Christmas Town Returning to Busch Gardens with Rudolph, Bumble

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who might be hoping it would look a little more like Christmas don’t have much longer to wait. Busch Gardens has announced the return of Christmas Town this November.

Featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, holiday food and entertainment, and a host of attractions, Christmas Town makes its return Nov. 25. A number of favorite features, including Santa’s House, are also returning while there are some new additions this year, as well.

The biggest addition to the Christmas Town line up is an attraction called Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland. Here visitors will get to meet and take photos with Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Bumble. The wonderland attraction will be located in the Celestial Crossings part of Christmas Town. Visitors will also be able to play holiday games, enjoy Yuletide treats and explore scenes from the story “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

At Santa’s House, visitors will get to check out elves as they prepare for Christmas. There’s also word that Santa intends to enjoy a bit of vacation time in the Tampa area before the busy holiday rush. He’ll be on hand to take photos with families in his private study, Busch Gardens officials say.

In addition to meeting Santa and Rudolph, Christmas Town also boasts a few shows. Christmas on Ice, Carol of the Bells light show is making a return this year and guests will also get to check out the Holiday Hills Brass Band. The park's rides, of course, will also be available for guest enjoyment.

Christmas Town is open until 10 p.m. on select dates, but closes at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On New Year’s Eve, the event will run until 1 a.m. Admission to Christmas Town is included with any annual pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. The Christmas Town attraction debuts Nov. 25 and will open on 23 select dates through Dec. 31.

For more information about Busch Gardens and Christmas Town, visit the park's website or go directly to the Christmas Town page at ChristmasTown.com. Busch Gardens is also offering a special on annual passes right now. People who purchase 2017 passes now, get three months free.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay