Pigeon forge - thanksgiving week

Dollywood is only open Sun, Wed, Fri, Sat, & following Sun of Thanksgiving week. Starting Nov. 8th, the Smoky Mountain Christmas event starts. If I wanted to go to see the lights I'd go on Wednesday night. I've been to DW on major holiday weekend during the Christmas festival and the crowds are always above normal. You can expect crowded sidewalks and long lines for shows and rides on Fri, Sat, and Sun. As for the area, Wed will have more traffic as people move in and out of the area, Thur usually isn't bad in the morning and up to afternoon. As night falls, many nearby families will take a joy ride thru the area to see all of the Christmas decorations, same for Sat night.
Hope that helps.