No pandemic is going to stop Christmas!

Christmas dreams have come true for many of us with Busch Gardens’ latest announcement. The park is planning an all-new special event, Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration, where guests can enjoy the sparkling lights, festive food, seasonal music, and beautiful decorations of the holiday season.

Day and evening reservation windows are available on select dates from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2021. Time frames are 10 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 5 p.m–10 p.m. This is a change from previous events to allow more time for guests to enjoy all of the festivities. Tickets start at $39.99 and are on sale now.

In a press release, Kevin Lembke, president of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, said:

“The Christmas season is a special time for our park. This year has been challenging for so many and we’re thrilled to bring some holiday joy to even more families now that we’re able to offer additional reservations for this spectacular holiday event. We continue to operate with enhanced health and safety measures, and have created an event full of Christmas experiences for kids and adults that safely deliver a festive combination of exciting coasters, rides, live holiday music and delicious food and drinks.”

Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration

Busch Gardens

Courtesy: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

In addition to strolling through beautifully decorated European-themed villages, guests can visit Santa Claus, shop for Christmas gifts, enjoy live music, and take on thrilling roller coasters and kid-friendly rides.

Christmas Celebration Entertainment

  • England Carolers
  • Killarney Christmas Trio
  • New France Guitarist/Vocalist
  • Das Festhaus Pianist

Christmas Celebration Experiences

  • Santa Meet & Greet
  • Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt
  • Photos with Sesame Street Friends
  • Frosty Meet & Greet
  • Highland Stables
  • Wine Tastings

Christmas Celebration Food & Beverages

  • Das Festhaus
  • Der Marktplatz
  • M. Sweets Confectionary
  • Cookies & Cocoa
  • Squire’s Grille
  • Grogan’s Pub
  • Coffee Café
  • Les Frites
  • Pretzels & Beer

Christmas Celebration Rides, Roller Coasters, and Kid-Friendly Fun

  • Busch Gardens Railway
  • Der Autobahn
  • Der Autobahn Jr.
  • Li’l Clydes
  • Finnegan’s Flyer
  • Le Catapult
  • InvadR
  • Alpengeist
  • Kinder Karussel
  • Der Roto Baron
  • Der Wirbelwind
  • Verbolten
  • Prince Elmo’s Spire
  • Oscars’ Whirly Worm
  • Grover’s Alpine Express

Busch Gardens

Courtesy: Busch Gardens Facebook

As with the park’s previous 2020 events, there is limited capacity at Busch Gardens’ Christmas Celebration, and reservations must be made (in addition to park entrance tickets). Face masks must be worn and there will be temperature checks upon arrival. The park has done an exceptional job of increased sanitation. If you can’t find hand sanitizer, you’re obviously not looking for it. The stuff is everywhere. Rides are sanitized on a regular basis, and there are social distancing guidelines in effect. There are even relaxation areas where you can take off your face masks (with social distancing, of course).

What’s your favorite sweet treat at Busch Gardens? Do you and your family have any special Christmas traditions? Let us know in the comments.