The nights at Dollywood light up this fall

The sounds of Southern Gospel music, the skilled artistry of craftsmen from across the country, and tasty fall treats are a staple of Dollywood's Harvest Festival. Now, for the first time ever, that combination is going to stretch into the night with the addition of Dollywood's Great Pumpkin Luminights and the park will be open everyday from September 29th through October 28th.

As the sun goes down, the light from thousands of intricately carved pumpkins will cast a magical glow throughout the Timber Canyon area of the park. During a media event on August 18th, Dolly Parton told the crowd the new addition is starting out small, but it didn't really sound that way. In addition to the carved pumpkins there will be larger themed displays, a glow walk and chances to learn how to carve your own pumpkin masterpiece.

The Kingdom Heirs, Dollywood's "resident" Southern Gospel group, will be joined by dozens of other top names in the business like The Isaacs, The McCameys and Jeff and Sheri Easter as together these gospel greats put on more than 500 concerts during the Harvest Festival. All the concerts are FREE with paid admission to the park. Between shows wander through the park and check out the handiwork of dozens of visiting craftsmen.

Dolly Parton describes fall in the Smoky Mountains as a prime example of "God's Coloring Book." There are ample opportunities to check out the colors of the season via many of the park's attraction. One of those is Dropline, a ride giving you a 360 degree view of the park as it ascends more than 230 feet above Timber Valley. You get a similar view (although much shorter lived) at the top of the Wild Eagle roller coaster. For something more down to earth, but still filled with color, be sure and take a ride on the Dollywood Express, the park's famed steam engine train.

Dollywood's Harvest Festival including the Southern Gospel Jubilee and Pumpkin Luminights gets underway on September 29th and runs through October 28th. Then, just a week or so after it ends, it will be time for Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas.