BUSCH GARDENS' AWARD-WINNING CHRISTMAS TOWN RETURNS WITH MILLIONS OF LIGHTS, ALL-NEW ENTERTAINMENT AND FESTIVE FUN AT ITS TWO SPECTACULAR PARKS

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Light Up the Season with Sparkling Décor, Holiday Shows and Family Traditions in the Making, Beginning Nov. 13, All Included with Park Admission.

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and Busch Gardens Christmas Town™ is ready to make it brighter than ever. Beginning Nov. 13, both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Williamsburg transform into dazzling holiday destinations, delivering all-new entertainment, beloved traditions, seasonal flavors and glittering light displays, all included with park admission.

Each park brings its own distinct sparkle to the season. Guests can look forward to festive shows, jolly rides, sweet and savory seasonal treats and countless photo-worthy moments, all part of the holiday magic that makes Christmas Town a must-visit.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: A Winter Wonderland Under the Florida Stars

Running select days from Nov. 13 through Jan. 4, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town turns the park into a radiant winter wonderland, with acres of dazzling lights illuminating the park -- all included with admission.

The Skyride returns to light up the night, with twinkling views of the park in its finest holiday décor, and thrill seekers can enjoy nighttime rides on fan favorites like Iron Gwazi and Phoenix Rising. Specialty dining options range from a Thanksgiving Feast to the Rudolph and Friends Character Dine.

Hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies exclusive to Christmas Town, plus holiday-inspired menu items and festive craft cocktails, are available throughout the park starting at 4 p.m. on event nights.

"This time of the year is all about spending time with those we hold dear and there is no better place to do so than at Christmas Town," said Brian Bacica, Park President at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. "Christmas Town allows families to celebrate and create traditions old and new while exploring dazzling lights and delicious bites."

Every corner of the park offers something new to unwrap this season:

• ALL-NEW Lights of Wonder – The night sky comes alive as a magnificent fleet of drones takes flight, perfectly synchronized to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes.
• ALL-NEW A Very Merry Cirque – This jaw-dropping acrobatic spectacle will keep guests on the edge of their seats.
• Christmas on Ice – Back by popular demand, this award-winning seasonal spectacle at the Moroccan Palace Theater features talented skaters performing to beloved Christmas classics and contemporary favorites.
• Mrs. Claus' Storytime – Mrs. Claus weaves magical tales that inspire wonder and celebrate the true spirit of the holidays, perfect for little ones and families alike.
• Elmo's Christmas Wish – Join Sesame friends as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish.
• Three Kings Journey – This inspiring musical tale follows the Three Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem.
• Holly Jolly Express – All aboard the jolliest train in town! Guests sing along to favorite holiday tunes while spreading Christmas cheer.
• Christmas Town Character Appearances – Guests can pose for photos with enchanting princesses and festive friends throughout the park.
• Ginga Ninjas – On select nights, the Ginga Ninjas breakdance their way through a high-energy holiday mystery when Mrs. Claus' beloved Christmas cookie recipe goes missing.
• Meet Rudolph and Friends - Visit Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, featuring festive decorations, interactive displays, and opportunities for photos with beloved characters from the classic holiday tale.
• Santa's North Pole Experience – Explore Santa's workshop, share holiday wishes, and take photos with Santa Claus in his private study as he takes a break from his busy holiday schedule.
• New Year's Eve Fireworks – On Dec. 31, guests can ring in the new year with daytime thrills and a stunning fireworks finale.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Over 10 Million Lights at the World's Most Beautiful Theme Park

Running select dates from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the World's Most Beautiful Theme Park, with over 10 million twinkling lights, creating one of the largest light displays in North America. With more than 25 attractions, including the all-new Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, Christmas Town delivers holiday cheer and thrills in one unforgettable evening.

New for 2026, the Queens of Christmas takes the stage in a sparkling holiday concert filled with festive harmonies, big vocals and genuine Christmas joy. This trio brings heartfelt moments and showstopping arrangements of holiday songs like This Christmas and Santa Baby.

Family favorites return to wrap the park in holiday cheer:

• Christmas Town Live! A Holiday Special – Guests are transported to the 1960s for a holiday TV special featuring classic carols and festive medleys, a one-of-a-kind trip down memory lane.
• Gloria! – A joyous retelling of the first Christmas blends contemporary and traditional music, costuming and scenery to celebrate the true meaning of the season.
• 'Twas That Night – The Royal Palace Theatre becomes a spectacular ice-skating stage that reimagines the classic tale of The Night Before Christmas.
• Scrooge No More – At the Globe Theatre, Scrooge is swept away by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, who teach him the importance of gathering with family and friends.
• Santa's Workshop and the Christmas Town Express – Timeless attractions bring the magic of the North Pole to life for guests of all ages.

Families can settle in for Santa's Fireside Feast, a fan-favorite dining experience in the Killarney area of the park on select dates. Guests enjoy a hearty meal and a special Christmas story from Santa himself. Reservations are available at BuschGardens.com. Seasonal sweet treats, including flavored hot chocolates and deep-dish cookies exclusive to Christmas Town, plus holiday shopping and special photo opportunities, complete the festive tradition.

Make the Season Even Brighter

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: For a limited time, guests can save up to 60% on Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. Pass Members enjoy year-round access to thrilling attractions and seasonal events, plus free guest tickets, free parking and discounts on merchandise, food and beverage.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: For a limited time, guests can save up to 65% on tickets and up to 35% on Memberships during the Christmas Town sale with single-day tickets as low as $31.99.

Plan Your Visit

To learn more about Christmas Town, visit ChristmasTown.com. For park hours and tickets, visit BuschGardensTampa.com or BuschGardens.com/Williamsburg and follow @Busch Gardens @BuschGardensVA on social media.

About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.

About Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Recognized by the National Amusement Park Historical Association as the Most Beautiful Park for 35 consecutive years, Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is a European-themed adventure park combining 17th-century charm with 21st-century thrills, featuring more than 50 rides and attractions, world-class coasters and year-round events.

Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. Learn more at UnitedParks.com.

Media Contacts:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: [email protected]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: [email protected]

SOURCE Busch Gardens Parks