Christmas Town 2026 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Guide

Christmas Town returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, on select dates from Friday, November 13, 2026 through Monday, January 4, 2027. It runs from park open to park close and is included with regular park admission, according to the park's Christmas Town page.

Opening night tree lighting, November 13

Mix 100.7's Miguel & Holly and Brian Fink broadcast live from Cheetah Hunt Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. on opening night. The park's tree lighting follows at 7 p.m.

What is new and what is back

New show: "Lights of Wonder," alongside "A Very Merry Cirque!"
New market: the Christmas Town Market for holiday shopping.
Lights: nearly 70 miles of them across the park.
Back again: Santa's Workshop, photos with Santa, and Rudolph's Winter Wonderland with life-size storybook scenes and character meet-and-greets.
Holly Jolly Express: a holiday train ride with views of the park's 65-acre veldt and its giraffes, rhinos and zebras.

The park also lists caroling pop-ups, holiday dance parties, seasonal food and limited-time cocktails, and the regular rides stay open.

Dates within the season

Hanukkah: menorah lighting every night at 6 p.m. from December 4 to 12, between the Moroccan Palace and the cheetah habitat.
Three Kings Celebration: December 21 to January 4, with a Three Kings stage show at Dragon Fire Grill.
New Year's Eve: the park is open during the day on December 31, with a special fireworks finale that night.

Before you go

Christmas Town runs on select dates, not every night, so check the park schedule for the day you want. Because it is included with admission, annual pass holders can return across the season; the park also lists pass member perks and a Black Friday ticket presale on its site.

The weather can still cut a day short in November: on November 2 the park closed early at 4 p.m. for storms, so check the park's alerts on the day.

Planning a night out or a party? See upcoming dates or book a DJ.

Questions people ask

When is Christmas Town 2026?

On select dates from November 13, 2026 through January 4, 2027, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Is Christmas Town included with admission?

Yes, it is included with regular park admission.

What time is the tree lighting?

7 p.m. on opening night, November 13, at Cheetah Hunt Plaza.

Sources

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Christmas Town

Photo: Iron Gwazi Busch Gardens night (1) by Adog, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0