Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is getting ready for the return of Christmas Town, which runs on select dates from November 13, 2026, through January 4, 2027. This year’s event brings two new shows to the holiday lineup, along with returning favorites, millions of Christmas lights and several celebrations planned throughout the season.
The biggest additions for 2026 are Lights of Wonder, a nighttime drone show, and A Very Merry Cirque, an acrobatic production. Both join an entertainment lineup that includes Christmas on Ice, the Holly Jolly Express and several family-friendly experiences spread throughout the park.
Christmas Town is included with regular Busch Gardens admission, although some additional experiences and upgrades are available for purchase.
New Entertainment Coming to Christmas Town
One of the more interesting additions this year is Lights of Wonder, a drone show taking place above Festival Field. The production will feature synchronized drones performing to classic holiday music, adding a new nighttime show to the park’s Christmas celebrations.
The show is scheduled for select nights between November 13 and December 31, with guests entering Festival Field near Pass Member Landing.
Busch Gardens is also introducing A Very Merry Cirque, an acrobatic show planned for select dates from November through January. The park hasn’t released many details about the production yet, beyond confirming that it will feature acrobatic performances.
Returning this year is Christmas on Ice, one of the park’s established holiday productions. Professional skaters will once again take to the ice at the Moroccan Palace Theater, performing routines set to Christmas music. The show runs from November 13 through January 4, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families visiting Sesame Street Safari of Fun will find Elmo’s Christmas Wish at the Sunny Day Theater. The musical show features Elmo and his Sesame Street friends and actually begins November 6, a week before Christmas Town officially opens.
Other returning entertainment includes Storytime with Mrs. Claus at the Canopy and the Ginga Ninjas at Jungala Plaza. The latter features a breakdancing performance built around the mystery of Mrs. Claus’ missing Christmas cookie recipe. The Ginga Ninjas are scheduled for select nights in November and December, weather permitting.
Christmas Lights, Train Rides and Holiday Characters
Beyond the shows, much of Christmas Town takes place throughout the park itself.
Busch Gardens plans to decorate the property with nearly 70 miles of Christmas lights. The Celebration of Lights returns from November 13 through January 4, with holiday decorations and costumed stilt walkers appearing throughout the event.
Outside the Serengeti Overlook Restaurant, the Serengeti Light Show will feature thousands of lights synchronized to holiday music.
The Holly Jolly Express also returns, giving guests a chance to ride the park’s decorated train through its 65-acre animal habitat while listening to Christmas carols. The holiday train experience operates in the evenings, departing from the Nairobi station.
For families looking to meet Santa Claus, Santa’s North Pole Experience will be available from November 13 through December 24. Guests can visit Santa in his private study for photos before Christmas Eve.
Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland will operate during those same dates along Festival Walkway. The area features scenes from the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer story, along with opportunities to meet Rudolph and Bumble.
Additional character appearances include Sesame Street friends dressed for the holidays and the Ice Princess, Sugar Plum Princess and Poinsettia Princess.
Christmas Town Begins With a Tree Lighting Ceremony
Busch Gardens will officially kick off Christmas Town on Friday, November 13, with a tree lighting ceremony at Cheetah Hunt Plaza.
Miguel & Holly and Brian Fink from Tampa Bay radio station Mix 100.7 will broadcast live from the park between 5 and 7 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Seasonal food and drinks will also return throughout the event, including holiday meals, desserts and specialty cocktails. A new Christmas Town Market is planned for guests interested in shopping for gifts and seasonal merchandise.
Hanukkah, Three Kings Day and New Year’s Eve
Christmas Town extends beyond Christmas itself, with several celebrations scheduled through the beginning of January.
From December 4 through December 12, Busch Gardens will observe Hanukkah with a nightly menorah lighting at 6 p.m. The menorah will be located between the Moroccan Palace Theater and the cheetah habitat.
The park’s Three Kings Celebration follows from December 21 through January 4. Part of that celebration is Three Kings Journey, a musical performance at Dragon Fire Grill telling the story of the journey to Bethlehem. Interestingly, the park’s entertainment calendar lists performances of the show beginning as early as November 21, ahead of the official Three Kings Celebration dates.
Another special appearance is planned for December 17, when the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan visits Festival Field. Guests will be able to see the decorated caravan and receive a complimentary Coca-Cola sample while supplies last.
Busch Gardens will then close out 2026 with its New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31. The park is advertising a special nighttime presentation featuring drones and a fireworks finale, with Festival Field serving as the recommended viewing area.
Christmas Town will continue for several more days after New Year’s Eve, wrapping up on January 4.
Planning a Visit
Christmas Town runs on select dates from November 13, 2026, through January 4, 2027. The event is included with regular Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission, and guests can still enjoy the park’s regular rides and attractions during their visit.
Not every show or experience operates daily, particularly the new drone and acrobatic productions. Anyone planning a visit around a specific performance should check the park’s schedule ahead of time.
Additional information, including entertainment schedules and event details, is available on the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town website.
