Families can meet Santa Claus himself at Busch Gardens Christmas Town this holiday season.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s annual Christmas celebration starts on Nov. 24, and will run select days through Jan. 1, 2018. This year’s event will bring with it a roomier home for Santa, an all-new show called “Gift of Harmony,” and new culinary offerings.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg will have even more lights than ever this year – over 8 million in the park – giving Christmas Town the most lights of any holiday event in the country.
“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,” said David Cromwell, Busch Gardens president. “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.”
This year, Santa Claus will take up shop in a larger home, located in the castle made popular by the Curse of DarKastle ride, which will allow more children to meet him and share their Christmas wish lists.
“As a father of young children, I understand what a big deal it is to visit Santa,” Cromwell said. “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.”
Christmas Town has added a new show offering to its list this year with “Gift of Harmony.” This new show features a modern a cappella sound with vocals performed by a group of talented singers. The set will include traditional Christmas songs, as well as more modern favorites.
The classic Christmas character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will return to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this year with his friends Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, Sam the Snowman and Bumble. Guests can meet them and get their picture taken at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland in Holiday Hills, and enjoy a new production of the classic television special at the new Rudolph’s Movie Experience.
Sesame Street Forest of Fun will be entirely decorated for the holidays, and guests can meet their favorite Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster, for a special holiday photo. Families can shop for Christmas gifts in Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Trove, and ride Grover’s Alpine Express.
Guests visiting Christmas Town to find the perfect holiday snacks need to look no further than the new cookie shop in the Germany village. Cookies, beverages and a heated seating area can be found here.
Christmas Town offers a variety of special dining experiences, including Dine with Rudolph and Friends, a buffet luncheon with a carving station, pasta and salad bar, kid-friendly food and other holiday favorites.
Guests can also enjoy Santa’s Fireside Feast, where Santa tells a classic Christmas story as the elves prepare an all-you-can-eat buffet and Mrs. Claus delights the dining room with holiday cheer. Kids will be able to visit Santa and take a photo as part of the experience.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on regularly scheduled Christmas Town operating days, from Nov. 24 through New Year’s Day. Guests can enjoy unlimited visits with a Christmas Town Fun Card for $49. Annual Pass Members can get a Christmas Town Pass for $39.
For more information on Busch Gardens Christmas Town and to purchase tickets, visit christmastown.com/va.