Busch Gardens in Tampa turns into a Christmas Wonderland during the holiday season. When Busch Gardens invited me to experience Christmas Town in exchange for promoting here on my blog, I jumped at the chance. Here are my top picks for Busch Gardens Christmas Town Must-Dos!
If you are visiting Disney World and are renting a car you can get to Busch Gardens via I-4 West. It is about a 2-hour drive but very much worth the drive or even a 2-day excursion as there is plenty to do in Tampa.
In addition to Busch Gardens ticket price, there is also a $25 parking fee. Save $16 on Busch Gardens Tampa Single Day Ticket! Christmas Town is included in theme park admission.
This Christmas season, park guests can take on Florida’s best thrill rides as they coast over millions of twinkling Christmas lights. The park’s newest addition, Tigris – Florida’s tallest launch coaster, is also dressed for the holidays – featuring NEW light displays inspired by the attraction. Near the Tigris realm, guests can stroll through the NEW Luminosity Lane – an immersive light tunnel synchronized to favorite holiday tunes.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Must-Dos
Food & Drinks
Christmas Town is like a mini Food & Wine Festival with all sorts of holiday flavors. Throughout the Christmas Town Village, guests can stroll from cabin to cabin to sample delicious holiday dishes and drinks. From apple pie, sweet potato fries, chicken-and-waffle sandwiches to hot toddies and NEW pumpkin thrill shakes, the best way to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler. The sample sizes are huge and could be shared.
Character Greetings
Have fun with various Christmas personalities such as the Sugar Plum Princess, Ice Princess, Poinsettia Princess, Snowcone the Snowman, Rudolph, and of course Santa Claus.
Christmas on Ice
A frosty fan-favorite and the longest-running holiday show at Busch Gardens! I really wanted to experience this and thought I had allowed enough time to see the last performance but I did not. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get in line for the performance. You may also have a better chance if you see the first performance of this earlier in the day.
Elmo’s Christmas Wish
A song-filled spectacle featuring classic holiday tunes with a special Sesame Street twist. In addition to the show, there is a special breakfast at Dine with Elmo & Friends on select Saturdays.
Carol of the Bells
This was my favorite presentation of the night, but I am a sucker for dancing Christmas Light Displays. Thousands of dancing Christmas lights blanket the Serengeti Overlook Restaurant and an iconic multi-story Christmas tree for a perfectly choreographed performance of “Carol of the Bells.”
The lights are so pretty as they dance to music. There is little to no seating so to enjoy you must be able to stand. The show is continuous and happens every 10 to 15 minutes.
Three Kings Journey
If you are looking for a presentation of the real meaning of Christmas than Three Kings Journey is spectacular. The Three Kings sing beloved Christmas hymns.
There are a few rows of seating. The show is about 15 minutes long and afterward, you can get a pictures with the Three Kings if you would like.
Holiday Sing-Along Train
If you love Christmas caroling then make sure to hop on this train. I loved it! You get a 15 minutes train ride around sing Christmas songs all while getting a beautiful view of Busch Gardens. We even saw some animals on the ride.
The lines are much shorter later in the evening than in the beginning.
Tons of Christmas Lights
There are Christmas light displays everywhere. I think I enjoyed the North Pole Area the best because of all the snowmen. Plus, it is near the penguin exhibit and there was one that stood right next to the window and was like “ain’t I cute?”
The whole place is just super beautiful! If you live in the Tampa Bay area and have not been yet, you are missing out!
If you have been to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, what did you like best?
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