The holiday season is all about traditions. Putting milk and cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Driving through the neighborhood, looking at Christmas lights. Picking out a tree and decorating it with ornaments. For us frogs, we hop to all of the Orlando theme parks! However, we've recently started heading over to Tampa Bay for Busch Gardens' Christmas Town. We always have a merry time here and we're hoppy to share all of the details!
Christmas Town has a lot to offer — sparkling lights, seasonal shows, special character greetings (including Santa himself!), festive food and more. On select nights, there's even a special fireworks show to light up the night! Overall, it's best to plan ahead if you want to accomplish as much as possible — something we learned on the fly the first time around. If you have the extra time to hop over to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during this holiday season, here’s what you can expect.
FAQs
- When does Busch Gardens Christmas Town take place? Busch Gardens Christmas Town takes place from Nov. 14, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026.
- Do I need park admission to experience Busch Gardens Christmas Town? Yes, you do need park admission to experience Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Save some green this holiday season by purchasing tickets through Undercover Tourist!
- What can I expect to see at Busch Gardens Christmas Town? Stroll through miles of dazzling lights, indulge in holiday-inspired culinary delights, enjoy yuletide shows and meet festive characters, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends at Busch Gardens Christmas Town.
- Is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Celebrate the holiday at Christmas Town! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and open at 9 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. on Christmas Day.
- What attractions are open during Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? The park's regular rides, attractions and thrilling roller coasters are all open during the event.
Overview of Busch Gardens Christmas Town
This year, Busch Gardens Christmas Town festivities begin on Nov. 14, 2025, and will continue through Jan. 5, 2026. The event takes place on most days of the week, giving you plenty of time to make those whimsical Christmas memories! Hop on board the Holly Jolly Express and tour the twinkling lights, or indulge in your sweet tooth with festive holiday sweets.
There are plenty of shows to enjoy, including "Christmas on Ice", "Elmo's Christmas Wish" and the frog favorite, "Three Kings Journey." If you want to see showtimes for a specific day, check the park hours and entertainment schedule on Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's website. For example, "Three Kings Journey" is not shown daily.
Best of all, the Christmas Town fun is included with park admission, a Fun Card or an annual pass. Most of the Christmas Town festivities take place after 2 p.m. (though during the week, shows may have earlier showtimes due to earlier park closing times), but we highly suggest arriving early. This is especially true if you plan to go over on a weekend or during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, as there are a lot of things to do! A good problem to have, right?
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Entertainment and Lights
No matter which land you're in, there's holiday excitement waiting to be found! Here's a list of the new and returning entertainment you can enjoy at Christmas Town this year.
Holiday Magic
On select dates, enjoy a captivating performance featuring amazing illusions, impressive choreography and festive music in the Stanleyville Theater.
Christmas on Ice
Christmas Town’s signature ice skating show is back at the Moroccan Palace Theater. Watch ice skaters glide to yuletide melodies with impressive choreography in solo, couples and group performances.
Get to the theater about 40 minutes early to get a good seat, as it can fill up quickly. Once the show starts, guests can still enter, but you'll be directed to the balcony to avoid disturbing the performers. If you're in the park on a day when this show is hoppening, we recommend catching the first performance of the day (usually at 2 p.m.) so you have the rest of the afternoon and night to enjoy everything Christmas Town has to offer.
Three Kings Journey
Located in the Dragonfire Grill, "Three Kings Journey" chronicles the journey to Bethlehem. It is accompanied by lovely music that is, quite literally, music to your ears! Catch this special show from Nov. 21, 2025 through Jan. 5, 2026.
Elmo’s Christmas Wish
Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover and Rosita as they learn the meaning of Christmas during this tadpole-friendly show at the Sunny Day Theater. The Sesame Street gang gets all of the tadpoles — and tadpoles at heart — into the Christmas spirit as they each share their own Christmas wishes. Cookie Monster stars in his "All I Want for Christmas is You" solo … which, to no one’s surprise, "you" really means cookies, and Rosita teaches the crowd how to sing "Jingle Bells" in Spanish. The show concludes with Elmo and friends singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," which makes for a fitting finale!
