the charts at country radio. MusicRow has praised the song as “achingly lovely” and described it as “tapping into a universal truth.” What began as a tribute to his friend and co-writer’s mom, who passed late last year, has turned into a “masterfully written story song” (Taste of Country) about loving someone more than yourself.
This past week, in honor of Veteran’s Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, Janson took the message of “Bye Mom” to heart. He teamed up with Bass Pro Shops for a “round-up at the register” campaign to help fund 20+ scholarships (a minimum of $100,000) for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members via national nonprofit organization Folds of Honor. Janson appeared this weekend on Fox & Friends to perform “Bye Mom” and talk about the life-changing initiative.
Over the past six years as a Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Janson has spread “Good Vibes” while collecting four chart-topping singles, seven billion airplay impressions, more than 1.5 billion on-demand career streams and several major industry awards. He has become as well known for his hits as his “crazy harmonica skills and… riveting stage stye” (People) that have earned him praise from fans and critics alike. The Grand Ole Opry “wild child” (The New York Times) recently performed at the esteemed organization’s 5,000th show celebration, earning coverage in People, Forbes, The Tennessean and more.

KHS AMERICA DONATES $100,000 IN INSTRUMENTS TO WAVERLY, TENN. SCHOOL BANDS FOLLOWING DEVASTATING FLOODING

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Country Music Icon Vince Gill & Singer-Songwriter Alex Hall Announced the Surprise to Students

As recovery efforts in Humphreys County approach the three-month mark following devastating flooding that killed 20 and destroyed hundreds of homes, 22-time GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill and singer/songwriter Alex Hall were on hand at Waverly Central High School earlier this week to announce an uplifting surprise.

As Gill and Hall surprised a Monday morning student assembly with the news, KHS America revealed donation of $100,000 worth of musical instruments to completely replace and upgrade everything that the Waverly high school and junior high school bands lost in the recent flood.

“I’m a small town minded guy. I know what it feels like. This is a place where everybody knows everybody,” Gill shared with “CBS Mornings” host Mark Strassmann, who was on hand in Waverly to document the event. “I often feel like we should be like this all the time. That’s my dream. Let’s not just be kind when somebody’s struggling; let’s just be kind.” Watch the full segment HERE.

“Most people were smiling; I could see the glowing intentions in their eyes,” added seventh grade clarinetist Harmony Sanders, whose family lost her home in the flood. “I think everybody can just be happier now and have less weight on their shoulders.”

KHS America, which was connected with band director Joseph Bullington as well as Gill and Hall via the CMA Foundation, donated over 40 instruments from their brands: Jupiter wind instruments, Majestic concert percussion (including concert toms, a concert bass drum and a concert snare drum, as well as a marimba and a xylophone), three XO Brass professional trombones and a Mapex drum set. Percussion tables and a bell stand from Hercules were also included.

“KHS was founded on the principles of changing lives through music and the knowledge that music and music education are essential to society,” noted Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America. “Supporting this incredible music program and being a part of this relief effort is something very special that will surely have a positive impact on the lives of young people and the community of Waverly as a whole. It’s an honor to be able to provide even a small bit of assistance.”

The donation offered a moment of hope for a community still rebuilding from the tragedy that struck on August 21, with many residents still displaced from their homes. To contribute to ongoing recovery efforts via the United Way of Humphreys County, text 44321 to TNFLOODRELIEF.

About KHS America
KHS America is dedicated to the enrichment of lives through music performance and education by providing high-quality musical instruments and services designed to support musicians, educators and retail partners. A primary core value of KHS America is the belief that music is an essential part of life for every individual and that it provides a positive contribution to society as a whole.

About Vince Gill
One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a GRAMMY. Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most-awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has won 22 GRAMMY Awards. A wide-ranging songwriter, his compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. The Academy of Country Music has conferred on Gill eight awards, including its prestigious Home Depot Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Career Achievement Award. Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991. In August 2012, Gill was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Gill has produced albums for The Time Jumpers, Amy Grant and Ashley Monroe and has made guest appearances on more than 1000 albums, including those by Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Jones and others. In 2017, Gill was invited to perform with the Eagles for a number of festival shows and continues to join them onstage. For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.VinceGill.com.

