Get Set for Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens has been popular with our British visitors for decades, with its blend of animals, rides and shows, but it really dials up the attraction when November rolls around with its own distinct twist on the festive season – Christmas Town.

This lovely theme park bills itself as the biggest and brightest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area, but it is a much bigger draw than just the Gulf Coast and is well worth adding to your Wish List for a Christmas cracker.

It is only a 58-mile drive from our villas in the Champions Gate area, and 65 from the Four Corners, hence it is an easy journey for most of the time, straight down I-4, where Christmas Town awaits, just off McKinley Drive.

What IS Christmas Town?

From November 11 to January 7, Busch Gardens transforms into a genuine winter wonderland of seasonal entertainment, unique experiences and seasonal culinary treats, in addition to its headline rides such as the thrilling Serengeti Flyer and award-winning hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi.

Over the last 10 years, their creative team has developed a series of iconic and beloved entertainment options that take over the entire park and will be available through the 58 consecutive days of the event.

It runs throughout the day but is best experienced after dark, when the millions of lights come into their own, and the park becomes a true festive fiesta.

Best of all, the whole Christmas Town experience is FREE with regular park admission, so your 14-day SeaWorld-Busch Gardens-Aquatica tickets are even better value at this time of year.

What’s to see in 2023?

This year’s presentation is a mix of the new and the old. New light displays will take over the Jungala area, extending all the way through Pantopia, featuring a light-up walk-through dragon.

Located in the Bird Gardens area of the park, guests can also step through a marvelous light tunnel, presented by Coca-Cola and composed of thousands of glimmering LED lights seamlessly synchronized to a symphony of holiday tunes. Also, a brand-new 40-foot pixelated tree will deck the halls at Cheetah Plaza.

Christmas Town also returns with a line-up of tried-and-trusted fan-favorites that guests hold near and dear, such as Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola, 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.

Headline acts are back

The live entertainment Christmas Town is known for will all be returning, with a dazzling array of seasonal fun and excitement, including the big night-time finale. Take your pick from:

“Christmas on Ice” – Back by popular demand, this energetic and mesmerising seasonal show returns to the Moroccan Palace. See amazing thrills on ice and moments of wonder as talented skaters perform to traditional and popular Christmas songs (multiple showtimes throughout the day).

“Elmo’s Christmas Wish” – Families are sure to have a jolly good time as they help Elmo realise his Christmas wish! Sing-along during this festive show that features appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe. This show takes place 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 (only during select nights at the Dragon Fire Grill from Nov. 11-Jan 7).

“Holiday in the Sky, a Night-Time Spectacular,” – The evening sky comes to life with a colourful display of festive fireworks, all choreographed to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes. This fireworks display takes place on the Festival Field on select event nights.

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 favourite 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!

A fab festive menu

From full mealtime options to delectable food samples, Christmas Town also offers an abundance of festive flavours that go down well with all the family. In addition to the traditional hot cocoa, which will have a dedicated cabin with options to choose from, guests can immerse themselves in a seasonal culinary journey, located throughout the park.

And, whether you just want a mug of cocoa or a turkey meal with tasty trimmings, there is a truly tempting line-up this year, including eight outstanding dishes:

• New! Chicken coq-au-vin served with red bliss mashed potatoes. • New! Holiday Poutine, served with gravy, cheese curds and cranberry relish. • New! Smoked turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, gravy and Texas toast. • New! Seared scallop, ruby red couscous and goat cheese crumbles. • Returning Fan-Favourite! Red curry shrimp and jasmine rice. • Returning Fan-Favourite! Wild mushroom tart with Boursin crema. • Reinvented! Festive Cheese & Berries - Brie tart with blackberry jam and sliced almonds. • Reinvented! Not-So-Traditional Holiday Ham - Pork shank braised with spiced pineapple & brown sugar with green beans.

Then there is an eye-catching array of all-new signature Christmas Town cocktails:

• Mistletoe Margarita - Tequila, Monin pomegranate and a splash of lime. • South for the Winter - Jack Daniels, Jack Daniels Honey, Monin cranberry, ginger and lime. • Jack Frost - Coconut rum, blue curacao, mint and a splash of lime. • Ginger Snap Mule - Spiced rum, Amaretto, ginger and a splash of lime. • Candy Cane Lane - Vodka, Monin Peppermint, grenadine and a splash of lime.

It’s a range of luscious libations that promises to be the life and soul of the party, but we do urge drivers to be cautious, and to opt for the alcohol-free options in most cases.

All in all, it is a terrific celebration of the season and a Christmas occasion for all ages, wrapped up in one of the best-decorated packages in Florida this winter. Even if you’re not a fan of the animals and rides (but why wouldn’t you be!), this Town is worth coming for on its own.

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