We suggest catching the first show of the day at 12:30 p.m., so you have more time in the evening to explore the Christmas lights and catch the other shows. This is another show we recommend arriving about 30 minutes beforehand.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Without a doubt, this is our favorite must-do at the park! This merry little show stars Mother Christmas herself and one of her favorite elves! Located near Christmas Town Village until Dec. 24, 2025, sit down and listen closely as Mrs. Claus reads "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
This show is interactive and even includes a sing-along at the end! Grab some sleigh bells and warm up your vocal cords (with some delicious hot chocolate). And don't leave the stage area before grabbing a photo with Mrs. Claus after the show!
If your tadpole wants a spot near the front, be sure to get here 30 minutes before showtime! If you don't have a seating preference, arriving 10 to 20 minutes before showtime won't be an issue.
(New) Holiday Skies Spectacular
Like a very merry present, wrap up your night with the brand new Holiday Skies Spectacular. From Dec. 19 to 31, 2025, this new drone show will light up the sky and be synced perfectly synced to your favorite holiday tunes!
(New) Serengeti Light Show
Also new this year is the Serengeti Light Show! Dazzling Christmas lights are choreographed to the tune of "Carol of the Bells" for a one-of-a-kind experience filled to the brim with wonder, whimsy and yes — tons of holiday magic!
Christmas Lights
And speaking of lights, wander in awe of the millions of dazzling Christmas lights displayed throughout all corners of the 335-acre park. From the entrance’s festive projections to adorable waddles of light-up penguins, there are plenty of opportunities for merriment and photos.
Holly Jolly Express
Hop aboard the Holly Jolly Express! Celebrate the holiday season with a scenic ride into the safari while listening to popular Christmas tunes. We suggest getting on the train at the Nairobi station so you can catch the animals in the Serengeti Plain, though you can hop on or off in Stanleyville.
Character Greetings at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
A few guests from the North Pole traveled a great distance to make a special appearance at Christmas Town until Dec. 24, 2025. Meet Santa in Nairobi and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster at Festival Walkway and pose with each of them for a festive photo.
Additionally, all season long, be on the lookout for festive characters such as the Ice Princess, who have fun meet-and-greets around the park! The holiday princesses have meet times listed right next to their photo locations. They normally come out once every hour as the sun starts to set.
Lastly, stop by 123 Smile throughout the day to grab photos with your favorite furry friends in festive holiday attire from now until Jan. 5, 2025. The residents of Sesame Street can't wait to celebrate the season with you!
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Dining and Shopping
Indulge in holiday treats and pick up any last-minute Christmas gifts while you're visiting. The options are endless at the Christmas Town, offering seasonal flavors and festive beverages. A cabin just for cookies and cocoa?? Guess where I'd stayed all night! The Christmas Town Welcome Center and special culinary offerings open at 4 p.m. daily. There are also Christmas Town food booths right outside of the Festival Walkway, and as far as Jungala.
Here are the menus for 2025:
Christmas Tavern
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
Holiday Spice
- Holiday Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles: Mini sweet potato waffles with crispy fried chicken and cranberry glaze
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs: Juicy turkey meatballs glazed with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, spiced and garnished with fresh herbs
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Evergreen Eats
- Christmas Eggnog Bread Pudding: Sweet and savory eggnog brioche bread pudding topped with rum-infused syrup and berries
- Apple Pecan Cobbler: Warm spiced apples, brown sugar, topped with buttery pecan bits & vanilla whipped cream
- Holiday Yule Log: Layers of light vanilla sponge cake roller with whipped cream
- Apple Spiced Cheesecake: Spiced apple crumble with cinnamon cream cheese
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake, cinnamon dusted with whipped cream
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order.
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Served in a holiday souvenir cup topped with whipped cream
Candy Cane Cottage
- Christmas Eggnog Bread Pudding: Sweet and savory eggnog brioche bread pudding topped with rum-infused syrup and berries
- Apple Pecan Cobbler: Warm spiced apples, brown sugar, topped with buttery pecan bits & vanilla whipped cream
- Holiday Yule Log: Layers of light vanilla sponge cake roller with whipped cream
- Apple Spiced Cheesecake: Spiced apple crumble with cinnamon cream cheese
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake, cinnamon dusted with whipped cream
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order.
