2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town Guide: Tickets, Food, Rides and more!

Christmas time is here and is shining the brightest at Christmas Town Busch Gardens in Tampa – an event that offers a wide range of merry activities for everyone to experience together.

Best thing about it is that it’s INCLUDED in your theme admission!

Busch Gardens is one of the world’s most stunning park that dresses the evening with more than 10 million lights.

Plus, Christmas treats, Santa’s house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa Bay.

AND you can do this from November 15, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

2023 Holiday Hills Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

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What is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa?

Christmas Town is Busch Gardens way of showing you a unique way of celebrating the holidays in the wilds of the African-inspired theme park.

Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster during 2023 Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

At this Tampa theme park, you’ll enjoy a holiday-themed sing-along train ride, heartwarming shows, fine dining, electrifying festive shopping, Santa’s workshop, and a chance to watch twinkling lights.

These are just a few things that makes Christmas Town Busch Gardens a must-do holiday event for both the young and the old. 

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town holiday tree

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During the holiday season at Busch Gardens Tampa you will be able to:

  • Discover Christmas Town® Village
  • Enjoy the Holiday Train
  • Marvel at the NEW 40-foot pixelated tree in Cheetah Hunt Plaza
  • Listen to holiday tunes
  • Meet Rudolph and friends, including Sam the Snowman, at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland
  • Shop for the perfect gifts in Santa’s shop
  • Taste special Christmas treats unique to this event only
  • Visit Santa’s House
  • Step into the majestic light tunnel near the Bird Gardens area
  • Hangout with your favorite Sesame Street characters in their cute holiday outfits
  • Watch outstanding ice skaters
  • Check out the NEW light displays that will take over the Jungala area
2023 Christmas Town Village at Busch Gardens Entrance with snow. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

What is the Busch Gardens Christmas Town Village?

The absolute best part about Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is the Village.

Oh, how I love this addition to the event!

2023 Christmas Town Busch Gardens with wooden toy soldier. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Christmas Town Busch Gardens

Christmas Town® Village has some of the cutest cabins that are not only decked out in holiday designs, they also serve up delicious sweets and savory dishes inspired by the season.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Toy Soldiers

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2024 Busch Gardens Christmas Town Dates and Times

The Christmastime event runs through select dates from November 15, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

2023 Holiday Light Tunnel at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

What Time Does Christmas Town Open?

Christmas Town will be open on most days with the park hours from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. From time-to-time it will close at 8 p.m. on select weekdays.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Tree with NikkyJ on her solo theme park trip.

Hipster Power Tip: Although Christmas Town technically opens with the park, many of the activities do not start until the afternoon time. You can view the full schedule here.

Is Busch Gardens Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

  • Christmas Eve hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Day of Christmas hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

What’s New for Busch Gardens Christmas Town?

Later in this guide, we’ll go through all the new activities for Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, but for now let’s chat about something amazing that’s happening this year.

Holiday Light Tunnel at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Pass Member Preview for Busch Gardens Christmas Town

One of the great perks of being a Busch Gardens Pass Member is that you get to have early access to special events like the park’s Christmas Town celebration.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Entrance Sign. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Christmas Town Through the Years

Pass Members will get an exclusive preview of select Christmas Town offerings such as a dedicated viewing time for Christmas on Ice, priority 2-hour access to Santa’s North Pole experience on November 11th and November 12th of 2023.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Santas North Pole Experience

Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!

Let’s Indulge in the Busch Gardens Christmas Town Food

Now we’re at my favorite part of the Christmas Town adventure…the food!

Sheikra and Gwazi Roller Coaster with Fireworks at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Busch Gardens can compete with many of the central Florida theme parks when it comes to holiday food.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Food Cupcake Corner

While you’re there, be sure to look for seasonal offerings throughout park and inside Christmas Town Village.

