Dolly Parton gets that 2020 has been such a tough year that a little Christmas isn't going to cut it. We need a lot and right this very minute: millions of twinkling lights; joyful and heartwarming shows; palette-pleasing holiday treats; shopping with an Appalachian twist; and a few new surprises – like Christmas fireworks.

"Some Christmases are more memorable than others," said Parton, "And I think this year is certainly one we won't forget."

The beloved entertainer has pulled out all the holiday stops for her Smoky Mountain Christmas, an extravagant festival taking place now thru Jan. 3, 2021 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Topping it off, like a star beaming from a Christmas tree – and there is a winter wonderland worth of trees this year – is music from her new "A Holly Dolly Christmas" album. Several songs are featured – along with members of Dolly's family – in the park's new Heart of the Holidays show.

THE SHOWS

Yes, Dollywood has rollercoasters and other rides, but at this award-winning park, the spotlight really shines on the entertainment – and the holiday shows are pure magic. Multiple stages, indoors and out, present song-and-dance spectacles, including Christmas in the Smokies and O, Holy Night, the Mistletones and An Appalachian Christmas. All told, more than 40 holiday performances take place each day the park is open, with the new Candlelight Carolers, who perform on the steps of the chapel, among the acts.

THE SHOPPING

You can't get any more made-in-the-USA than with the one-of-a-kind creations in Dollywood's Craftsman Valley. Here, dozens of master craftsmen demonstrate the skill and artistry that reflects Appalachian culture and trades of a century or two ago. Delicate handmade ornaments from Custom Glassworks; fragrant votives from Old Flame Candles; leather belts and other accessories from Smoky Creek Leather; intricately carved wood figurines from the Woodcarving Shop – these items and more elevate holiday gift giving with their authenticity and originality.

THE FOOD

A Christmas dinner of beef tenderloin medallions is served at the Front Porch Cafe. At the Blue Ribbon Buffet, the holiday menu expands for all-you-can-eat carved prime rib, roasted pork loin, spiral ham and more rounded out with all the sides. Hot chocolate is practically mandatory for the holidays and this can be found at Spotlight Bakery, along with decorated holiday cookies, gingerbreads and cupcakes, plus one of the sweetest souvenirs the park offers: gingerbread house and family-size cookie kits that come with all the trimmings.

THE NEW

In addition to the Heart of the Holidays show, new attractions include a Christmas fireworks experience called Merry & Bright! on Friday and Saturday evenings that is synched to a holiday music score. Another dazzler is the dancing Wonderful Christmas! tree in the Wilderness Pass Plaza. Look up: The animated tree rises 50 feet into the night sky, sparking to life with a mesmerizing synchronized light show. (Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies may already know this, but the tree figures into a key scene of the 2019 movie "Christmas at Dollywood.") Meanwhile, inside Wildwood Grove, another tree spins sweet Christmas stories each evening.

At Dollywood, even a pandemic can't keep kids and Santa apart. A brand-new experience lets kids of all ages get the all-important photo with Santa safety – while watching him tinker away at his satellite workshop in the Smokies.

THE SETTING

The park is located in Dolly's childhood stomping grounds of Pigeon Forge. With the Great Smoky Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop, the Pigeon Forge Parkway glows with the lights of museums, castles, theatres, wacky golf, go-cart tracks and more and the illuminated figures and symbols of holiday decorations. This is a town that loves Christmas, and the joy extends right into the backroads leading to a wide range of cabin accommodations – all trimmed with greenery outside and Christmas decorations within.

At Eagles Ridge Resort (www.eaglesridge.com), guests are welcomed into cozy cabins with wrap-around decks with hot tub, rocking chairs and porch swings to take in those breathtaking mountain views. Inside, a Christmas tree glows from a corner and stockings hang merrily from the mantel. Although they feel removed from the holiday hustle-bustle of the Parkway, the cabins are minutes from the attractions, shops and restaurants.

Families large and small will find a range of amenities in these cabins that offer from one to nine bedrooms: fully equipped kitchens, comfy country-size bedrooms, game and theater rooms, Wi-Fi, fireplaces, jetted tubs and more. In an era of social distancing, the cabins are the perfect place to gather with family and friends for an intimate holiday getaway.

PLAN YOUR TRAVELS

For information and planning tools for Pigeon Forge, visit www.mypigeonforge.com. Everyone over age 12 is required to wear a face covering while in public spaces (excluding outdoor activities). Face coverings are currently mandated through Nov. 30, 2020. See updates and read the Responsible Travel & The Tennessee Pledge here: www.mypigeonforge.com/planning/travel-resources.

See the daily entertainment schedule, buy tickets to and learn more about Dollywood at www.dollywood.com. NOTE: Since it reopened in mid-June, Dollywood has successfully put into practice new measures aimed at ensuring the health, safety and general well-being of guests and staff alike.

Pigeon Forge has numerous must-sees, including these:

— A Titanic Christmas and Winter Celebration at the Titanic Museum, (www.titanicpigeonforge.com), a beautiful time to experience this five-star attraction with its replica grand staircase trimmed in lush garland, live piano music, living iceberg, costumed crew and outstanding gift shop.

— The Incredible Christmas Place (www.christmasplace.com) is an enchanted (and irresistible) wonderland of designer-themed Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, collectibles – everything Christmas.

— WonderWorks (www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge) is zany, science-focused fun, including a rollicking 4-D ride into Jurassic Park.

— Alcatraz East Crime Museum (www.alcatrazeast.com) is an absolutely fascinating Parkway gem presenting the history of crime and criminology where you can get lost for hours. Galleries cover American crime, punishment, crime fighting, CSI exhibits and crime in pop culture.

— Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park is silly, showy fun with world-class lumberjacks that will keep even younger kids' attention for the full 90 minutes it runs.