About Alex Hall
Originally from Gainesville, Georgia, country singer and guitar player Alex Hall is the epitome of what it means to be an artist. After picking up an acoustic guitar at the age of 14, he quickly set to work learning every Elvis Presley song on the King’s ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits album – his raw talent earning him his first singing gig at a local restaurant when he was still in middle school. While singing weeknights at the restaurant and preforming local shows, Alex captured the attention of a Nashville booking agent, which resulted in about 125 shows a year throughout high school…a feat for any artist, let alone someone still receiving a report card…and a valuable introduction into the country music community. After moving to Nashville and signing with Monument Records, he released his debut EP, Six Strings – a guitar centered project that featured Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, John Osborne, Brad Tursi, Tenille Townes and Kassi Ashton. Alex has opened for Tanya Tucker on her While I’m Living tour, Brandy Clark on her Who You Thought I Was tour and has played dates with Little Big Town on their Nightfall tour. For additional information on music and shows, visit musicbyalexhall.com.

LESLIE ODOM, JR. HOLIDAY ALBUM THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE ON VINYL

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Grammy and Tony Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, author and actor Leslie Odom, Jr.’s holiday album, The Christmas Album, is available for the first time on vinyl, in addition to CD and digital formats – listen HERE. The 10-track album features a collection of beloved traditional favorites together with newly penned, original tracks “Snow” and “Heaven & Earth.”

On The Christmas Album, Leslie reimagines timeless holiday hits including “Last Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and more. The album also features songs with special guests including his version of the Christmas classic, “Little Drummer Boy,” performed with the Mzansi Youth Choir, who offer a beautiful, youthful sound, providing a unique blend of energy, spirit, and devotion to South African music. It also features a new version of “Winter Song” featuring Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo.

Broadway star, singer, actress, and Leslie’s wife, Nicolette Robinson, joins him on a traditional Chanukah song, “Ma’oz Tzur,” which pays homage to their own diverse, extended family coming together around the holiday season. By including a few non-Christmas songs on the album, Leslie’s goal was to spread the message of inclusion, stressing how important it is to respect and celebrate our differences, now more than ever.

Of the album, Leslie shares, “Man lemme tell you…we sang our hearts on this album. We needed to. I believe you’ll hear it and feel it when you listen.” The Christmas Album marks Leslie’s second holiday album following Simply Christmas, which he re-released in winter 2017 as a deluxe edition in winter with new arrangements and new songs. The holiday album hit #1 on iTunes and Billboard Jazz Charts.

The Christmas Album follows Mr., Leslie’s third album and first of all-original material, released in November 2019.
LISTEN TO THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM HERE

AMERICA’S BEST CHRISTMAS TRADITION BEGAN AT DOLLYWOOD ON NOV. 6

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Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs through Jan. 2

November 20, 2016 Pigeon Forge, Tn.
Atmosphere
Dollywood’s “Parade of Many Colors”
©Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood

November has only just begun, but last Saturday at Dollywood, park visitors realized that it already looks a lot like Christmas. The holidays are in full swing at the Pigeon Forge park where guests can experience America’s best Christmas tradition, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana began Saturday, Nov. 6 and runs through Jan. 2, 2022.

The light shines on Smoky Mountain Christmas thanks to the glow of more than five million gleaming holiday lights, award-winning stage productions and the warm family traditions so many guests have enjoyed for more than 30 years. Dollywood is fresh off its 13th consecutive Golden Ticket award for Best Theme Park Christmas event. In fact, it is the only park in the world to earn this prestigious industry honor. For guests, Smoky Mountain Christmas always marks the beginning of the “Dolly-days.”

“Christmas really is the most special time of the year, because it’s when we all come together to share those precious memories we all hold dear,” said Dolly Parton. “It’s when we take time to remember those cherished times and stories from the past, but it’s also when we start so many new traditions that will become the stories we tell years from now.

“I hope that everyone who visits Dollywood this season experiences the love and joy of a traditional Smoky Mountain Christmas. During their time here, we hope they’ll laugh, love and linger as they enjoy the light of the season. We also hope they create those new memories and family traditions that they’ll share for many years to come.”

