Clark Griswold’s fever dream is a reality in Kodak, located near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just off exit 407 on Interstate 40.
Each Christmas season, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland takes over the large parking lot of the Tennessee Smokies minor league baseball team and creates a drive-thru Christmas light event that will literally brighten up the holidays.
And this year marks the final season. But don’t worry.
They are bringing a whole new Christmas concept to Sevierville this year.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium
This year will mark the final season of Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium.
However, Shadrack’s says that it isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you somewhere new”.
Before they go, they are bringing back hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights to the classic venue.
The displays include entertaining scenes that dance along to Christmas music to create a sensory experience that brings in visitors from all over.
It’s an orchestra of colored lights, all seen from the warmth of your car, as you drive through the display specifically designed to engender Christmas spirit, even in the most ardent of Scrooges.
This year, the custom-built light displays include a 300-ft drive-through tunnel and a 70-ft light tree as well as custom-built displays of Santa.
There’s also an animated field of lights and another 50-ft light tree in the center.
Shadrack’s new show: The Super-sized Christmas Adventure at Soaky Mountain Waterpark
This year, Shadrack’s is bringing new surprises at an all-new location.
At Soaky Mountain, Santa’s shrink ray accidentally hit your car instead of his presents, which plunges you and your family into a world of super-sized toys and animals.
The new show is set to open on Nov. 25, 2022.
Read Also: Wilderness at the Smokies ice skating returns [2022]
When does Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland start?
This year, Shadrack’s winter wonderland will operate from Nov. 4 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023 at the Smokies Stadium location.
Kids will enjoy visiting Santa’s Village, which will be open nightly from 6-10 pm from Nov. 18-Dec. 23, 2022. Photos and visits with Santa will be available.
Santa’s Village is free for anyone who purchases admission to the light show.
There are also concessions for sale, which will include items such as hot cocoa, coffee and kettle corn.
Meanwhile, at the Soaky Mountain location, the show runs from Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023. The show will operate nightly from 6-10 pm or later if necessary. This show requires that you buy tickets in advance.
Santa’s Snowy Mountain will be open nightly at this location, with Santa Claus making a special appearance from 6-9 pm on Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 23.
The location will feature concessions, campfires, yard games and more. Visit the website to learn more or to purchase tickets.
How long does it take to go through Shadrack’s?
You can stay as long as you would like, but you’ll hear the full loop of music after about 30 minutes or so.
Allow extra time for traffic as it gets closer to Christmas.
How much does Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland cost?
Pricing varies depending on the day and demand. Basically, value tickets can be found on weekdays early in the season. Prime tickets, which are more expensive, are sold on Fridays and Saturdays closer to Christmas.
You can usually save a little time by purchasing in advance.
Tickets are valid on any date of equal or lesser value and are good for one-time use only.
For the Smokies stadium location:
- Value ticket: Passenger car: $30 / Activity van: $60 / Tour bus: $150
- Standard ticket: Passenger car: $40 / Activity van: $80 / Tour bus: $150
For the Soaky Mountain location:
- Value ticket: Passenger car: $39 / Activity van: $79 / Tour bus: No access
- Standard ticket: Passenger car: $49 / Activity van: $99 / Tour bus: No access
Combo tickets are available for guests who want to visit both attractions. You can also save $10 by using code EARLYBIRD at checkout. Visit the website to learn more.
Also, let me just say, if you have a tour bus drive through Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, you should bring a little tip money for the effort because that’s slightly insane.
It’s like asking someone to drive through a festively lit obstacle course. Any driver who completes the course successfully should have their license automatically renewed. Note that the tour bus option is not available at the Soaky Mountain location.
Tips for going to Shadrack’s in Sevierville
Remember to be prepared, especially at peak times, as the wait to get into Shadrack’s can usually be lengthy. The line backs up on Highway 66 towards Sevierville.
If you’re visiting the stadium location, you might be able to skip a bit of the line by approaching from the opposite end, coming in the backway on 66 and trying to make a left turn in.
Some kind soul who is filled with the Christmas spirit might let you in. I’ve seen it happen. Or you might be left with your tail lights exposed until Santa comes.
It’s a risk.
Finally, if you’re on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, Bryson City is now offering a Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular.
The Swain County Tourism Development Authority is partnering with Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland to bring giant, LED displays of the 12 days of Christmas to Bryson City in yet another new experience for 2022.
Read Also: Is the Polar Express train ride worth it? An honest review
Where is Shadrack’s Christmas?
The Sevierville location for Shadrack’s is located at the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Stadium at 3540 Line Drive, Kodak, TN.
Soaky Mountian Waterpark is located at 175 Gists Creek Rd in Sevierville.
The Bryson City spectacular will be held at Great Smoky Mountain Event Park at 1130 Hyatt Creek Rd.
There are additional locations in:
- Johnson City, TN
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Madison, AL
- Charlotte, NC
- Tryon, NC
- Tampa, FL
Have you seen Shadrack’s Christmas lights? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
It says Santa’s village is free. Does that include pictures with Santa?
I have been multiple times, Kodiak, Myrtle Beach SC and Fletcher NC. I loved them all but my favorite has always been in Kodiak. Awesome!! Wonderful music and Beautiful lights! I highly recommend to everybody from the young to the old.
Hi Lilly, in the past I remember they did sell photo packages. The photos themselves are (typically) separate, even though Santa’s Village is included. Hope that helps!