We were invited to attend Dolly Parton’s Christmas Celebration Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee a few weeks ago on opening weekend and we were so blown away by the entire production. I have to admit, I was a little unsure about enjoying a Christmas show before Halloween, because I loooove Halloween and am not someone who likes to skip the holiday. But, once we were inside, I was so immersed in the Christmas lights and decor that I completely forgot about any hesitation. I did want to wait until today to post though, for those like me. Now we can get into the Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit!

My first tip for anyone who takes a family trip to see the Christmas Celebration show in Pigeon Forge is to get there early. There are lots of games and delicious drinks to enjoy before the show, and you’ll want to be in your seat for the pre-show. They have an award winning fiddle player and entertainment as soon as you sit down (great for squirmy kiddos).

As soon as we sat down for pre-show our waitress took our drink orders and then the food started rolling out as soon as the main show began. You won’t go hungry, I can promise you that! The macaroni and sweet potatoes were SO good! I could have eaten an entire meal with just those two sides.

Related: Dollywood Tips for Toddlers

Dolly Parton Christmas Show | Pigeon Forge Activities | Mallorie Owens

The show was very fast paced and included favorites like The Nutcracker. As you can see from the photo above, it kept Iris enthralled. There was only one short point she started to get squirmy, but she’s also good about things like this, so if you’re worried about it you might wait until you feel like your kids are ready.

Another tip I have is you don’t have to purchase a ticket for children under 4, but if you want them to have their own seat and food you will want to get one. It was nice to have a chair just for Iris, since she’s miss independent these days, she liked getting to sit in her own chair at times. She was all about the chicken that night and we were able what she didn’t eat to go, which was nice since she’s a toddler and doesn’t eat big meals at once.

Throughout the show, there is a jester character that entertains in the in-between moments when they are switching sets, that way the kids don’t lose interest. That was really nice and Iris loved him!

My top two favorite parts of the show were the light show and a giant angel at the end of the nativity scene. You don’t want to miss the incredible costume and the angel’s grand entrance. Iris’ eyes were as big as saucers.

The use of animals was also great for bringing a toddler, there were sheep, donkeys, a wolf, and talking pig that Iris is STILL bringing up! She couldn’t believe her eyes.

I’m so glad we got to experience the show with her at this age, even though I know she won’t remember, watching her take it all in was so precious and priceless. I know I’ll remember it forever.

Have you been to a Celebration Dinner Show? Let me know in the comments what you saw and how old your kids were when you went!