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Served in a holiday souvenir cup topped with whipped cream
Frosted Delights
Undercover Tourist is now including a FREE $20 DiningDollars.com credit to each ticket purchased for all United Parks & Resorts, including SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio), Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay, Williamsburg), Discovery Cove, Sesame Place (San Diego, Philadelphia), Aquatica (Orlando, San Antonio), Adventure Island and Water Country USA. You can save up to 15% off toward the purchase of discount gift cards for United Parks & Resorts on DiningDollars.com. To learn more, hop over to our Dining Dollars guide.
- Spiked Eggnog: Eggnog with spiced rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg, garnished with a cinnamon stick
- Christmas Punch: Gin and apple juice topped prosecco, garnished with a sliced apple
- Elf Juice: Vodka, Midori, yuzu, and simple syrup, garnished with a cherry
- Apple Pie Cocktail: Vanilla vodka, Fireball, apple cider, and honey
- Winter Wonderland: Berry vodka, peppermint schnapps, white crème de cacao, and grenadine, garnished with crushed peppermint
- Coquito: Rich cream-based coconut liqueur made with Bacardi Superior Rum, with notes of vanilla, and cinnamon, served over ice garnished with a cinnamon stick
Caroler's Table
- Vegetable Pot Pie: Slow-braised jackfruit with peas, carrots, roasted garlic broth, and topped with buttery puff pastry
- Toasted Pumpkin Ravioli: Pumpkin-filled ravioli lightly toasted to a golden crisp and served in a rich brown butter cream sauce finished with sage and parmesan
- Mistletoe Margarita: Tequila, pomegranate syrup, Craft Standard Margarita Keg
- Citrus Frost Lemonade: Vodka, Monin Blue Raspberry Syrup, and Craft Standard Pink Lemonade keg
- Gingerbread Mule: Vodka, Monin Gingerbread Syrup Craft Standard Mule Keg
- Jolly Elf: Vodka, Melon Liqueur, Craft Standard Margarita Keng
- Coquito: Rich cream-based coconut liqueur made with Bacardi Superior Rum, with notes of vanilla, and cinnamon, served over ice garnished with a cinnamon stick
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
The Holiday Hearth
- Slow-Roasted Prime Rib: Herb-roasted prime rib served with red bliss potato purée, au jus, and horseradish cream sauce
- Smoked Chicken and Dumplings: Shredded smoked chicken simmered in a creamy broth with soft, fluffy pastry dumplings
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Springs Taproom
- Pot Roast Bites: Slow-roasted pot roast with carrots, served atop crisp, tender potato coins
- Ham Brie Tart with Cranberry: Crisp puff pastry filled with honey ham and cranberries
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs: Juicy turkey meatballs glazed with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, spiced and garnished with fresh herbs
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Holiday Cravings
- Slow-Roasted Prime Rib: Herb-roasted prime rib served with red bliss potato purée, au jus, and horseradish cream sauce
- Mini Monte Cristo Bites: Mini fried sandwiches with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla bean raspberry jam
- Candy Cane Lane: Vodka, grenadine, peppermint syrup or schnapps, and Craft Standard Mojito Keg
- Cranberry Whiskey Mule: Whiskey, Monin Cranberry Syrup, and Craft Standard Mule Keg
- Fireside Mojito: Rum, Monin Cinnamon Syrup, and Craft Standard Mojito Keg
- Spiced Apple Paloma: Tequila, Monin Apple Syrup, spiced brown sugar syrup, and Craft Standard Paloma Keg
- Coquito: Rich cream-based coconut liqueur made with Bacardi Superior Rum, with notes of vanilla, and cinnamon, served over ice garnished with a cinnamon stick
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Savory Sleigh
- Short Rib Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: Slow-braised beef short rib with butternut squash mac and cheese with smoked gouda, basil, and crispy fried onions
- Roasted Pumpkin Squash Soup: Pumpkin purée with garlic, onions, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted seeds, finished with crème fraîche drizzle.
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add a floater to your cocoa to make it Jolly! Choose from Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps, or Kahlúa. For 21+ only.
