NEW, Interactive Christmas Tree Wand

My son is like Kevin McAlister from “Home Alone”—always in love with Christmas trees! And what place has one of the best? Dollywood, of course! So when we visited Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas this past weekend, I knew we had to plan a time to take in the awe and beauty of the Dollywood’s largest Christmas tree at The Plaza in Wilderness Pass.

This year, Dollywood has made this particular experience even more spectacular and interactive with the Christmas tree wand. My Christmas-tree-loving boy had to try it for himself. The wand allows your child to experience the glow, flash and changing of lights right in their own hands. During the Christmas tree light show, the tree’s lights change and dance to each of the songs that are played during the display.

Insider Tip

The Christmas tree light show (known as “Wonderful Christmas”) happens every 30 minutes each night beginning at 6 p.m. until the park closes. It starts at 6, then again at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and so on. The light display lasts roughly 10 minutes and ends with “snow” falling on The Plaza.

As the tree’s lights change colors throughout the show, the wand changes colors at the exact same time as the tree. The wand works during each “Wonderful Christmas” display, and when the show is not taking place, the wand changes between the main colors of Glacier Ridge lights—shades of blues, whites and purples. The wand works perfectly when in close proximity to the tree—meaning anywhere between Mystery Mine and FireChaser Express. Once you leave that area, the wand changes colors of blue, white, purple, green and red at the push of a button. The Christmas tree wand allows your kid to remember the wonderful memories made at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas long after you leave the park.

Insider Tip

On busy days at the park, the tree light display is a very popular attraction so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before each display to get a great spot!

Looking back on my childhood, one thing I loved were the memories I created with my family during the Christmas season. After visiting Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and watching my son soak up the “Wonderful Christmas” experience with this new, interactive wand, I realized I was making memories with my wife and son that I will cherish for years to come. Material items may not last, but memories will last a lifetime. The Christmas tree wand and the tree light display provide the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories—won’t you make the wonderful memories with your children and family too with the Christmas tree wand and light display?

Insider Tip

When I wrote this blog, the wand cost $15. It can be bought at the merchandise carts near the tree beginning at 6 p.m. or at Volunteer Supply—one of the shops right by The Plaza where the tree is located.