Christmas Town, a holiday celebration at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia, is a highly anticipated event that transforms the African and European-themed animal parks into winter wonderlands. The festivities, which typically begin in late November and run through December, feature elaborate decorations, live shows, and special attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. With its unique blend of holiday cheer and wild animal exhibits, Christmas Town has become a beloved tradition for many families and thrill-seekers alike.
History of Christmas Town
The first Christmas Town event was held at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2009, with the Tampa location following suit in 2012. Since then, the celebration has grown in popularity, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The event’s success can be attributed to its ability to combine the magic of the holiday season with the excitement of a world-class theme park. From the moment guests enter the park, they are immersed in a festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas trees.
Attractions and Exhibits
Christmas Town features a wide range of attractions and exhibits, including live shows, animal exhibits, and thrill rides. Some of the most popular attractions include the Ice Skating Show, which features professional skaters performing to holiday music, and the Christmas Town Village, where guests can meet Santa Claus and enjoy holiday treats. The park’s animal exhibits, such as the Cheetah Run and Jungala, are also open during the event, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the park’s amazing animals.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Ice Skating Show | Professional ice skaters perform to holiday music |
| Christmas Town Village | Meet Santa Claus and enjoy holiday treats |
| Cheetah Run | Get up close and personal with the park's cheetahs |
| Jungala | Explore the park's animal exhibits, featuring tigers, orangutans, and more |
Special Events and Activities
In addition to its regular attractions and exhibits, Christmas Town also features a range of special events and activities, including Santa’s Workshop, where kids can make their own holiday crafts, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place each evening. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks, such as hot chocolate and cookies, throughout the park.
Live Shows and Performances
Christmas Town features a variety of live shows and performances, including concerts, dance shows, and theater productions. Some of the most popular shows include the Christmas Town Live concert series, which features performances by local and national artists, and the Holiday Hills Theater production, which showcases a range of holiday-themed performances.
- Santa's Workshop: Make your own holiday crafts
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Witness the park's Christmas tree come to life
- Holiday-themed food and drinks: Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and more throughout the park
- Christmas Town Live: Concert series featuring local and national artists
- Holiday Hills Theater: Theater production showcasing holiday-themed performances
What are the dates for Christmas Town at Busch Gardens?
+Christmas Town typically takes place from late November to December, with exact dates varying by year and location. Check the official Busch Gardens website for specific dates and times.
What attractions and exhibits are included in the Christmas Town event?
+Christmas Town features a range of attractions and exhibits, including live shows, animal exhibits, and thrill rides. Some of the most popular attractions include the Ice Skating Show, Christmas Town Village, and the park’s animal exhibits, such as the Cheetah Run and Jungala.
Are there any special events and activities during Christmas Town?
+Yes, Christmas Town features a range of special events and activities, including Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and holiday-themed food and drinks. Guests can also enjoy live shows and performances, such as concerts and theater productions.
