Walt Disney World is one of the best places to visit during the holidays, but it isn’t the only game in town. There are many other glorious ways to celebrate the season! If you’re looking for lights, consider making the drive to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Christmas Town is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! This year, it will run on select nights through January 5. Here is the official press release.
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The holidays shine brighter than ever at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town™, filling the season with holiday cheer and festive fun. Beginning November 14 through January 5, the park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of twinkling lights and two spectacular new additions — the ALL-NEW Holiday Skies Spectacular, featuring hundreds of drones synchronized to classic holiday music, and the ALL-NEW Serengeti Light Show, an immersive, multi-sensory light and music display across the park’s iconic Serengeti Plain.
The iconic Skyride will sparkle once again with festive lights, providing guests with breathtaking nighttime views of Busch Gardens dressed in its best holiday decor. Guests can also enjoy rides on fan-favorite attractions and coasters, including the recently returned Kumba, Phoenix Rising and more. Beloved holiday experiences like Santa’s North Pole Experience, the Holly Jolly Express, and dazzling shows such as Christmas on Ice will fill the air with festive magic for all ages.
Seasonal treats from holiday-flavored hot chocolates to freshly baked cookies exclusive to Christmas Town will add extra sweetness to the celebration. This year, guests can delight in all-new holiday-inspired menu items, explore the gingerbread cookie decorating station, and sip on a selection of new Christmas Town craft cocktails available throughout the park. With unique holiday shopping, countless special holiday photo opportunities, and endless ways to create lasting memories, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town is the perfect holiday tradition for family and friends.
“There’s nothing quite like the joy and wonder that fill the park during Christmas Town,” said Brian Bacica, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From festive shows to sparkling decorations around every corner, we can’t wait for guests to make cherished holiday memories with us.”
Visitors of all ages can enjoy fan-favorite entertainment celebrating the holiday season. Returning entertainment includes:
- ALL-NEW Serengeti Light Show – A luminous, choreographed display that turns the Serengeti into a living canvas of color and sound, celebrating the beauty of the season. The show features tens of thousands of Christmas lights choreographed to the tune of our own exclusive iteration of “Carol of the Bells”
- ALL-NEW Holiday Skies Spectacular: – Watch the night sky come alive with a breathtaking drone show, perfectly synchronized to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes in an awe-inspiring finale unlike anything else in Florida
- Christmas on Ice – Returning by popular demand, this exhilarating seasonal spectacle at the Moroccan Palace Theater features breathtaking ice-skating performances. Experience the joy of the holiday season as talented skaters dazzle with routines set to beloved Christmas classics and contemporary favorites.
- Mrs. Claus’ Storytime – Perfect for little ones and families alike, this enchanting story time will delight audiences with Mrs. Claus’ warm presence and charming storytelling style. Children will be captivated as she weaves magical tales that inspire wonder and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays.
- Busch Gardens Holiday Magic – This captivating performance features amazing illusions, impressive choreography, and festive music for a memorable holiday experience in the Stanleyville Theater.
- Three Kings Journey – Be immersed in the inspiring musical tale of the Three Wise Men as they embark on their journey to Bethlehem.
- Holly Jolly Express – All aboard the jolliest train in town! Guests will be whisked away on a festive journey around the park, where they can sing along to their favorite holiday tunes. Join the celebration and spread Christmas cheer while riding the Holly Jolly Express!
- 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.
- Christmas Town Character Appearances – Don’t miss your chance to capture unforgettable moments with special seasonal characters scattered throughout the park! Pose for photos with enchanting princesses and many more festive friends who are eager to celebrate the season.
- New Years Eve Fireworks– Ring in the new year with music, fireworks and thrill rides. Join Busch Gardens on December 31 for unforgettable fun during the day and fireworks at night.
Guests can also enjoy Santa’s North Pole Experience, where they can meet Santa, explore his workshop, and share their holiday wishes. Plus, guests can visit Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, in a NEW location, featuring festive decorations, interactive displays, merch, and opportunities for photos with beloved characters from the classic holiday tale.
Christmas Town runs select dates from Nov. 14 through Jan. 5. To learn more about all the festive experiences Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has to offer, guests can visit ChristmasTown.com.