The Yule Hearth
- Beef Wellington: Tender cuts of beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry with mushrooms and a rich red wine demi-glaze
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs: Juicy turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, garnished with fresh herbs
- Coquito: Rich cream-based coconut liqueur made with Bacardi Superior Rum, with notes of vanilla, and cinnamon, served over ice garnished with a cinnamon stick
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Clove & Carving
- Herb Crusted Lamb Lollipop: Lamb rack encrusted with fresh herbs and garlic, served with red bliss potato purée with a red wine reduction
- Mini Monte Cristo Bites: Mini fried sandwiches stuffed with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla bean raspberry jam
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Fireside Favorites
- My Boy Blue: Monin Blue Raspberry Syrup blended with Craft Standard Pink Lemonade Keg
- Fresh and Green: Monin Kiwi and Monin Cucumber Syrups mixed in a Craft Standard Mojito Keg
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
The Gingerbread Nook
- Gingerbread Cookie Decorating: Gingerbread cookie with buttercream and holiday toppings
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order.
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Twinkle Tree Cafe
- Holiday Spirit: Vodka, Minute Maid Lemonade, Minute Maid Cranberry Cocktail and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
- Winter Sparkler Spritz: Blanco tequila, elderflower syrup, lime juice and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
- Holiday Party Punch: Minute Maid Lemonade, Minute Maid Cranberry Cocktail, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, cinnamon syrup, lime juice and edible glitter
- The Cranberry Crisp: Minute Maid Cranberry Cocktail, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup, cinnamon syrup and red edible glitter
- Holiday Creamy Vanilla Coke
- Dasani
Cookies & Cocoa
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order.
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
Merry In the Wild
- Holiday Cookies: Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or Christmas tree cookies. Two cookies per order.
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
Starlight Spirits
- Spiked Eggnog: Eggnog with spiced rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg, garnished with a cinnamon stick
- Coquito: Rich cream-based coconut liqueur made with Bacardi Superior Rum, with notes of vanilla, and cinnamon, served over ice garnished with a cinnamon stick
Smokehouse Express
- Holiday Turkey Leg: Cranberry chipotle-rubbed turkey leg
- Hot Cocoa: Creamy hot cocoa made with milk
- Souvenir Hot Cocoa Mug: Hot cocoa served in a holiday souvenir cup with whipped cream
- Make It Jolly: Add peppermint schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! For 21+ only.
Marrakesh Market (home to Santa's Workshop) is the one-stop shop for all things Christmas. For example, this gift store has ornaments, nutcrackers, snow globes, pillows, nightlights and so much more. You'll also find special holiday merchandise at Rudolph's Winter Store near the Festival Field, Build-A-Bear and various Holiday Artisan Craft booths on and near the Festival Walkway.
Events During Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Keep an eye out for these special events hoppening during the holiday season!
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan
On Dec. 6, 2025, catch the sparkling Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan and grab a free Coke Sample (while supplies last)! You'll find it parked on the Festival Field from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It's sure to be a refreshing evening at Busch Gardens Christmas Town!
Menorah Lighting
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a special menorah lighting every night at 6 p.m. from Dec. 14 to 22, 2025. The menorah is located between the Moroccan Palace and cheetah habitat. Hoppy Hanukkah!
Additional Tips for Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Here are our best tips for having a holly jolly time at Busch Gardens' award-winning holiday event:
- If you’re like us and want to try ALL of the yummy treats and drinks, consider purchasing a Food & Beverage Sampler. Choose between a 5-item sampler or a 10-item sampler. In 2025, the cost ranges from $45 to $65.
- First, know that the holiday season is notoriously pretty wild at the theme parks. As a result, don't expect low wait times. If it’s your first visit or if the rides are a big priority, arrive early! When you do, focus on hitting as many rides as possible in the first half of the day. That way, you can enjoy all the Christmas Town festivities later.
- "Christmas on Ice" is, without a doubt, the most popular show in the park! Last year, we tried to catch the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. performances and didn't make it because they stopped letting in guests. We arrived at the theater for the 8 p.m. performance at 7:20 p.m. and were held at the top of the staircase. Doors opened at 7:30 p.m., and team members began pulsing groups in to ensure they didn't exceed capacity. We were able to grab some seats in the lower section near the stage! In 2025, you can catch "Christmas on Ice" as early as 2 p.m. and several times throughout the day until the final showing at 8 p.m.
In conclusion, we're so hoppy that we went to Busch Gardens Christmas Town last year! We look forward to continuing this new Frog Family tradition! Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.
Related: The Frog Family's Wild Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa
Hoppy planning!
