Busch Gardens Christmas Town transforms this awesome theme park in Tampa into a holiday wonderland. There’s millions of sparkling Christmas lights, iconic holiday displays, festive shows, seasonal tasty treats, Santa and Rudolph meet and greets and a booming fireworks spectacular.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa runs on select dates from November 11th 2023 through January 7th 2024.

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all the usual thrills of rides, attractions and animal encounters that Busch Gardens Tampa always offers.

And all Christmas Town events are included in your regular park ticket.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Storytime with Mrs Claus

Located in the Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village, Mrs. Claus shares traditional holiday tales and a joyful song.

The show is on several times a day, usually 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm with an extra show at 9.30pm on nights park closes at 10pm.

Check the daily schedule on the dates you visit for exact times.

The Three Kings Journey Show

This show tells the story of their trek to Bethlehem in beautiful harmony that will get your hearts soaring in the Dragonfire Grill. Shown a few times a day, usually 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm, on select dates.

Check the Busch Gardens Christmas Town show schedule for exact dates.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Elmo’s Christmas Wish

Elmo and furry friends from Sesame Street, including Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Zoe help Elmo find his Christmas wish. Fun family entertainment that creates lots of fun and merriment in the outdoor Sunny Day Theater.

The show is on several times a day, usually 12.30pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and an additional show at 7.30pm when the park closes at 10pm.

Check the daily event calendar for exact times on the day you visit.

Take a magical stroll through Christmas Town Village under millions of twinkling lights as you listen to Yuletide carols.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Holiday Dining

Christmas Cabins are bursting with sweet and savory seasonal treats. Enjoy a seasonal hot chocolate, warm cookies or savory treats. There are 17  cabins in Christmas Town Village and throughout the park, offering a whole range of festive goodies. See full menu.

Food & Beverage Samplers

Can’t decide which treat to munch on? Chow down on a selection of festive flavors with the Sampler package, available from November 11th 2023 onwards. You’ll get to sample either 5 items or 10 items (mix and match food or beverages).

The 5 Sampler costs $45. The 10 sampler is $60 – annual pass holders get a discount.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Shopping

Find that perfect Christmas gift. Local artisans will be displaying a selection of handcrafted items in Xcursions. Plus, you’ll find more seasonal gifts and ideas during Busch Gardens Christmas Town from Marrakesh Market, Emporium and Painted Camel.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Holly Jolly Express

All aboard for a sing-a-long on wheels to family favorites like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. This beautiful old-fashioned steam locomotive circles the Serengeti while you sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland

Meet Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon, Cornelius and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland. Get your festive photo taken and play holiday games. Watch as the famous story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life.

Available from 5pm to park close. (Subject to change, do check on the day you visit).

Santa’s North Pole Experience

Meet Santa in his workshop as he and the elves are busy making preparations for the Holidays.

Available from 5pm to park close. (Subject to change, do check on the day you visit).

Other Holiday Characters

The Poinsettia Princess, Sugar Plum Princess, Ice Princess, jolly snowmen and a range of Sesame Street characters make appearances throughout Busch Gardens Christmas Town.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town VIP Tour

This tour is available from on select dates from November 11th through December 24th, starting at 5pm and lasting around 4 hours.

2023 VIP Tour Dates are:

November 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

The Busch Gardens Christmas Town VIP Tour includes:

• Front-of-the-line access to Santa’s house and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
• An Opportunity to feed Flamingos at Animal Connections
• Reserved seating for the Christmas on Ice show
• Complimentary photo
• Complimentary Souvenir mug with hot cocoa and a cookie ( One free refill )

The cost is $139.99 per person (does not include park admission) and is available for a minimum of 2 people. Annual Passholders get up to 20% discount.

See full details.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Elite Tour

You’ll get an up to seven-hour private tour of Busch Gardens with customized itinerary, plus:

• Preferred Parking
• Front-of-the-line access on all major roller coasters
• Serengeti Safari tour and hand-feeding giraffes
• Animal encounter and photo op with giant Aldabra tortoises
• Reserved seating at popular shows
• Complimentary beverages
• Dinner at your restaurant of choice

Cost ranges from $429 to $679 for ages 3 and over, pass members get up to 20% off.

See full details and restrictions.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town has unique decor and holiday lights in abundance.

Luminosity Lane is a stroll through tunnel from Congo to Stanleyville. Other displays of sparkling lights can be found at Morocco, Cheetah Walkway and Plaza, Flamingo Way and Bird Gardens.

If you are visiting Busch Gardens Christmas Town, we’d love to welcome you to one of our cozy Orlando Vacation Homes. An awesome alternative to hotels for comfort, space and privacy!