Dollywood is open from late March through early January. View the Dollywood calendar for operating days and hours.

The body of water that separates the boroughs of Queens and Manhattan is actually the East River, which—despite its name—is not a true river but a saltwater tidal estuary. It is a 16-mile (26 km) long strait that connects Upper New York Bay to the Long Island Sound. The East River is one of the most famous waterways in the world, spanned by several iconic architectural marvels including the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge) and the Roosevelt Island Bridge. It also splits around Roosevelt Island, creating a West Channel (Manhattan side) and an East Channel (Queens side). The river's powerful currents and heavy commercial traffic make it a challenging but picturesque route for the numerous NYC Ferries and private vessels that navigate it daily. Historically, the East River was the heart of New York's maritime industry, and today its banks are home to some of the city's most expensive real estate, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline to residents of Long Island City and Astoria.

Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, typically follows a seasonal schedule where it is closed during the months of January, February, and part of March. In 2026, the park's "Smoky Mountain Christmas" season usually ends in the first week of January, after which the park enters its "winter hibernation" for maintenance and new construction. The official reopening for the new season usually occurs in mid-to-late March, often coinciding with the start of the "I Love Paisleys" or Flower & Food Festival. During these winter months, while the main theme park is closed, the Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and the Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort often remain open for guests seeking a mountain getaway, and the nearby "Dolly Parton’s Stampede" dinner show typically continues its performances on a modified schedule. For travelers planning a 2026 trip, it is vital to check the official Dollywood calendar, as specific operating days in March can vary based on local spring break schedules and weather conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains.