Tampa's biggest & brightest holiday event

Celebrate the year with holiday cheer & gather with family and friends to create merry memories. Experience the joy of the season up close with animal encounters, thrilling rides, holiday inspired culinary delights and festive shows like Christmas on Ice. Keep the holiday spirit shining bright from day to night with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling fireworks, plus heartwarming moments with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Nov 11
Jan 07
View Park Hours Included with Park Admission
Event Type Holiday Festival
Dates Nov. 11 - Jan. 7, 2024
Event hours Park Open to Park Close
Event Price Included with Park Admission
A couple enjoying Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Christmas town 2
A family enjoying Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Christmas town 4
christmas town 5

A couple enjoying Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Christmas town 2
A family enjoying Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Christmas town 4
christmas town 5

Event Activities

Holiday Dining & Shopping

Indulge in culinary delights featuring savory treats, festive sweets, and holiday beverages at select locations throughout the park before finishing your Christmas shopping with the perfect gift from one of our various storefronts.

Specialty Hot Cocoa and Deep Dish Cookies

Festive Shows & Entertainment

Busch Gardens beams with twinkling lights and yuletide shows during Christmas Town! Be captivated by world-class ice skaters, festive fireworks on select nights, and even your favorite Sesame Street® characters with special Christmas entertainment.

Christmas shows

Santa's North Pole Experience

Join our jolly elves as they guide guests to see Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season. Great for Christmas photo opportunities, this fun and festive activity is perfect for making memories with your family and friends.

Meet Santa

Rudolph's Winter Wonderland

Don't miss this photo opportunity and meet with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends at Rudolph's Winter Wonderland.

Rudolph

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.

Holly Jolly Express

Enhance your Christmas Experience!

Download our FREE app to enhance your Christmas experience - view showtimes, purchase upgrades, and more!

Available on Apple's App Store

Busch Gardens Mobile App

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay transforms into a holiday wonderland of entertainment and attractions with twinkling lights, holiday shows, characters from the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television special and Santa's North Pole Experience presented by Coca-Cola®. Christmas Town is open through January 7, 2024. Please note: Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola®, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland will only be available through December 24, 2023.

Is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay an all-day event?

November 11, 2023 through January 7, 2024, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is dressed up for the holiday season. Guests can visit Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola®, travel to Rudolph's Winter Wonderland and experience a holiday wonderland featuring twinkling Christmas lights displays, special Christmas treats, holiday shopping, and entertainment in Christmas Town Village and all through the park. Check the show schedule for details. Please note: Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola®, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland will only be available through December 24, 2023.

Can I wear a costume to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

To ensure the safety of our guests and ambassadors, costumes are not permitted in the park during Christmas Town.

How much is a ticket to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town?

Entry into Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town is included with park admission. Anyone with a ticket to Busch Gardens, a valid Fun Card or an Annual Pass can enjoy this festive holiday event.

What attractions and rides are open during Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Our regular rides, attractions, and thrilling roller coasters will be open during the event. Be sure to get front-of-line access to our most popular rides. Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola® and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, will only be available through December 24.

Where can I meet Santa Claus at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Santa Claus will be at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay location from November 13 through December 24 in the Nairobi section of the park. The big man himself will take a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with your family at Santa's North Pole Experience presented by Coca-Cola®.

Is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will  open at 9:00 a.m., and close at 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Do Busch Gardens Pass Members receive any rewards and discounts during Christmas Town?

All Pass Member benefits apply during Christmas Town, including discounts on food, merchandise, and select VIP experiences.

When does Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town open and close this year?

Christmas Town is open every night from November 11, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Please check out our operating calendar for park hours.

Are manual and motorized (ECV) wheelchairs available for rent during Christmas Town?

You can rent wheelchairs and ECVs at the park’s entry or save time by reserving a wheelchair or stroller rental before you arrive. All you have to do is show your receipt, pick up and go!

Will Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town and attractions be open if it rains?

Rain or shine – Christmas Town remains open.

Can I use the Waves of Honor Busch Gardens military ticket as admission during Christmas Town?

The event is included with regular park admission; therefore, if you received a ticket through “Waves of Honor,” you can use it to come to the park on those select days.

Are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ticket group rates only available to corporations and/or companies?

Anyone coming to the park with 15 or more guests can qualify for group ticket pricing. Group tickets can be purchased online or by calling (407) 965-3251. You cannot purchase group tickets at the gate.

Are discount tickets available for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town?

Christmas Town is included with any park admission, but the best way to save and enjoy additional discounts is by becoming an Annual Pass Member. Christmas Town is included with an Annual Pass. Choose from benefits, including unlimited admission, free parking, free guest tickets, and more.

Can food or drinks be brought into the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park during Christmas Town?

Our standard Food and Beverage policy applies during Christmas Town. Outside food and drinks may not be taken into the park, but you can bring water bottles. Guests who have special dietary needs should contact Guest Relations for more information.

What special holiday shopping is available during Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town?

Located in Marrakesh Market, Santa’s Christmas Workshop is filled with wonderful Christmas-time offerings, including a wide selection of nutcrackers, nature-inspired Christmas décor, or Yuletide treasures for the entire family. Make sure also to visit Christmas Town Village for a selection of artisan gifts for everyone on your list.

What is Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town Village?

Explore Christmas Town® Village’s quaint holiday cabins while shopping for the perfect gift from a selection of artisan offerings. Plus, indulge in delicious seasonal treats available throughout the village.

What time does Christmas Town open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Christmas Town is open every night from November 11, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Please check out our operating calendar for park hours.

How long does Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town last?

Christmas Town is open every night from November 11, 2023, through January 7, 2024.

How much is Christmas Town parking at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

General parking at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for one car, motorcycle or RV/Camper is $30.00 or $35.00 for preferred parking per day.

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  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & TM under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.