Glacier Ridge presented by Goo Goo Cluster fills Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass and Upper Craftsman’s Valley with an expansive arctic experience sure to inspire and delight guests. Wilderness Pass serves as one of the highlights of Glacier Ridge thanks to the Wonderful Christmas! Plaza Tree Show, which features a 50-ft. tall animated tree sparkling to life to present a fully-synchronized, dazzling light show throughout the evening.

Dollywood guests immediately are enveloped in the illumination of millions of holiday lights, which create a festive Christmas atmosphere that has become a cherished family tradition for generations. While the lighting itself remains familiar to guests, area based-themes and lighting designs throughout the park provide a sense of wonder and discovery around each turn.

Last year, Old Saint Nick allowed visitors to watch him hard at work in his little cabin in the woods at Dollywood. For the kids—and kids at heart—wondering what Santa is up to this year, he enjoyed his time in the Smokies so much that he has returned to his new home away from home. Most people don’t know that when he isn’t hard at work at the North Pole, Santa likes to visit East Tennessee and his great friend, Dolly! Guests who visit Santa’s cabin can literally see inside as he reviews…the list! Kids discover whether their name is on the naughty or nice list, and they might even have their photo made as they peer through the window during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Santa at work.

Dollywood’s family favorite shows will be lighting up both indoor and outdoor stages. The festival’s headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” has been a must-see for families every Christmas season since it began more than 30 years ago. Families also can enjoy “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “O’ Holy Night,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs,” “The Mistletones,” “Appalachian Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String Band” and more.

Returning for its second year, the “Merry & Bright!” fireworks display is a sparkling ending to a Christmas-cheer filled day at Dollywood. “Merry & Bright!” fills the sky above Dollywood with dazzling lights set to the rhythm of upbeat contemporary holiday hits. The show—which was only on weekends in 2020—was so popular that guests now will be able to experience it every evening of operation during the festival! Families can dance and sing along to favorite Christmas songs as the fireworks shine and shimmer above, allowing families to create one last special memory before leaving the park.

And for those looking to celebrate the holidays with the perfect family meal, Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight. From creole-roasted turkey breast and smothered pork loin to braised beef short ribs and lobster bisque, a number of hearty favorites are sure to remind guests of Christmases past. A number of unique items abound including egg nog cheesecake, hazelnut churros, Santa’s chilled cocoa and more.

As always, guests can experience Dollywood’s world-class rides amidst the hustle and bustle of the park during the holidays, as most rides are operational during the Christmas season. Nothing compares to racing quickly through the night sky with millions of lights twinkling below.

No matter what activities are on the Christmas list this year, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is sure to shine a familiar light on holiday traditions that families will share and cherish for years to come.

For anyone searching for the perfect gift of unlimited family fun and memories, a Dollywood season pass is the solution! A season pass purchased during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas provides unlimited admission to this year’s Christmas festival along with unlimited admission for Dollywood’s entire 2022 season. Guests can purchase their 2022 season pass online now or upgrade their paid one-day admission ticket on the day of their visit. Ticket purchasers receive credit for the value of a regular one-day ticket toward the purchase of a 2022 season pass. Additionally, new season pass offerings allow guests new options to tailor their Dollywood experience.

The Christmas fun makes its way to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa with even more ways to help families create memories this holiday season. To create a truly immersive Smoky Mountain Christmas experience, the resort is celebrating the holidays with a variety of festival-inspired activities, crafts, entertainment, décor and culinary options.

The resort’s halls are decked in beautiful décor inspired by warm, rich memories of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. The centerpiece is an awe-inspiring, two-story Christmas tree that can be seen from both levels of the lobby.

DreamMore Resort’s culinary team is preparing delicious holiday meals in Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery. Guests can gather together to give thanks and enjoy a delicious meal throughout the season, or experience one of three holiday dining experiences—Thanksgiving brunch, a Christmas Eve dinner or a Christmas Day brunch.

On select nights during the week, live entertainers will put guests in the holiday spirit with beloved Christmas tunes, while a special Christmas Tree Show takes place hourly each evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. by The Swimming Hole.