Christmas Town Opens Friday

By Amber Lester Kennedy Tuesday, November 22, 2011

 

In the month of November, Busch Gardens is transformed from a haunted garden to a winter wonderland. Christmas Town, now in its third year, will open the day after Thanksgiving.

 

The attraction turns the Europe-themed park into a international celebration of the holidays, with each village decked out in lights and drink stands offering the park’s signature peppermint fudge hot cocoa in refillable cups.

If advanced ticket offers are any indication, families have made Christmas Town a holiday tradition in the two short years it’s been open. A special $5 ticket sale promoted through the park’s Twitter and Facebook pages quickly sold out, and a LivingSocial deal on tickets hit its 5,000 capacity by 10 a.m. on Friday.

For those who missed out on special discounted tickets, the regular single-day tickets cost $25.

Attractions this year include France’s Ice Palace, where penguins frolic and play; the Mistletoe Marketplace, where local artisans sell their wares as holiday gifts; Santa’s Fireside Feast in Ireland, where Santa will share a classic Christmas tale while families enjoy a buffet; Santa’s Workshop, where children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and the Polar Pathway, where guests will see a dazzling light display.

The park will also showcase five holiday-themed shows. “Deck the Halls” is a musical tribute to Christmas traditions; “Gloria” celebrates the true meaning of Christmas; “Miracles” celebrates classical and contemporary dance; “O Tannenbaum” is a 50-foot Christmas tree that plays a musical score; and “A Sesame Street Christmas” teaches Abby Cadabby about giving and sharing during the holidays.

In addition, several rides will remain open, along with stores and restaurants in the park.

Christmas Town will be open to guests from 3 to 10 p.m. on weekends from Nov. 25 through Dec. 18, then open daily from 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 19 to 24, then Dec. 26 to 31. Find more information about Christmas Town here.