Chocolate Chip Cookies for Thanksgiving at Busch Gardens Tampa. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

This year, you can enjoy the holiday feast “food festival” and eat your way around Christmas Town.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town menu Dashers Delight food booth braised beef with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts

The best way for you to do this is to get the Christmas Town Food & Beverage Sampler Lanyard.

How much does the Busch Gardens Christmas Town Food Sampler Lanyard cost?

Starting at $45 and redeemable at the numerous holiday cabins located throughout the entire park.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Food Menu Dragon Dog and Cookies Cocoa and Cocktails

Samplers offer the best value for guests and will be available in quantities of 5 and 10.

Christmas Town Village at Busch Gardens Holiday Food Chocolate Chip Cookie
Delicious Chocolate Cookies at Busch Gardens

There’s an exclusive 12-item Sampler for the same price as a 10-item is available for all Pass Members.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town food menu

Busch Gardens Tampa Holiday Food Menu

I am currently waiting for the final holiday menu from Busch Gardens; however, I do have a few of the newest items being added to this year’s Christmas festival below.

  • Chicken coq-au-vin served with red bliss mashed potatoes
  • Holiday Poutine, served with gravy, cheese curds and cranberry relish
  • Smoked turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, gravy and Texas toast
  • Seared scallop, ruby red couscous and goat cheese crumbles
  • Mistletoe Margarita – Tequila, Monin pomegranate and a splash of lime
  • South for the Winter – Jack Daniels, Jack Daniels Honey, Monin cranberry, ginger and lime
  • Jack Frost – Coconut rum, blue curacao, mint and a splash of lime
  • Ginger Snap Mule – Spiced rum, Amaretto, ginger and a splash of lime
  • Candy Cane Lane – Vodka, Monin Peppermint, grenadine and a splash of lime
Busch Gardens Christmas Town with Deep Dish Chocolate Chips and Hot Cocoa
Photo Credit: SeaWorld Entertainment

There’s no holiday visit to Busch Gardens without the signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate located in various locations throughout the park. 

My Top Picks for the Best Food at Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Please note that the number indicates which booth the food is at on the map below:

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town Map
Image Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Florida
  1. Cookies & Cocoa: Fresh Baked Deep Dish Cookie (Double Chocolate Chip, Holiday Sugar, Cinnamon Swirl)
  2. Christmas Cocktails: South For The Winter (Jack Daniels, Jack Honey , Monin Cranberry , Ginger and Lime)
  3. Coca-Cola® Pretzel Cabin: White Chocolate 
  4. Char Siu Christmas: Red Curry Shrimp and Jasmine Rice
  5. Cookies, Cocoa & Cocktails: Specialty Hot Cocoa (Served in a Souvenir Cup with your choice of Peppermint or Gingerbread and Whipped Cream)
  6. Holiday Hearth: Braised Beef, Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese AND Smoked Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Texas Toast , Gravy
  7. Polar Pavilion: Candy Cane Lane (Vodka, Grenadine, Monin Peppermint, Lime)
  8. Xcursions: Eggnog Cupcake AND Apple Crumble Cupcake
  9. Christmas Celebration: Pork Shank Braised with Spiced Pineapple & Brown Sugar, Green Beans
  10. Cookie Time: Decorate Your Own Cookie (Choose Snickerdoodle, Sugar, or Chocolate Chip)
  11. Holiday Joy Tasting: Brussel Sprouts, Crispy Bacon, Apple Cider Vinaigrette AND Chicken Coq au Vin with Red Bliss Mashed Potato
  12. Dasher’s Delight: Seared Scallop, Ruby Red Couscous, Goat Cheese Crumbles
  13. Cocoa & Cream: Snickerdoodle Apple Pie ala mode
  14. Springs Taproom: Abita Brewing | Christmas Ale (Covington, LA | 5.8% ABV | 40 IBU)
  15. Holiday Wines & Sweets: Gingerbread Pudding (Rum Sugar Glaze)
  16. Sesame Treats: Christmas Churro
  17. Smokehouse Mobile: Carved Beef Brisket, Texas Toast, Beef Gravy, Onion Crisps
  18. Cookies, Cocoa & Cocktails: Mistletoe (Tequila , Monin Pomegranate Syrup, Lime Juice)
  19. Cocoa & Coca-Cola® Mug: S’More Please (Shmallow Whiskey, Hot cocoa, topped with a toasted marshmallow) AND Mexican Hot Cocoa (Ghost Tequila, Baileys Chocolate, Hot cocoa, whip cream, topped with chili flakes)
  20. Cookies, Cocoa & Cocktails: Candy Cane Lane (Vodka, Grenadine, Monin Peppermint, Lime)
  21. Dragon Dog: Turkey Dog, Stuffing, Cranberry Relish
  22. Twisted Tails: Spinach Feta Stuffed Pretzel
  23. Dragon Fire Grill Pub: Ginger Snap Mule (Spiced Rum, Amaretto, Ginger Beer, Lime)
  24. Kenya Canteen: Peppermint Brownie Sundae
  25. Giraffe Bar: Funky Buddha | Last Snow Coffee Porter (Oakland Park, FL | 6.4% ABV | 25 IBU)
  26. Coaster Coffee: Mini Funnel Cake

Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!

11 Fun Things to Do at Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Tampa

As if the delicious sweet treats and savory dishes weren’t enough, you can relax in between the thrilling roller coasters by watching a holiday show or enjoying the charming holiday activities.

Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster in front of Holiday Day lights at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

One of my favorite things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa during the holiday season is to partake in the amazing Christmas entertainment.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Cheetah Hunt

Let’s go through some of the must do’s for Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

1. Enjoy the Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show

This year you’ll enjoy a reimagine fireworks spectacular called Holiday in the Sky! 

Gwazi next to Fireworks at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Busch Gardens is creating an over-the-top colorful holiday experience complete with a water fountain show that moves to the beat of the festival songs.

The Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select nights of the event.             

Recommended: Top 10 BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa You MUST See

2. Do a Holiday Tour at Busch Gardens

Get all of the inside details on what it takes to bring Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa to life with a holiday tour! 

Serengeti Overlook at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

There are two options offered for the year:

  • Christmas Town VIP Tour: includes Front of the Line access to Santa’s House and Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, a complimentary souvenir mug, reserved seating to the Christmas on Ice show, an opportunity to feed Flamingos, and more! 
  • A Christmas Town Elite Tour: includes everything the VIP Tour offers plus a meet and greet with Santa and reserved seating for the fireworks show.

3. Listen to Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Enjoy a mixture of classic Christmas tales with Mrs. Claus as she takes you on a holiday adventure through storytime!

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Story Time with Mrs Santa Claus

This is one of my favorite things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for Christmas.

4. Hang Out in the Land of the Sweets

When you enter the sugary wonderland, you’ll come face-to-face with a majestic Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier as you marvel in the beautiful holiday decor!               

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Bubble Gum Forest

5. Admire the Massive Christmas Tree

While you’re enjoying the holidays at Busch Gardens Tampa, be sure to make your way over to Cheetah Plaza to check out the new 40-foot-tall Christmas tree!

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town NikkyJ and holiday tree

This Yuletide feature near Cheetah Hunt is sure to put you into the holiday spirit as you gaze upon its beauty while being surrounded by the red and white winter wonderland.  

6. Explore Santa’s North Pole

This is one of the things you must do at Busch Gardens for Christmas!

Welcome to Santa's House Busch Gardens Christmas Town 2023. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Presented by Coca-Cola, Santa’s North Pole Experience gives you the chance to hangout with Santa Claus and his delightful elves. 

Santa and Elf at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

You’ll also get to enjoy many holiday adventures such as:

  • Photo with Santa’s sleigh
  • Storytime with Mrs. Claus
  • Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Clarice, and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland      

Get Your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets Today! CLICK HERE.

