Award-Winning Evening Experience Returns

Great Pumpkin LumiNights made its spectacular 2025 season debut last evening, transforming Dollywood into a glowing wonderland with over 12,000 real and faux pumpkins illuminated throughout the park. The award-winning evening experience, which has been recognized as the theme park industry's best fall event and winner of the 10Best Reader's Choice Award for Best Theme Park Event, showcases the sophisticated lighting and special effects systems installed throughout the summer preparation period.

Centerpiece Pumpkin Tree Illuminated

The signature 40-foot tall pumpkin tree served as the spectacular focal point for opening night, with the massive mountain of glowing pumpkins creating the centerpiece display that guests have eagerly anticipated since the festival's announcement. The towering installation, combined with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons positioned throughout the park, creates the comprehensive illumination that defines the Great Pumpkin LumiNights experience.

Hoot Owl Hollow and Dolly's Guitar Enchant Guests

The enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow returned with its gigantic glowing owl and dozens of companion owls roosting in trees, atop buildings, and across the hillside, creating magical discoveries for guests exploring the nighttime displays. Dolly's glowing giant guitar provided its mystical melody, adding the musical element that connects the visual spectacle to Dollywood's entertainment heritage and creating memorable moments for families experiencing the evening festival.

Behind the Glow Tours Launch

The debut also marked the launch of Behind the Glow guided tours, offering guests exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Great Pumpkin LumiNights setup and technical systems. These special tours showcase the complexity of the lighting installations, special effects coordination, and the sophisticated weather-rated design systems that create the whimsical warming glow throughout the park during evening hours.

Technical Excellence Creates Seamless Experience

The successful debut demonstrated the effectiveness of the park-wide lighting control system and low voltage, weather-rated design that streamlines the complex annual installation. The synchronized lighting effects across thousands of pumpkin displays throughout the park create seamless illumination transitions that maintain the magical atmosphere while ensuring guest safety during the award-winning evening experience that continues nightly through October 27.