Sleighbells are ringing, do you hear them? Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa is returning for another year of festive holiday magic! This year’s event starts earlier than ever with millions of twinkling lights, a new fireworks show, and a brand-new Santa meet & greet experience. Here are the details of this year’s Christmas Town:
Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town
This year, the holiday celebration begins earlier so guests have more time to enjoy the festivities. Christmas Town starts on November 12, and will run every night through January 2, 2022. The holiday event is included with regular daytime admission to Busch Gardens.
If you’re craving that holiday spirit and can’t wait until the 12th to scratch that itch, you’re in luck! Guests can enjoy the Preview Weekend on November 6 & 7 and enjoy shows, holiday character meet-and-greets, and iconic holiday light displays. Also, Annual Pass Members get exclusive access to the 2:00 pm Christmas on Ice performance during the Preview Weekend.
There are some brand-new experiences for guests to enjoy this holiday season, including an all-new fireworks show:
Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show: Enjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select event nights, beginning November 13.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Located in the Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village, Mrs. Claus will share traditional holiday tales and a joyful song.
Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola: Jolly elves guide guests to see Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season.
In addition, other fan-favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland includes:
- Christmas on Ice: Busch Gardens’ longest-running holiday show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater. This inspiring skating production transforms the stage with incredible feats of skating athleticism for a memorable show set to holiday classic songs.
- Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.
- Three Kings Journey: The musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated in the round at the Stanleyville Theater.
- Holly Jolly Express: All aboard for Christmas Cheer! This locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the favorite songs of the season as guests venture through the park.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Journey to Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all.
As guests dash through the night between iconic rollercoasters, they can also explore the Christmas Town Village— a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an indulgent holiday menu. These unique, limited-time options include new specialty cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita and the Apple Brandy Hot Toddy. Complete the night with a signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate featuring festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread (we are BIG fans of the gingerbread hot chocolate). Feel the spirit of the season in each bite with the new maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holiday favorites like the smoked brisket “totchos” (tater tot nachos).
The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at $44.99 for an 8-punch lanyard. We always recommend purchasing a sampler lanyard as you can really get a lot of bang for your buck if you use your punches for the more expensive menu items.
Disney Theme Park Ticket & Travel Deals
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you plan a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including 25% off select rooms at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, ticket deals to Disney and Universal theme parks, and special vacation package deals: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear From You
What do you think about this year’s lineup for Christmas Town at Busch Gardens? Are you looking forward to a longer holiday season in the parks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!