7. Watch Christmas on Ice

This is a holiday classic at Busch Gardens that you don’t want to miss!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Moroccan Palace Theater Christmas On Ice

Christmas on Ice will be located in The Moroccan Palace Theater and takes you through an ice-skating winter-wonderland epic journey complete with your favorite holiday songs.               

8. Enjoy Elmo’s Christmas Wish 

This is special for the little ones, as they join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! 

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Abby Cadabby Store Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

This fun holiday show will take place in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park.. 

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town in Sesame Street Village

9. Listen to the Three Kings Journey 

Go on a musical journey as the story of the Three Kings is told through song. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay dragon fire pub stop

You can hear the  three wise men’s journey to Bethlehem at Dragonfire Grill on select nights from November 15, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

Three Kings Nativity Scene for Christmas

Get up to 35% off of your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets with Groupon TODAY!

10. Hop Aboard the Holly Jolly Express

It’s time for you to jump aboard the Christmas train at Busch Gardens. 

Holiday Train Ride during Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

This experience is sooooo much fun as you get to circle around the huge theme park listening to your favorite holiday songs while looking over the Serengeti.  

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Holly Jolly Express Train

Get your cheap Busch Gardens Tickets with CityPASS TODAY!

11. Have Fun on the World-Class Roller Coasters

Now, you can’t visit Busch Gardens during the holidays without riding one of their famous roller coasters or rides.

Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster during Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Iron Gwazi Roller Coaster (Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment)

It’s the absolute best way to do one my favorite theme parks for Christmastime.

Christmas Shopping at Busch Gardens Tampa

Now that you know what you can expect from all of the entertainment, food and other holiday adventures, let’s go through a few places that you can pick up your Florida yuletide souvenirs to gift someone this Christmas.

Sesame Street Safari Abby Cadabby's Store Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Xcursions, is one of Busch Gardens holiday shops located outside Christmas Town.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Merchandise Store Rudolph Gifts

It features ornaments, nutcrackers, one-of-a-kind clothing, holiday trinkets that you can personalize for yourself or for someone else this holiday season.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Merchandise Store Rudolph Gifts

You can also do more Christmas shopping at the other shows located in the park such as:

  • Marrakesh Market
  • Emporium
  • Painted Camel Bazaar

Recommended: Top 10 Best Farms in Tampa, Florida You Can’t Miss

11 Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Christmas at Busch Gardens has never been so exciting with both world-class rides and amazing activities for you to enjoy this holiday season.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Sesame Street Safari of Fun during the holidays.

Let’s go through a few tips to help you get the most out of your time at this event.

1. Pack Light

Many of the thrill rides at Busch Gardens requires you to leave your bag in a locker or with someone in your party.

Busch Gardens Tampa Lockers in Egypt

If you’re going to Christmas Town with family or friends, then you won’t have to worry about the various locker fees throughout the park that can range from $2 to $20 per day.

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa with Christmas Tree near Montu roller coaster. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

I recommend packing light for your trip to Busch Gardens and only bringing your necessary items that can fit in a small bag such as:

Although I love my solo trips, it does suck to have to keep finding a locker near the roller coasters to store your things.

Plus, going back and forth between the rides and your locker can take away the fun and excitement of your day.

2. Get to Christmas Town Before it Opens

Although the festivities for Christmas Town don’t start until later in the afternoon, I still think it’s good to get to Busch Gardens earlier than the start of the event.

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa Life Wildlife Tree. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

This will give you time to enjoy the thrilling rides and unforgettable shows.

Once the holiday happenings start, you’ll be able to focus primarily on them without worry about missing out on an attraction.

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa Life Size Toy Solider near Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

The time you’ll spend having fun at Busch Gardens Tampa will go by fast, so allow yourself enough room to enjoy the park by arriving early.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Rudolphs Winter Wonderland

Just remember that the park schedule of operation varies each day, so be sure to check the Christmas Town dates before you head out.

3. Dress Appropriately for the Weather

During the months of Christmas Town, Florida weather can be hit or miss. However, it will not be as torturous as the summer months here in the Sunshine State.

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa Wild Life Christmas Tree. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

You’ll definitely enjoy some of the best weather that the state has to offer, plus being so close to the Gulf of Mexico allows you to enjoy the wonderful breeze.

I do recommend that you check the weather before you leave. Even if it’s warmer when you arrive, always have a backup sweater with you in case it gets cooler in the evening.

Fireworks at with Gwazi Roller Coaster in the Background Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat and some sunglasses to help block the rays of the sun.

Recommended: Top 10 BEST Christmas Lights in Tampa You MUST See

4. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated at Busch Gardens Tampa especially if it’s a warmer day.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay close up of Sheikra drop
Sheikra Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens

You can avoid heat related illnesses such as, a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash by having proper hydration.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Luminosity Land Holiday Lights

Remember to have a reusable water bottle on hand to refill it with water throughout the day at Busch Gardens.

5. Go During the Weekdays

To avoid the frustration that a crowed day at a theme park can bring, I suggest trying to avoid the park as Christmas Day approaches.

Holiday Light Tunnel at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Is Busch Gardens Busy on Christmas Day?

Holiday peaks, crowd sizes, weather, and a few other factors have a lot to do with your Busch Gardens experience, including how long you’ll be waiting in line for your favorite rides.

Although Busch Gardens is not as crowded as the Disney parks, this is the time that locals flood the park to enjoy the holiday festivities and to ride the world-class attractions after their own Christmas celebrations at home.

Because of this, expect higher crowds on both Christmas Day and the week following the holiday.

6. Find Busch Gardens Discounted Tickets and Special Deals

Websites such as CityPASS and Groupon are the perfect places to start in order to find the latest Busch Gardens discount tickets!

Tampa Bay CityPASS allows you to visit multiple attractions in Tampa for one low cost such as:

  1. The Florida Aquarium
  2. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
  3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
  5. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) OR
  6. The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise OR
  7. Glazer Children’s Museum

7. Pass on Preferred Parking

Try to get to Busch Gardens early and park near the tram station in the regular parking section.

Stroller and Family Parking Lot Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Special Family Parking Lot

If you pay for an upgrade to preferred parking, then there is a possibility that you may get placed in the back of that lot and will have to walk quite a distance to the front gates.

8. Have Christmas Dinner Outside of Peak Times

Consider having your holiday meal before lunchtime or right before the dinner rush.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Chick fil a entrance and menu. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

This will allow you to take your time while dining and enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones over a delicious feast.

9. Celebrate Christmas at Busch Gardens the Week Before

If you can come a week or two before Christmas Day, you’ll be able to do many of the things listed in this guide without the hassle of the crowds.

Christmas Town Village at Busch Gardens Egypt Decor. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

It doesn’t matter what day you celebrate as long as you understand why you’re celebrating.

10. Do Some Holiday Shopping

You can find some unique holiday décor in the stores located in Busch Gardens, but Marrakesh Market offers the best!

Christmas Santa at Busch Gardens. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Located towards the entrance of the park is Marrakesh Market that has been decorated to look like Santa’s Christmas Workshop.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Merchandise Store Rudolph Gifts Coffee Mugs

The store is one of my absolute favorite places to stop at while visiting Christmas Town.

It’s known to be decked out from brim-to-brim in Yuletide decoration and wild surprises.

Christmas Town Village at Busch Gardens Holiday Decor. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

While you’re in the shopping mood, be sure to stop by Christmas Town Village for some beauty and local artisan crafts and gifts to buy.

