Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town Visit
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Event: Christmas Town
Special Items: Souvenir mugs with hot chocolate
Park Overview & Atmosphere
General Experience
- 41 days until Christmas (at time of visit)
- Gingerbread displays throughout park
- Hot chocolate fountain available
- Christmas lights throughout
- Cold weather conditions
- Minimal wait times (most attractions walk-on)
Notable Mentions
- Santa Claus available for visits
- Festive holiday atmosphere
- Multiple themed areas based on country themes (Ireland, Italy, etc.)
Attractions & Rides Experienced
Roller Coasters Completed (3 of 4)
1. Finnegan Flyer
- Located in Ireland section
- Operating during Christmas Town
2. Pantheon
- Final roller coaster of the night
- Empty station (walk-on)
- No wait time
3. Third Roller Coaster
- Mentioned as "Catapult" in transcript
Dark Coaster:
- NOT ridden - approximately 1-hour wait
- Only major coaster skipped
Shows Attended (4 of 6)
Show 1: Gloria
Location: Ireland section
Theme: Joyous retelling of the first Christmas
Format: Musical performance
Julia's Favorite Show
Songs/Elements Performed:
- "Away in a Manger"
- "The First Noel"
- Traditional Christmas carols
- Nativity story themes
Show 2: Christmas Town Live ★ NEW FOR 2024
Theme: 1960s-style holiday TV special
Format: Live taping simulation
Reviewer's Favorite Show
Special Features:
- Souvenir "ticket" given to guests (like attending TV show taping)
- Set design mimics 1960s television production
- Interactive studio audience experience
Songs/Medley Performed:
- "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"
- "Jingle Bells"
- "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
- "Here Comes Santa Claus"
- "Frosty the Snowman"
- "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"
- "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
- Various holiday classics in 60s TV special style
Atmosphere:
- Sparkling holiday vision broadcast theme
- "Broadcasting live across the globe"
- Studio audience participation
- Retro 1960s aesthetic
- High-energy musical numbers
Show 3: Scrooge No More
Theme: Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"
Setting: Victorian London
**Final show of the evening
Story Elements:
- Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation
- Jacob Marley's ghost warning
- Visit to Bob Cratchit's home
- Christmas spirits
- Redemption message
Songs/Musical Elements:
- "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
- "Jingle Bells"
- "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
- Dramatic musical theater presentation
Key Scenes:
- Scrooge at his place of business on Christmas Eve
- "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"
- Jacob Marley in chains scene
- Visit with the Cratchit family
- Scrooge's transformation
Theme: "Let the magic of Christmas do its work"
Show 4: Mentioned (Location Identified)
The Wise Man Show
- Location: Theater in Italy section
- NOT attended - ran out of time
- May return on future visit
Shows NOT Attended (2 of 6)
1. The Wise Man Show
- Location: Italy section theater
- Reason: Insufficient time
- Noted for potential future visit
2. Ice Skating Show
- Status: Not yet open for season
- Opening: Later in December
- Reason: Seasonal scheduling
Food & Beverages
Hot Chocolate
- Served in souvenir mugs
- Available throughout park
- Hot chocolate fountain spotted
- Featured during Christmas Town Live show celebration
Visitor Experience Summary
What They Accomplished
✅ 3 of 4 major roller coasters
✅ 4 of 6 Christmas shows
✅ Toured multiple themed areas
✅ Collected souvenirs
✅ Experienced festive atmosphere
What They Missed
❌ Dark Coaster (1-hour wait)
❌ The Wise Man Show (time constraints)
❌ Ice Skating Show (not yet open)
Overall Experience
- Great time despite not seeing everything
- Minimal crowds and wait times
- Quality show productions
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Strong recommendation for visitors
Recommendations & Tips
Best For:
- Busch Gardens Platinum or Season Pass holders
- Williamsburg area visitors
- Families seeking holiday entertainment
- Those who enjoy Christmas lights and shows
Highlights Worth Experiencing:
- Christmas Town Live (new 1960s TV special show)
- Gloria (traditional Christmas performance in Ireland)
- Scrooge No More (musical theater production)
- Multiple roller coasters with minimal waits
- Santa Claus visits
- Festive light displays
Visitor Advice:
- Come for the lights
- See the shows
- Ride the roller coasters
- Visit Santa
- Purchase souvenir mugs for hot chocolate
Final Thoughts
Quote: "We had a great time. If you're ever in Williamsburg or have a platinum pass or season pass to Busch Gardens, come out for Christmas Town, see the lights, see Santa, and ride some rides and see some good shows."
Overall Rating: Highly positive experience with strong recommendation for return visits and new visitors alike.