Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the other reason families head for the Historic Triangle, and it regularly ranks among the most beautiful theme parks in America. Set on rolling, wooded ground a few miles east of Colonial Williamsburg, it is laid out as a string of European-themed villages, with English, Scottish, Irish, French, German and Italian areas linked by paths, bridges and a train. The coaster line-up is the main draw for thrill-seekers, from the twisting Verbolten to high-speed hypercoasters, while younger children have their own play areas, gentle rides and shows. In the holiday season the park becomes Christmas Town, one of the best-loved holiday events in the country: more than ten million lights, a Christmas Town Express train playing holiday music, Santa’s Workshop, holiday shows including Christmas Town Live! A Holiday Special, Gloria! and Scrooged No More, and seasonal food and shopping. For 2026 Verbolten: Forbidden Turn makes its Christmas Town debut. Christmas Town runs on select dates from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. This page links to the Busch Gardens Williamsburg entry ticket on Tiqets, rated 4.8 by its buyers.
How to visit: the park is at 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, a short drive from the Historic Area and close to Kingsmill. Outside the summer season it opens on select days only, and hours vary, so check the calendar for your date before you book. In early November the park opens on a few weekend days, including a Member Appreciation Weekend on 7 and 8 November 2026, and Christmas Town starts on 13 November. Busch Gardens treats Christmas Town as a separately ticketed event, so make sure the ticket you choose is valid for the date and event you want; annual pass members are covered. The Tiqets entry ticket is a mobile ticket, does not include parking and cannot be refunded or rescheduled.
What to expect: Christmas Town runs from park opening until closing, and the lights are best after dark, so arrive in the afternoon, ride the coasters that are operating while it is light and stay for the evening. Santa’s Fireside Feast is an all-you-care-to-eat meal with Santa that needs a reservation, and Santa’s Workshop lets children share their wish lists.
Making the most of it: weekends in December are the busiest, so a weeknight in late November or early December is calmer. Dress warmly, because evenings get cold, and consider the Christmas Bounce ticket if you also plan to visit Colonial Williamsburg.
What to expect
The experience
A full day in a European-themed theme park, with coasters, shows and play areas, and Christmas Town lights after dark in the holiday season.
Best time
A weeknight in late November or early December, arriving in the afternoon and staying until the lights take over.
How long
Most of a day, or an afternoon and evening for Christmas Town.
Tips
Check the park calendar for your date, confirm your ticket is valid for Christmas Town, reserve Santa’s Fireside Feast ahead and bring warm layers for the evening.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, thrill-seekers and anyone visiting between mid-November and early January who wants a dose of holiday magic.
- Families
- Young children have their own rides and shows, and Christmas Town adds Santa’s Workshop, the holiday train and millions of lights.
- Couples
- Ride the coasters at dusk, then walk the lit-up villages with a hot drink for a festive evening.
- Pair with
- A day at Colonial Williamsburg, linked by the Christmas Bounce ticket, or the Jamestown Settlement museum.
- Time needed
- A full day, or an afternoon and evening for Christmas Town.
Good questions
When is Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2026?+
Christmas Town runs on select dates from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Check the park calendar for the exact operating days and hours.
Is Busch Gardens Williamsburg open in early November?+
The park opens on select days only outside summer, including a Member Appreciation Weekend on 7 and 8 November 2026. Christmas Town begins on 13 November.
Is Christmas Town included with a regular ticket?+
Busch Gardens sells Christmas Town as a separately ticketed event, although annual pass members are included. Make sure the ticket and date you book cover the event.
Does the Busch Gardens ticket include parking?+
No, parking is paid separately at the park. The Tiqets entry ticket is also nonrefundable, so confirm your date before you buy.
How many lights are there at Christmas Town?+
Busch Gardens says Christmas Town has more than ten million lights. They look best after dark, so plan to stay into the evening.
