Christmas Town

Tampa Bay’s Brightest Holiday Celebration

Holiday cheer returns to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay for our annual Christmas Town™ celebration on select dates from November 13, 2026, through January 4, 2027. The park transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive entertainment, and holiday traditions for the whole family to enjoy.

Visit the park to enjoy:

• Holiday shows like the brand new “Cirque Holiday Show” and "Light of Wonder"!

• Classic traditions like Santa’s Workshop and the Holly Jolly™ Express

• Festive sweet treats and hearty holiday meals throughout the park

• Seasonal shopping at the New Christmas Town Market

• Photo ops with Santa and everyone’s favorite “Rudolph and Friends”

• And all your favorite theme park rides and attractions

Best of all, Christmas Town is included with your Busch Gardens admission!

Select Dates

View Park Schedule

Included with Park Admission

Event Type

Holiday Festival
Event Hours

Park Open to Park Close
Event Price

Included with Park Admission

Event Activities

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Located at Cheetah Hunt Plaza

Join Miguel & Holly and Brian Fink from Tampa Bay’s Mix 100.7 at Busch Gardens Christmas Town on November 13 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Stop by for a live broadcast and meet Tampa Bay’s favorite DJ. Then, gather at 7:00 PM for a special tree lighting to kick off the holiday season!

Festive food & drink

Indulge in holiday-inspired culinary delights and seasonal treats. From hearty feasts to sweet treats and limited-time cocktails, enjoy the flavors of the holidays while you explore the park.

Holiday shows & entertainment

From Broadway-style theatrical performances to caroling pop-ups and holiday dance parties, Christmas Town is full of festive family-friendly entertainment. Catch a show and get in the Christmas spirit!

Christmas lights & sights

Celebration of lights

Enjoy nearly 70 miles of glittering lights as they illuminate the entire park and inspire the holiday spirit.

Meet Rudolph & Friends

Step into Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where life-size storybook scenes and cheerful character meet-and-greets with Rudolph and friends bring this timeless Christmas tale to life.

Buy Priority Access

Serengeti Express during Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Holly Jolly™ Express

All aboard for Christmas Cheer! This locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with favorite songs of the season and wild views of Busch Gardens' 65-acre veldt, home to giraffes, rhinos, zebras and more.

Seasonal Traditions

Hanukkah Celebration

Dec. 4 – Dec. 12

Celebrate Hanukkah at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the lighting of the menorah every night at 6:00PM from December 4 - December 12. The menorah is located between the Moroccan Palace and cheetah habitat.

New Year's Eve Celebration

Dec. 31

Ring in 2027 with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on December 31st for unforgettable fun during the day. Then at night see the ALL-NEW Light of Wonder drone show and enjoy a special fireworks finale on New Year’s Eve!

Three Kings Celebration

December 21 – January 4th

Three Kings Journey Show unites magical voices in perfect harmony, unfolding the famed journey to the humble town of Bethlehem at Dragon Fire Grill

Christmas Town Vacation Package

Unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the length of your stay**
Your choice of accommodations from hand-selected hotel partners
FREE general parking at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Plus, $25 merchandise credit for your holiday shopping at Busch Gardens

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