Tampa's Favorite Christmas Town is Here!

Santa Claus is coming to town - oh wait, no, he's already here! That's right - if you saw my post from earlier in the month (see here), then you may already know that Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town has arrived earlier this year! I was again lucky enough to be invited out to check out the grand opening weekend of their brightest holiday event and it did not disappoint!

Different entertainment and special things are offered throughout the day, so I would check the schedule for the day you are interested in going to ensure you get to do everything you want to do.  

My friends and I decided to go a bit later in the day so that we could enjoy the food and drink booths in the "Christmas Town Village" - always a favorite of mine, plus see all the beautiful lights, and the fireworks! We had perfect chilly weather, which really added to the feeling of the holiday season.

Let’s talk drinks. This year I really enjoyed the frozen eggnog, but I think my favorite was the apple brandy hot toddy.  When it got cold enough outside I order one and it was just SO good!  My significant other ordered the Jack Fire, which was too strong for me but he loved it - definitely high on the alcohol content, so if you are looking for bang for your buck - that is your drink! Between the four of us that night, we had 3, 8-punch sampler cards, which I highly recommend.  The sampler cards are the BEST way to try out different drinks and if you love one, then buy it in the bigger size.  Plus, you can use it on the food, which is normal size. Seriously, an AMAZING DEAL - I always recommend this!

Totchos: Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Smoked Brisket, Bacon Onion Jam, Beer Cheese, Green Onions

Bison Chili Mac: Gemelli Pasta, Sam Adams Beer Cheese, Parmesan Crumbs

Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Vanilla Whipped Cream

For food, I was a little bit limited on what I could eat.  Although many of the food options sounded good, many of them included some form of pork, which I do not eat. I was able to have them make me the totchos without the bacon onion jam and it was still very good - but my friend got it with so that is the picture that you see.  The bison chili mac was outstanding - honestly, so good. My friends agreed it was one of their favorite things of the night. The maple bourbon pecan pie was very good too. There were a few other items I wanted to try but I waited too long and they sold out - so be sure to grab what you want when you can - you don’t want to miss out if something is popular!

As always, the lights around the park were beautiful. I love how they use such colorful lights, especially near the kids area, I feel like you never see these colors anywhere else and it is just so magical! One of my favorite places every year is the bridge that is full of lights that change to the song that is playing. I definitely spent a little time in there in awe as always.

We used this park visit to feel like kids again and we took a ride on the merry-go-round, which if you haven’t been on it, they have some pretty cool looking horses - even a camel!  We also rode one coaster before deciding it was back to food and drinks before fireworks, because hey - who doesn’t like more holiday beverages and fireworks?

There is a special viewing area for the fireworks, but I recommend watching from the Christmas Town Village.  You get a wonderful view while still being able to drink and/or eat if you want, and be around less crowds.  The fireworks went off at 9pm, but the park did not close for another hour, which was nice, as we were able to continue enjoying the park a bit before heading out. ​

You can experience Christmas Town daily - which is included in park admission - until January 2nd!  Fireworks are on select days.  

​Looking forward to returning next year! As always, thank you for reading and if you go, let me know what your favorite food and drink were!

I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.