Recommended: 12 Most Festive Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas

11. Look for Festive Photo-Ops

As if the picturesque gardens, roller coasters and topiaries aren’t’ enough, during the Christmas season you’ll have the opportunity to take many festive photos.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Giraffe Bar and Oasis Pizza and Christmas Town Holiday Party Elevator Entrance

Around the park look for unique background and holiday specific décor such as majestic Christmas Trees, giant toy soldiers, and holiday findings inspired by animal prints throughout Busch Gardens.

Holiday Hills Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Remember that you can use your PhotoKey to get all your pictures stored that day while at the park.

What is PhotoKey at Busch Gardens?

It’s a subscription-based photo app that Busch Gardens uses to store your photos taken by their Team Members digitally with your own PhotoKey card that will be stored to your account.

Santa and Elf at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

During Christmas Town you can use the PhotoKey option at the following meet-and-greet locations:

  • Santa Claus (Santa’s House)
  • Rudolph (Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland)
  • Bumble and Snow Globe

Get up to 35% off of your Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets with Groupon TODAY!

What to Know Before You Visit Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa

Trip planning can be hectic, so here are some answers to the most popular questions before your holiday vacation at Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town North Pole

What Time Does Christmas Town Open at Busch Gardens?

As mentioned earlier, Christmas Town hours at Busch Gardens starts around noon and ends at park closing which varies from day-to-day.

Busch Gardens Tampa Pantopia entrance 2 with falcon's fury

However, during the season you can expect hours to be around 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

These are the normal Busch Gardens Tampa Hours:

Busch Gardens usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. However, during the peak season the park may be open until 10 p.m.

Kumba Busch Gardens Roller Coaster

Remember when planning your trip, always check the park’s website or mobile app for the current hours and wait times.

RECOMMENDED: Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens: The Roller Coaster You CAN’T MISS!

Are Rides Open During Christmas Town Busch Gardens?

Many rides at the park are open for visitors during the event unless under some type of maintenance.

It is, however, important to note that water rides may be closed due to cold weather.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Penguins

How much is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa?

It is FREE! Christmas Town is included with park admission. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the festivities.

Fireworks at with Gwazi Roller Coaster in the Background Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

You will have to pay for merchandise and any food, but you can participate in some the holiday activities at Busch Gardens at no additional cost to you.

Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!

What’s the Address for Busch Gardens Tampa?

The address for Busch Gardens is 10165 N McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612.

How do I Get to Busch Gardens Tampa from Disney World?

  • Travel WEST on I-4 to I-75 (About 58 Miles)
  • Merge onto I-75 NORTH via EXIT 9 toward Ocala (stay on I-75 for about 3.74 miles)
  • Take EXIT 265 toward Temple Terrace (this exit is also the exit for the University of South Florida)
  • You will merge onto E Fowler Ave/FL-582 W via EXIT 265 and stay on here for about 4.65 miles
  • Turn left onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A (stay on here for about 1 mile)
  • Make a U-turn onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A
  • Arrive and park at Busch Gardens

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

My Final Thoughts on Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town

Overall, Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is one of the top holiday events to experience in Florida.

2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town Tree with NikkyJ

No matter how you choose to spend your day there, you will have an incredible day.

Holiday Light Tunnel at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Entertainment

Just be sure to plan out your day and start early so that you can see and do it all!

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa Life Wildlife Tree. Keep reading to get the full guide on doing Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa!
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Have you ever been to Christmas Town? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: December 9, 2017/Updated November 4, 2023)

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2 thoughts on “2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town Guide: Tickets, Food, Rides and more!”

  1. Hello ! Your blog is helping me a lot in the presentation of my trip to Orlando from November 27 to December 6. My question is if I buy a ticket with food included.Are any Christmas meals or sweets included?

    Reply
    • I’m so happy that I can help! The All-Day Dining Plan at Busch Gardens only includes the food at the select quick-service locations. Since you’ll have your food covered, you can budget and additional $20 if you want to try some of the holiday treats; however, eating with your All-Day Dining Plan will keep you satisfied throughout the day so you may be too full to try the holiday food.

      Reply

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