Dolly Parton Teams Up with Hallmark for New Movie: ‘Christmas at Dollywood’
Dolly Parton starred in a brand new Hallmark movie this holiday season! The title of the movie is “Christmas at Dollywood,” and features the world-class theme park itself! The film just aired on the Hallmark Channel on Dec. 8. If you missed it, read on to find out all the exciting details about this new movie featuring Dolly Parton and Dollywood:
When to Watch ‘Christmas at Dollywood’
“Christmas at Dollywood” premiered on Dec. 8, but if you missed it, don’t worry! Hallmark is airing it again several times during the month. Here’s when you can catch the repeat airings:
- Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m.
Watch the Preview for ‘Christmas at Dollywood’
“Christmas at Dollywood” premiered on December 8! Watch the movie’s preview below:
Inside Look at Filming ‘Christmas at Dollywood’
Filming for “Christmas at Dollywood” began in August, and much of that took place in Vancouver, Canada. However, it can’t be called “Christmas at Dollywood” without some scenes being filmed at the world-class theme park! Filming at Dollywood took place Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. The crew worked on scenes around Showstreet Palace Theater. There was a stage set up, surrounded by Christmas ornaments and lights. At one point, Dolly Parton took the stage and welcomed the crowd to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. The Knoxville News Sentinel was able to to attend the filming, and you can watch its video below to get an inside look at filming!
About ‘Christmas at Dollywood’
This Christmas season, Dolly Parton and Dollywood fans have the chance to get in the holiday spirit with a new movie featuring the Smoky Mountain hometown hero herself. Entertainment Tonight broke the news about the Hallmark movie on Wednesday, July 11. “Christmas at Dollywood” will spotlight the popular theme park and includes a special appearance from Dolly Parton! The Hallmark movie centers on a Broadway producer/single mom who returns to East Tennessee to co-produce a show for the 20th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival at Dollywood. In the movie, Rachel and her producing partner, Luke, have to work together to come up with a show that will please their boss. Rachel wants the show to be inspired by a bedtime story she’s told to her 9-year-old daughter, but Luke doesn’t agree with her vision and is more interested in earning a promotion than the show itself. Here is the official logline for the movie:
“As the pair meets in the middle to please the boss, little do Rachel and Luke realize love lurks in all the unexpected places because this isn’t the Great White Way. Or Hollywood. This is Dollywood!”
Danica McKellar plays Rachel Lewis, the main character in the movie. McKellar has starred in other Hallmark Christmas movies, including “Coming Home for Christmas” and “Christmas at Grand Valley.” “The Wonder Years” star is also narrating a film about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library called “The Library That Dolly Built” that’s expected to be released in 2020.
When Did Filming Start and When Did the Movie Air?
Filming for “Christmas at Dollywood” began in August! Filming at the theme park itself happened Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. when the theme park was closed to guests in preparation of Smoky Mountain Christmas. The official premiere date for “Christmas at Dollywood” was Sunday, December 8 at 8 p.m. This film is a part of Hallmark’s 10th anniversary of Countdown to Christmas. This year’s Countdown to Christmas began on October 25 and runs through New Year’s Day.
Other Dolly Parton Projects
“Christmas at Dollywood” isn’t the only film featuring Dolly Parton that’s been in the making! Check out these Dolly Parton projects:
“Heartstrings”: The country music star released her Netflix series, “Heartstrings,” at the end of November. The series has 8 episodes, each based on one of Parton’s famous hits. Songs featured in the series include “Jolene,” “These Old Bones,” and “If I Had Wings.” You can watch the episodes in any order on Netflix now!
“The Library That Dolly Built”: “The Library That Dolly Built,” a film about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is expected to be released in 2020. The documentary will discuss the history, impact, and future of the Imagination Library and features interviews with recipients of the books, parents, policy makers, authors, program organizers, and Dolly Parton herself, according to the movie’s website. It will be narrated by Danica McKellar, the actress who played the main role in “Christmas at Dollywood.”
Plan a Visit to Dollywood
You don’t want to miss the chance to visit the theme park that’s the star of the new Hallmark holiday movie, “Christmas at Dollywood”! With more than 40 world-class rides, entertainment, the new Wildwood Grove, and delicious dining options, there is something for everyone at Dollywood. Get your Dollywood tickets today through Visit My Smokies and receive free changes and cancellations up to a certain date!
