Enjoy the Magic at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a must visit. I am always looking for a reason to go over to the other side of the state to sneak in a little trip, but it usually doesn’t work out. A few years ago, I saw something online that peaked my interest. A video popped up from Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg so I watched it and was impressed! We have been enjoying the magic of Christmas Town yearly because of that video. I put together this list of the top reasons you should visit Busch Gardens Christmas Town, too!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a beautiful park in Virginia that is themed around European countries. It is regularly voted “Most Beautiful Park” and if you have ever visited, you will see why. The park is thoughtfully landscaped with beautiful flowers and plants throughout and Christmas Town just seems to enhance the theming and beauty of the park.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Lights
The best decorations are the lights because Busch Gardens Christmas Town advertises ten MILLION lights throughout the park. A display on Escape from Pompeii is breathtaking because the whole building is covered in lights and the slide is draped with blue lights to look like water.
There is a tree in Italy that has so many lights, it glows like the sun and last, but not least is the bridge leading away from Italy with the Peace on Earth sign and all the lit up trees reflecting off the the river. Make sure to ride the train if you enjoy the lights as much as we do!
Busch Gardens Christmas Town Decorations
When you get to the main entrance area of the park, you will see Christmas Trees made with zig zags of tinsel. As you enter the park, there is a huge Christmas tree and we always have to stop to get a picture in front of it. The ornaments are beautiful and it makes for some great pictures.
There are wreaths hanging all over the England area and as you go through the park, you will see tinsel and trees everywhere! There are just so many holiday touches because Busch Gardens really pays attention to detail.
Tip: Just like at HersheyPark, there is a lot of walking. I recommend this wagon for tired kids.
Seasonal treats of Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens is one of those parks that prides itself in having delicious food and during Christmas Town, and they add all sorts of seasonal treats.
They sell reusable mugs for the specialty hot chocolates they serve. My favorite is the mint hot chocolate where they put a piece of mint fudge in the mug and cover it with the hot chocolate! It’s perfect for warming up the body and soul.
My husband really loves the chocolate peanut butter hot chocolate, too. There are special meal items (Turkey Dinner at the Festhaus) and there are special desserts such as a gingerbread cheesecake.
Tip: Refills are cheaper if you get the refillable mug and everyone in our family has one. We mark the bottom with their first initial with a sharpie.
Themed rides of Christmas Town
This is just a fun perk, but the rides are renamed or modified for the event. For example, the tea cups are renamed the Peppermint Twist and the Elephant run is named the Reindeer run.
The best modification is the train ride through the park. This is the best way to see the lights in the park because they play Christmas Carols and you ride through a light show. It’s a nice chance to sit down and take in the view.
Tip: The line gets really long for this but it goes really fast. Don’t skip out! While waiting in line, have some hard candies to keep little mouths happy. We personally love these and they fit the festivities with the chocolate peppermint flavor.
Santa Claus (*kid favorite) at Christmas Town
Busch Gardens has the most amazing Santa Claus experience and I recommend heading here first! They have moved Santa into the old Dark Castle building and the theming is wonderful. There are several decorated gingerbread houses (not real) and evergreens with lights all over them.
There is a place for the kids to deliver their letter to Santa (guided by elves) and they get to go talk to him. How cute would it be to write your letter on this stationary or this one?!? We tried this for the first time last year so it was modified, but they did such a great job.
Christmas Town Scavenger Hunt
Busch Gardens Christmas Town has begun adding in scavenger hunts! Last year, we had to search for gingerbread men and this year, Coke ornaments.
We got a sheet in the Emporium and took pictures. The prize this year was a free beanie and last year they gave away plastic cups. It’s a fun little extra that the whole family can enjoy.
Riding in the dark
There’s something about riding amusement rides at night when all the lights are shining. Add ten million more lights and it is something you will not forget. With the nights starting so early in December, there are many dark riding opportunities. There are even some roller coasters open and that is quite the experience!
Tip: As it gets later, families with kids leave. Do yourself a favor and let your kids stay up later. My kids had a couple rides all to themselves last year because we stayed later than bedtime!
Christmas Music
When you go through the park, the music has been changed to be either Christmas Carols or seasonal music. There are also carolers throughout England and it changes as you go to different sections and helps set the mood. I often find myself singing along!
Seasonal Shows
Busch Gardens is with the Busch Entertainment company so you know they are putting emphasis on their entertainment aspect of the park. There have been several shows in the park that are adapted for the holiday season. We frequently go to the show in the Festhaus. This way we get to take a break and eat at the same time so we can maximize our time at the park. I would love to try out some of the other ones too, but we haven’t had the chance.
Tip: Pay for the reserved seats. There are huge lines to get inside and you will be able to bypass the line and go right in to your reserved seats in the front. This is one of the best upgrades for the whole evening and you get to see an amazing show!
Light show in front of Festhaus
Every hour (or half hour) there is a fantastic light show in front of the Festhaus. There is Christmas music playing and the tree lights up with the music for a dazzling display and this is a great time to get a hot chocolate!
Holiday merchandise
There are several cute items, but my absolute favorite is the peppermint light up necklace! It is so festive and perfect for the holiday! I wore mine whenever we did any Christmas activity after we went to the Christmas Town.
There are many shops in the park so if you enjoy shopping, you’ll be glad you came to Busch Gardens. We especially enjoyed all the Rudolph merchandise this year.
Tip: I recommend having light up necklaces at the park due to it getting dark so early. It helps to keep up with the kids and dads that might wander off! If you want to save some money, bring your own light up necklaces for the family.
Other Helpful Links:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Tips for Kids
How to Save Money at Busch Gardens
Family Tested Williamsburg Restaurants
Thank you so much for writing this. Out family is visiting Christmas Town this year for the first time and your article is so helpful!
So glad you enjoyed it and it helped! Maybe we’ll see you there 😊
I love Busch Gardens. It’s my favorite place to go and we try to go once a year. My list of things to do has been Christmas Town and now reading this makes me want to make the trip even more.
Let me know if you get a chance to go this year. We cannot recommend it enough!