Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

[BroadwayHermione5]

This is going to be a long shot. But I know a few of you in the boards have to know something.

My family and I have visited BG Williamsburg for years, and we have gone during peak season and Halloween season.

We have never gone at Holiday season and are going for a long weekend this year.
We know Christmas town is a separate ticketed event much like HoS, but during HoS season the parks are sometimes open during the day but that doesn’t seem to be the case as I am looking on the website. Am I missing something?


Also if anyone has any information on the BG dog kennel being open during this time it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

BroadwayHermione5

 

[Anchored]

BGW is a seasonal park, so, no, it will not be open during the day at Christmas Time

Sorry, I don't have info about the kennel, but I absolutely LOVE bgw and hope you guys have an amazing time!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

BGW is a seasonal park, so, no, it will not be open during the day at Christmas Time

Sorry, I don't have info about the kennel, but I absolutely LOVE bgw and hope you guys have an amazing time!

Figured as such-when we went for Halloween it was early on in the downtime so it was in fact open most of the day. Also who knows what changes were made due to Covid.
We love BGW! It will be the first park we have hit all the big holidays at! And our first theme park during Holiday season! I’m now wondering if the ceramics place is open during this time as well now that I’m thinking about it. I don’t recall if I made one when we went for Halloween (I know I made one in 2018 during regular operating hours).
Thank you!

 

[1GoldenSun]

I don't know anything about Busch Gardens Williamsburg, but I live in Tampa and I love BG Tampa's Christmastown. It's probably different in Williamsburg, but in Tampa it's included in the ticket price or if you have an annual pass. Maybe that's why I like it so much, since I don't have to pay any extra, I'm not looking to "get my money's worth" like I am when I pay for a Disney holiday party, so my expectations are low-ish. It is very pretty and festive though. I bet it's really nicely done in Williamsburg!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

I don't know anything about Busch Gardens Williamsburg, but I live in Tampa and I love BG Tampa's Christmastown. It's probably different in Williamsburg, but in Tampa it's included in the ticket price or if you have an annual pass. Maybe that's why I like it so much, since I don't have to pay any extra, I'm not looking to "get my money's worth" like I am when I pay for a Disney holiday party, so my expectations are low-ish. It is very pretty and festive though. I bet it's really nicely done in Williamsburg!

You would be correct it is included in ticket price! Same for howl o scream.
williamsburg is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever been too-it’s no wonder they have won the landscaping award for years. I honestly can’t wait to see it done at the holiday time. And while I’ve never been to Tampa I’ve seen enough videos in YouTube to know it’s probably similar in certain aspects but just in a different layout and with different rides.
This just makes me more excited!

 

[Anchored]

When I lived in Virginia 6 years ago, HOS was, but Christmastown was not included with our annual pass, but it was only about $25. Now I live in Tampa and it's the opposite. Williamsburg Christmas Town was miles better than Tampa's. I miss it so much

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

When I lived in Virginia 6 years ago, HOS was, but Christmastown was not included with our annual pass, but it was only about $25. Now I live in Tampa and it's the opposite. Williamsburg Christmas Town was miles better than Tampa's. I miss it so much

That’s actually really great! We tend to buy from a third party site for BG tickets as it’s easier, plus it’s our first trip bringing our dog (was very easy to find a hotel though sadly not one of the two Hampton Inns as VA is one of the few states that Hampton doesn’t allow animals unless service). So this is a lot of new info for us.
We might try to hit up Colonial Williamsburg as well, but we don’t know yet.
Elated to here Christmas Town is a great event!

 

[MarBee]

Hello! We are visiting BG/Colonial Williamsburg for the first time ever the week after a Christmas. We definitely plan to do Christmas town, but I just wanted to see what any other “must do’s” you’d recommend. We are staying for 2 nights, and the cold doesn’t really bother us too much, if that makes a difference in planning.

 

[lisaviolet]

Just love that park. Christmastown twice. Still get emails enticing me about it and get wistful.

