Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The area’s biggest and brightest holiday celebration, returns daily from Nov. 15 through Jan. 5, 2025!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a winter wonderland of seasonal entertainment, unique and up-close encounters with animals, culinary masterpieces , and attractions such as the all-new Phoenix Rising and the award-winning hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi.
Iconic and beloved entertainment options will take over the entire park and will be available every day of the event, all included with regular park admission, Fun Card or Annual Pass.
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What’s New?
All new this year, guests can celebrate the season with new light-up orb and confetti style pop-up trees that will take over the Jungala area and visit the new Blizzard Penguin light-up photo op on the Penguin Point. And while you’re visiting the park, be on the lookout for our new stilt walker, Ms. Mistletoe, all throughout the holiday season!
Returning Favorites
Celebrating the holidays for over a decade, Christmas Town returns with fan favorites that guests hold near and dear. Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola, is a unique experience where jolly elves interact with guests as they guide them to see Santa in his workshop.
Also returning is Storytime with Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Friends at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, where guests get to meet and greet the most famous reindeer of all. Other returning entertainment options are:
- Christmas on Ice – Back by popular demand, this energetic and mesmerizing seasonal show opens for multiple showtimes at the Moroccan Palace Nov. 15. See amazing thrills on ice and moments of wonder as talented skaters perform to traditional and popular Christmas songs.
- Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Families are sure to have a jolly good time as they help Elmo realize his Christmas wish! Sing along during this festive show featuring appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Zoe. This show opens Nov. 8 in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park.
- Three Kings Journey – The famed journey of the three wise men to Bethlehem is celebrated in this inspiring musical tale during select nights at the Dragon Fire Grill opening Nov. 22..
- Holiday in the Sky, a Nighttime Spectacular – The evening sky comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks choreographed to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes. This fireworks display will take place on the Festival Field on select event
- Busch Gardens Holiday Magic – This captivating magic show celebrates the wonder of the season in a whole new way starting Nov. 18.
- Holly Jolly Express – The jolliest and brightest train will transport guests into the celebration as it loops around the park. While on their journey, guests are encouraged to sing along to favorite songs of the season. All aboard for Christmas Cheer!
- Character Appearances – Guests will not want to miss the chance to capture memorable photos with special seasonal characters located throughout the park including princesses, lovable snowmen and many more!
Festive, Heartwarming Seasonal Menus
From delightful mealtime moments to delectable food samples, Christmas Town offers an abundance of festive flavors to satisfy the holiday cravings. Guests can immerse themselves in a seasonal culinary journey throughout the entire park, with both returning favorites such as the Open-Faced Holiday Smoked Turkey Sandwich and Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, plus newly reinvented dishes like Braised Short Rib, Vegetable Lasagna Rolls, a Holiday Sundae Bowl and even Mistletoe Margaritas!
There’s even a dedicated Hot Cocoa Cabin featuring fun options to choose from.
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*Presented by Busch Gardens | Originally published in the November 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.