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 13
Jan 07
Nov, 13 - Jan. 7 2024 View Park Hours Included with Park Admission
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Food and Wine Festival Concert Stage
2023 Fun Card
Buy a 2023 Busch Gardens Fun Card, get Adventure Island FREE.
Pay for a day, play all year at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island! Valid until December 31, 2023.*

*Blockout dates apply.
Food and Wine Festival Concert Stage
Become a Pass Member
Get admission to special events all year long when you become a Pass Member. Plus, choose from a variety of benefits such as unlimited admission, free parking, up to 6 free guest tickets & more. Starting at only $14 per month.

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.

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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.

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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.

Open daily starting at 3:00 p.m. through December 24

Meet Santa

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

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 located in Pantopia.

Open daily starting at 5:00 p.m. through December 24

Rudolph

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 9, 2023. Please note: Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola®, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland will only be available through December 24, 2022.

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

Now through January 9, 2023, 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.

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 14 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.  Pass Members can also get an exclusive 12-item Christmas Town Food & Beverage Sampler for the price of a 10-item Sampler. View our monthly rewards calendar for additional discounts and offers.

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

Christmas Town is open every night from November 14, 2022, through January 9, 2023. 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.

Can I add Christmas Town photos to my PhotoKey?

Yes. Christmas Town photo locations are included in PhotoKey. These locations include Santa Claus, Rudolph, Bumble and Snow Globe. Santa's North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola®, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland will only be available through December 31, 2022.

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

Christmas Town is open every night from November 14, 2022, through January 9, 2023. 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 14, 2022, through January 9, 2023.

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.

Does Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town have fireworks?

Yes, fireworks are offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select nights of the event, starting at 9:00 p.m.

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