Experience the Magic of Christmas on Ice at Dollywood

By Jim Watson While visions of sugarplums might dance in your head, at Dollywood they can also glide across the ice. For the first time ever, the world-famous Smoky Mountain theme park is hosting "Christmas on Ice," a production for the entire family. Dollywood’s Newest Show Is Sure to Become an Instant Family Favorite Nestled among the snow-topped peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood offers the perfect setting for a special family Christmas. Each year the park is decorated with millions of tiny lights that twinkle and glow, turning this favorite summer destination into an enchanted fairyland. From tiny tots to great-grandmas, everyone in the family will find something to love about a Christmas celebration at Dollywood, starting with the newest attraction. An original production by the Ice Theater of New York, Dollywood’s “Christmas on Ice” is sure to make your heart soar with joy this season. The show features professional skaters decked out in cheery holiday costumes and performing elaborate dance moves. Dolly's Celebrity Theater stage has been magically transformed into a genuine ice rink just for this event. Heart-stopping leaps, dizzying spins and graceful figure eights are all artfully choreographed to your favorite holiday music. With a combination of skill, talent and beauty, everyone in the family will be captivated by this spectacular performance. The skaters aren’t the only performers on display, however. The Ice Theater cast includes six singers offering their renditions of such classic hits as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Not only will you be mesmerized by the dazzling feats of the skaters, but also your heart will be warmed by these traditional carols. Discover a Winter Wonderland in Pigeon Forge, TN After the show, be sure to drop by Santa’s Workshop, where you’ll find the man in red busily making gifts to fill all the girls’ and boys’ stockings. Little ones will stare wide-eyed at the larger-than-life toys while they wait their turn to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, and older kids will marvel at the giant-sized Viewfinder. Don’t be late, though, because Santa’s got an appointment to keep. Each evening, he leads the famous Parade of Lights through the glittering streets of Dollywood. Beloved holiday characters in brightly colored costumes ride dazzling floats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights along the quaint avenues of the park. Christmas at Dollywood offers spectacular stage shows, stunning light displays and plenty of down-home charm to make this holiday one to remember. “Christmas on Ice” runs from November 5 to December 30, 2011, and is the Smokies only ice-skating production. Pack up the kids and head for Pigeon Forge, TN to enjoy a new holiday extravaganza that will surely become a family tradition.