See the spectacular new Holiday Skies drone show at Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Tampa Bay. Get 2025 dates, ticket info, and all new shows.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The holidays are about to shine brightly. Busch Gardens Christmas Town is returning on select dates from November 14 through January 5, transforming the park into a spectacular winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and thrilling rides. This year, the event is introducing two massive, all-new nighttime spectaculars guaranteed to create lasting holiday memories.

This year, the event will open with a special ceremony, Flipping the Switch with Mix 100.7. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Mix 100.7 are coming together to Flip the Switch and light up the park for Christmas Town while Mix 100.7 flips its station to nonstop Christmas music. Plus, Super Bowl Champion, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor Member, Derrick Brooks, will help us make the magic happen. 

Christmas Town’s Must-See New Nighttime Spectacles

The core of the 2025 celebration is two spectacular additions that elevate the nighttime experience:

  1. ALL-NEW Holiday Skies Spectacular: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay says to prepare for a jaw-dropping finale. This is an awe-inspiring drone show featuring hundreds of synchronized drones dancing above the park, perfectly choreographed to a soundtrack of classic holiday tunes. It’s an event finale unlike anything else in Florida.
  2. ALL-NEW Serengeti Light Show: The park’s iconic Serengeti Plain will become a living canvas of color and sound. This immersive, multi-sensory light and music display features tens of thousands of lights choreographed to an exclusive version of “Carol of the Bells.”

“There’s nothing quite like the joy and wonder that fill the park during Christmas Town,” said Brian Bacica, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From festive shows to sparkling decorations around every corner, we can’t wait for guests to make cherished holiday memories with us.”

Returning Favorites for Your Busch Gardens Christmas Town Visit

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

While the new shows headline the event, all the traditional magic that makes Busch Gardens Christmas Town a family favorite is back:

Busch Gardens Christmas Town
  • The Iconic Skyride: Guests can glide above the festive displays on the Skyride, which will sparkle once again with beautiful holiday lights for breathtaking nighttime views.
  • Thrills Under the Lights: Fan-favorite coasters, including the recently returned Kumba and Phoenix Rising, will be open, offering a unique opportunity to ride under the holiday glow.
  • Santa’s North Pole Experience: Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa, explore his workshop, and share holiday wishes.
  • Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland: The most famous reindeer of all returns in a NEW location this year, featuring festive decorations and photo opportunities with beloved characters.
  • Dazzling Live Entertainment: The lineup features returning classics like Christmas on Ice, Mrs. Claus’ Storytime, the musical Three Kings Journey, and the always popular Holly Jolly Express train ride.
Bsuch Gardens Christmas Town
Three Kings Journey

Savor the Season: Festive Food and Drink

The seasonal sweets and sips are a hallmark of Busch Gardens Christmas Town. This year’s culinary delights include:

  • Holiday-flavored hot chocolates.
  • Freshly baked cookies and a dedicated gingerbread cookie decorating station.
  • A selection of new Christmas Town craft cocktails for adults.

With unique holiday shopping and the exciting New Year’s Eve Fireworks on December 31, a visit to Busch Gardens Christmas Town is the perfect way to celebrate the season. We will cover the food beverage detaisl in a future article.

Plan Your Visit: Busch Gardens Christmas Town runs select dates from Nov. 14 through Jan. 5. For tickets and more information, visit ChristmasTown.com. Additionally, for more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. Also, for more details on the 2024 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town event to help plan for this year’s event, there is a trip report to examine.

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.