Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

If you’re visiting Dollywood and looking for a hands-on souvenir that’s as unique as your trip, the Mountain Blown Glass pumpkin-making experience is a must-try. Not only do you get to create your own piece of art, but you’ll also learn the fascinating process behind the centuries-old craft of glass blowing.

Where to Find Mountain Blown Glass

Mountain Blown Glass is located inside Dollywood, tucked away among the park’s artisan shops. This is where you can watch master craftsmen shape molten glass into beautiful creations — and even join in to make one yourself.

While many guests choose to make pumpkins, you can also create ornaments in a variety of colors. The best part? Pumpkins aren’t just for fall — you can make them year-round.

Watch this Our awesome YouTube video tour:

Pricing, Age Requirements, and Timing

Cost: $49.99 (plus tax, $54.86 total)
Age Requirement: Ages 6 and up
Discounts: None — Diamond and Gold pass discounts don’t apply
Time Commitment:
- Making your item: About 10 minutes
- Cooling time: 2–2.5 hours before pickup
Pickup Location: The Emporium at the front of Dollywood
Shipping Option: Available for UPS shipping rates if you prefer not to carry it home

Tip: Sign Up Early

This experience is extremely popular, and same-day slots often fill up by 11:00 a.m. To avoid missing out, head to Mountain Blown Glass as soon as you arrive at the park.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Glass Pumpkin

Here’s exactly how our visit went when Bri made her own glass pumpkin.

1. Choose Your Colors

Choose Your Colors - Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

The fun begins by picking the colors for your pumpkin and its stem. You can:

Select from pre-mixed colors
Create your own blend by choosing up to three individual colors
Pick a stem color (classic green is popular)

The craftsman will guide you if you’re unsure which shades work best together.

2. Learn About the Materials

Materials- Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

Before starting, you’ll learn how glass colors are made by adding trace metals to the raw glass:

Selenium for reds
Selenium + Cadmium for oranges
Other metals for blues, greens, and more

3. The Molten Glass Process

The Molten Glass Process - Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

Using an optic mold, ribs are pressed into the pumpkin- The Molten Glass Process - Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

Your craftsman gathers molten glass — heated to a scorching 2,100°F — from the furnace.

The glass is rolled in your chosen colors.
It’s shaped slightly, then placed back in the oven to reheat (glass cools in about 30 seconds, so constant reheating is essential).
Using an optic mold, ribs are pressed into the pumpkin.

4. Your Turn to Blow

Your Turn to Blow- Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

This is where you step in:

Start blowing softly, like whistling.
Blow harder on cue from the craftsman.
Watch your pumpkin grow in size right before your eyes.

5. Adding the Stem

Adding the Stem- Making a Glass Pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass

While the glass is still glowing hot, the stem is attached. This final touch gives your pumpkin its character.

6. Cooling in the Annealer

The finished piece is placed in a conveyor-belt-style oven (annealer) set at 1,100°F. Over two hours, it slowly moves to the cooler end (around 200°F) to prevent cracking.

When it’s ready, you’ll notice the colors are brighter than they looked when hot.

Picking Up Your Pumpkin

Once your creation has cooled, you can pick it up at the Emporium. You’ll also receive a Certificate of Authenticity — proof that this one-of-a-kind souvenir was made by you at Dollywood.

Final Thoughts

Bri loved her finished pumpkin and couldn’t wait to display it at home. Not only was the process fun, but it also provided a deeper appreciation for the skill and precision that goes into glass blowing.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a hands-on learner, or simply looking for a unique keepsake from your Smoky Mountains trip, making a glass pumpkin at Dollywood’s Mountain Blown Glass is an experience you won’t forget.