PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026) – The excitement and magic of the holidays are now in the air as Dolly Parton’s Stampede ushers in the most festive of seasons with its always inviting dinner show to warm the hearts of all. The sights and sounds of Christmas will be abundant as guests experience a full-scale Nativity, a spectacular ice-skating act, beautiful seasonal decorations, the appearance of Santa Claus, an enchanting aerial performance, a delicious and bountiful four-course holiday meal and so much more festive fun. Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede debuts Wednesday, Oct. 28 and runs through Jan. 3, 2027.
Guests will be awed by a living Nativity showcasing the birth of Jesus, re-enacted with Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, camels, donkeys and sheep. This touching scene is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance and wonder of the holiday season. In a spectacular ice-skating segment, guests will see a frozen wonderland descend from the “sky,” and then talented ice skaters will dazzle the audience with their graceful skills on the holiday ice.
Stampede’s 32 magnificent horses, not to be confused with Santa’s reindeer, offer thrilling performances throughout the holiday show, and guests will watch in amazement as the talented entertainers perform jaw-dropping stunts during this Christmas extravaganza. These equestrian holiday stars also race in exciting competitions to engage audience members as they cheer on their teams to victory, and the reindeer games continue as elves from the North and South Poles compete in friendly and festive competitions. As a charming snowfall begins, Old Saint Nick arrives in his sleigh full of goodies to conclude the Christmas festivities.
Adults and children alike are in for a treat as they witness an extraordinary aerial production set to the unforgettable music of The Nutcracker. This “Magic of Toys” portion of the show makes childhood dreams into a reality, as the Sugar Plum Fairy brings favorite toys to life in a joyous musical celebration.
The entire Christmas experience is enhanced by the state-of-the-art, LED wall backdrop to the show’s 35,000-square-foot arena, which seamlessly complements the exciting action with stunning holiday scenery. Guests will feel as if they have been instantly transported deep into the natural beauty of Christmas from the foothills surrounding Dolly Parton’s beloved Great Smoky Mountains to the clear skies above Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth.
The show wouldn’t be complete without a proper Christmas dinner, which features the Stampede’s signature four-course holiday feast including creamy vegetable soup, a buttery biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pulled pork, corn on the cob, homestyle mashed potatoes, Stampede’s own specialty holiday dessert and unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea or coffee. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request.
“When folks come to our Stampede show during the holidays, we see grandparents bringing grandchildren, families returning year after year and guests making us part of their Christmas traditions,” Travis Randall, Stampede’s General Manager, said. “That’s what makes this time of year so special for our entire Stampede family. There’s plenty of excitement and fun, but there are also those moments when the arena grows quiet during the Nativity or you see a child’s face when Santa arrives. We love being a place where families can come together and make those Christmas memories.”
Show times and reservations are available by calling (865) 453-4400 or visiting dpstampede.com.
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World Choice Investments has operated attractions since 1988, featuring special effects, musical productions, live animals and a four-course family feast. Dinner show venues, attractions, theaters and restaurants for family fun and adventure can be found in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; Panama City Beach, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and The Black Hills, South Dakota: Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, The Comedy Barn Theater, Titanic Museum Attraction, The 1880 Train, PCB Wheel and Frizzle Chicken Café.
Media Contacts:
Ellen Liston: (865) 919-7001 or [email protected]; Leah Hicks: (865) 774-8139, [email protected]