One of the things on our East Tennessee bucket list has always been Dolly Parton’s Stampede. The idea of a full dinner show centered around horses, showmanship and the Christmas season has just captured our imagination for years. And now, finally, we can say that we have been! Now is the perfect time for you and your family to plan a holiday celebration in Pigeon Forge, Tennesee! If you are thinking about going to the Dolly Parton’s Stampede, here are a few things to know!

Hobbies on a Budget received discounts, tickets or admission for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. For a full privacy and disclosure, click here.

Things to know about Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Make Reservations

Dolly Parton’s Stampede during the holiday season is not the place to just show up and hope for a seat. Call ahead and make reservations so you will be 100% guaranteed to have a seat when you want to attend.

Arrive Early

When you arrive at Dolly Parton’s Stampede you will be given the opportunity to get your picture taken in front of a green screen. Then you will spend your remaining time waiting for the show in the “Saloon”. Popcorn, peanuts and cold Pepsi® are available from the Saloon as well as our non-alcoholic fruit drinks in a collector series Souvenir Boot Mug! But feel free to just sit back and enjoy the open act that is included with each Dolly Parton’s Stampede Ticket.

Mountain Ruckus

We took our seat in the Saloon right up next to the stage so we could have a front row seat for Mountain Ruckus. You definitely don’t want to miss this pre-show act. And of course, we weren’t going to miss the opportunity to pick up a CD, meet the band and get our CD signed!

Mountain Ruckus Band Member at Dixie Stampede

Mountain Ruckus - Opening Act at Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Enjoy the sweet Mountain Music and side-splitting Comedy of Bluegrass and Country band, Mountain Ruckus and what’s even better, the Saloon Opening Act is included in every Dolly Parton’s Stampede ticket!

What to Know about your Dinner Show

The full course meal is the most efficiently run dinner you can imagine. The waiter staff is friendly and quick. And don’t forget to leave a tip when the meal is over. Trust me, the service is worth the tip!

Something to note if you are going for the first time. There is no silverware at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. You just use your fingers and enjoy the food with your fingers!

Use the Restroom before the show

There are restrooms at the entrance to the show but you won’t want to miss anything. So make sure you take advantage of the restrooms so you don’t have to leave during the middle of the entertainment.

Enjoy the Show

There are many acts and interactive competitions througout the evening. Here are a few pictures of what to expect in the 2016 Christmas Show. Each season has a few carry over events, but just because you go once, does not mean you have seen it all. There is always something new to experience with each season.

Christmas Show at Dixie Stampede

Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge Tennessee - Christmas Show

img_6448_tn

img_6445_tn

img_6441_tn

img_6437_tn

img_6431_tn

Check out the Stick Horse Collection

Spread throughout the grounds of the Dolly Parton’s Stampede you will see the largest stick horse collectioin imaginable. You can see Dolly Parton’s personal stick horse and then make your own as you leave the show through the gift shop.

img_6330_tn

img_6332_tn

Take Time for Pictures

One of the highlights of a holiday trip to Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the Christmas lights and decorations. So make sure you battery is charged on your phone and there is plenty of storage space for lots of pictures. So get there early, walk around and look at the horses and take lots of pictures.

dixie stampede