Photo: Busch Gardens
Holiday traditions, twinkling lights and family fun are right around the corner. Or, at the very least, just over the hill and through the woods. You’ll want to bring Grandma and the whole family to this festive event.
Busch Gardens is turning on the lights to its annual Christmas Town celebration, which starts on November 24, 2017 and runs on select days through January 1, 2018. A new show, a bigger and better Santa’s Workshop and tasty treats combine with eight million lights, more than ever before, to set the scene for wonderful holiday memories.
“Traditions are important during the holiday season, and we’re grateful so many families have made Busch Gardens Christmas Town a part of their annual celebrations,” Busch Gardens President David Cromwell said. “Every year, we add great new features while staying true to the many elements guests have grown to love about this one-of-a-kind event.”
The Williamsburg theme park offers holiday cheer and fun for guests of all ages. Thrill seekers will be happy to know that InvadR and Verbolten will be open, along with 22 other rides.
New at Christmas Town 2017
Photo: Busch Gardens
Santa Claus has moved into a new workshop. This larger home is located in the castle that is home to the Curse of DarKastle ride. This will allow more children to meet St. Nick, take photos and drop off their wish lists.
“As a father of young children, I understand what a big deal it is to visit Santa,” said Cromwell. “We truly believe our Santa experience is the best anywhere around, and we have made changes this year to make sure families don’t have to wait as long.”
There will be an all new show added to the Christmas Town lineup. Gift of Harmony features a modern a cappella sound with stunning and complex vocals performed by a group of talented singers. The set will include traditional Christmas songs and some new holiday favorites.
Christmas Town Shows
- Deck the Halls
- Gift of Harmony – New
- Gloria!
- O’ Tannenbaum
- Scrooge No More
- ‘Twas that Night – ice skating show featuring Olympic medalist Elvis Stojko
Christmas Town 2017: Returning Favorites
Photo: Busch Gardens
The beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer characters return. Guests can meet and greet their favorite characters, including Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, Bumble and Sam the Snowman. They will return to their location at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland in Holiday Hills. Rudolph’s Movie Experience features a new production of the classic television show.
Sesame Street Forest of Fun will also be all decked out for the holidays. Guests can meet favorite characters like Abby Cadabby, Elmo and Cookie Monster.
Christmas Town 2017: Treats and Dining
What is Christmas without tasty treats and savory selections? There is a new cookie shop in the Germany village, where guests will find all sorts of cookie choices, beverages and a heated seating area.
Santa’s Fireside Feast returns. Santa tells the classic Christmas story while guests dine on an all-you-can-eat buffet and Mrs. Claus spreads holiday cheer. The kids can also visit Santa during this experience. This is one of my favorite holiday experiences at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I could sit and listen to Santa recite “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” all day. After indulging in the buffet, that’s not too bad of an idea.
Dine with Rudolph and Friends is a buffet luncheon featuring a carving station, pasta and salad bar, kid-friendly foods and lots of other favorites.
Photo: Busch Gardens
Christmas Town 2017 Tickets
Enjoy unlimited Christmas Town visits by purchasing a Christmas Town Fun Card for $49, which is the price of a one-day general admission ticket. Current Annual Pass Members can buy a $39 Christmas Town Pass, which includes benefits such as parking and in-park discounts.
Single-day tickets are now available. Please visit christmastown.com/va for complete details, ticket purchasing and operating schedules.
Busch Gardens 2017 Christmas Town event is open from 2-10 p.m. on regularly scheduled operating days from Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, 2018.
Photo: ©SeaWorld Parks
Read all about Christmas Town 2016 right here.