I am sure you realize that not everything is open and certain rides are weather dependent. That can lead to longer lines on busy days. Regardless it is all so magical.

You might want to look into their meal certificates if they are still selling them. Good deal.

There is nothing like the cold in Virginia and the southern states, layers are necessary. And I live in Toronto.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[lisaviolet]

Hello! We are visiting BG/Colonial Williamsburg for the first time ever the week after a Christmas. We definitely plan to do Christmas town, but I just wanted to see what any other “must do’s” you’d recommend. We are staying for 2 nights, and the cold doesn’t really bother us too much, if that makes a difference in planning.

I was going to tell you about their lovely tree lighting ceremony, but noticed your dates.

I enjoy the ghost tour but only go if you have an interest in the history and can listen for an extended time. Do not pay for anyone that would be bored with that kind of detail and length.

Do know you can walk around the historic area without passes. You will simply be blocked from certain areas/buildings/reenactments. They have no way of completely cutting you off from outdoor reenactments, it is just a rope to shut you out.

I have only done a tavern meal on one of my stays. But I believe it was worth the experience. Did Christiana Campbell's Tavern (just read that it is temporarily closed - someone will pop on with their favourite)

If you do make a reservation at an inn or tavern for lunch or dinner it would be fun to read up on the history beforehand.

It is all just so beautiful. Just love the area. Have a wonderful time.

 

[lisaviolet]

There can be quite the traffic to get into the park, so know that and go early.

Also, some rave about the penguin exhibit. Laughing. I do not understand. There was nothing like lining up for an hour to see sleeping penguins that look like statues.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Hi all-I forgot to let this thread know that we unfortunately cancelled our trip due to a family emergency-but I am happy to hear this still going!

Alao if anyone wants two places to go to in Williamsburg?
Christmas Mouse-amazing Christmas store and since the closure of Yankee Candle it probably has a lot more other holiday stuff too

The Seafare-little pricey but if You want one great meal that is the meal to have

 

[seshat0120]

I have only done a tavern meal on one of my stays. But I believe it was worth the experience. Did Christiana Campbell's Tavern (just read that it is temporarily closed - someone will pop on with their favourite)

If you do make a reservation at an inn or tavern for lunch or dinner it would be fun to read up on the history beforehand.

The only one of the three taverns that take reservations that is open is Kings Arms Tavern. It's my understanding that they're completely booked through at least the end of the year. Chownings has been open, but it does not take reservations. It's first come, first served.

 

[lisaviolet]

The only one of the three taverns that take reservations that is open is Kings Arms Tavern. It's my understanding that they're completely booked through at least the end of the year. Chownings has been open, but it does not take reservations. It's first come, first served.

Great information.

Wish I could wiggle my nose and be there.

Was it a fire at Christiana Campbell's? Or did they have a fire and then later decide on renovations?

 

[seshat0120]

Great information.

Wish I could wiggle my nose and be there.

Was it a fire at Christiana Campbell's? Or did they have a fire and then later decide on renovations?

I believe it was both. They're also having staffing issues which is also affecting King's Arms and Chownings. They're also not doing as many in a seating because of that and COVID protocols. I was there in October and was lucky to get two reservations at King's Arms. I think I made those reservations in very early August. By September, there were none available in October.

 

[MarBee]

Thank you all so much for these great suggestions and tips! I’m sorry to OP for hijacking your thread!

I was a bit anxious as I’ve never been before, and my many years of Disney planning has me conditioned to plan everything to the second. And here I am knowing virtually NOTHING about the area.
Your great suggestions and tips are giving me a lot to go off of and calming my nerves. Thank you all!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Thank you all so much for these great suggestions and tips! I’m sorry to OP for hijacking your thread!

I was a bit anxious as I’ve never been before, and my many years of Disney planning has me conditioned to plan everything to the second. And here I am knowing virtually NOTHING about the area.
Your great suggestions and tips are giving me a lot to go off of and calming my nerves. Thank you all!

No need to apologize! I’m happy this is helping others! If you have any questions you can DM me as well! We have been there more than disney!