Departments
By Heather King
In small, Bavarian villages across Germany, families are strolling through Christmas markets, mugs of hot chocolate in hand as they decide on the perfect gifts for those they hold dear. In Ireland, people sing festive songs with the choirs who are performing in theatres decked out for the season with Christmas trees, holly and colorful lights. In quaint villages around England, citizens gather at church to celebrate the season. Throughout Europe, Christmas is a magical time of year; a time to be celebrated and enjoyed with family and friends. Now, Busch Gardens has brought a bit of that magic to Williamsburg, Virginia, through their new holiday-themed attraction called Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration.
Begun in 2009, Christmas Town offers visitors a unique seasonal experience that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else, unless, of course, you fly to Europe for the Christmas season. In Christmas Town, each “country” is decorated for the season as it would be if you were to actually take a trip there, with specialty decorations that are distinct to each region.
“I think we’ve really captured the magic of Christmas and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy,” Scott Gasparich, Vice President of Entertainment, said. “The experience leaves guests saying, ‘Now this is Christmas.’”
In retrospect, the idea of adding a Christmas theme to Busch Gardens during the holiday season seems like an obvious next step if you’ve experienced Howl-O-Scream, but it was a large undertaking.
“For years, our guests have commented about their desire for us to host a Christmas event,” Gasparich said. “The park really lends itself to celebrate the season with unique experiences tied to the countries of our European theme. So, following the success of our Howl-O-Scream event, we began the planning stages of what became Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration.”
From the feedback the park has received, Christmas Town has been an overwhelming success. The family friendly attractions, European locales and use of local artisans have combined to create an enjoyable attraction for Busch Gardens Williamsburg visitors. They immerse the senses in their world, giving each guest a European pass that allows them to enjoy the “sights, smells and sounds of Christmas around the world.”
“We received overwhelming response for the event,” Gasparich said. “As hectic as the holidays can be, I think families enjoy spending time together creating memories and beginning new traditions.”
A large part of the appeal of Christmas Town is the fact that there are attractions for people of all ages; theatrical performances, dining experiences, shopping in Europeans style marketplaces and theme rides. Even a few of the larger rides, like the Griffon roller coaster, are open when weather permits. In Christmas Town, you can enjoy the Scottish countryside moments after passing through a French forest.
“Traveling through the park, guests experience the transformed environment with music, decor, snow, more than 2 million lights all unique to Christmas Town and our European themed villages,” Gasparich explained. “Gather the family around our iconic centerpiece, a 50-foot tall Christmas tree, animated with lights to a booming musical score.”
The attractions are unique to each country—a plan that has been designed to enhance the idea that you’ve travelled to Europe for Christmas.
A Closer Look
There’s so much to do at Christmas Town, an exhaustive presentation isn’t possible. However, a quick look at a few of the attractions is. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
The Tweedside Train Station is a stop on the railway route of Busch Gardens. Ever resourceful, you won’t see a contemporary style train riding the rails in this theme park. Instead, Busch Gardens uses steam-powered locomotives. They travel throughout the park, stopping at stations located in various countries. The Tweedside station is situated in Scotland, with picturesque views of the Scottish countryside. A ride will last for about 20 minutes and will take you from Scotland through the evergreen forest in New France.
If you’d like something a bit faster paced, go to Germany where you’ll find Curse of DarKastle. DarKastle is a 15th century castle that has all of the dark, gothic elements you’d expect in a haunted palace. That’s right—DarKastle is haunted. Climb aboard this sleigh ride to be chased through the castle, enjoy surprise twists and turns and the kind of 3-D images that just might make you want to jump out of your seat.
If you have children, there’s plenty for them to do as well.
“During Christmas Town, Santa Claus resides at North Pole in Rhinefeld, and children are invited to enter his warm workshop for photos and a visit,” Gasparich said. “Also popular is ‘Polar Pathway,’ a unique, up-close encounter with penguins and other animals of the arctic. And, the must-see ‘A Sesame Street Christmas’ headlines at the Globe Theatre.”
“A Sesame Street Christmas” isn’t the only show playing at Christmas Town. Visit Ireland’s Abbey Stone Theatre for a theatrical performance that incorporates choral music, a live orchestra and live action imagery. The combination of imagery and Gregorian music (with a touch of the contemporary) will give visitors a unique experience.
While you’re in Ireland, stop by Castle O’Sullivan’s grand dining room for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy a dining event you and your family will not soon forget: Santa’s Fireside Feast! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be your hosts for the evening; their elves, your chefs. Enjoy cookies, decadent food and treats while listening to Santa share a Christmas story classic.
If you’re still in the mood for something sweet after Santa’s Fireside Feast, take a trip to England where you’ll find M. Sweets Confectionary Factory.
If you’ve had your fill of food and want to do a bit of shopping, a popular attraction is Germany’s Mistletoe Marketplace, an outdoor market that captures the feel of an actual German marketplace. Local artisans line the way, each with crafts and hand-made items to sell. Their unique offerings are unlike anything to be found at retail stores. At the market place you’ll find German Christmas ornaments, as well as an assortment of items that would make great Christmas gifts.
When To Go
Christmas Town celebrates its opening day on November 26 and runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 17, when it is open daily. Christmas Town closes shop on December 31. Daily hours of operation are from 3 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 24; all other nights they close at 10 p.m. Tickets are $21.99 per person. Visit www.christmastown.com for updates and details.
So, why not load up the kids this holiday season and take a trip to Europe? You don’t have to buy expensive airplane tickets, make your way through busy terminals or ride a shuttle bus. You don’t even have to pack a lot. Williamsburg isn’t far from home and Christmas Town will give you the experience of Europe while staying right here in Virginia, in your own back yard.
While In Colonial Williamsburg…
Grand Illumination Celebration – December 5
Enjoy fireworks and music at the DeWitt Wallace Museum. Musicians Barry Trott, Brian Forsman, Doug Austin and Lynn Trott provide entertainment, playing period pieces that range from country dances of the 18th century to Appalachia and early bluegrass.
The music begins at 4:45 p.m. with the fireworks starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information or to buy tickets, call 1-800-History.
A Colonial Christmas – December 1, 2010, to January 3, 2011
Go to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center, where you can enjoy a variety of historical Christmas events. From December through the beginning of January, you can see what the holiday season was like for those living in 17th and 18th centuries.
Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of Jamestown Settlement’s re-created outdoor interpretive areas. The presentations begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Learn of Powhatan hospitality to the settlers, something experienced by Captain John Smith from 1608 to 1609.
Go to the re-created colonial fort to take in an English Christmas of the 17th century. It is not known if colonists could have celebrated this way with the fight for survival so intense, but this is how they would have celebrated. See the decorations and learn how to create a 17th century feast. Presentations are at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
At the Continental Army encampment, visitors will learn what it was like for American Revolution era soldiers during the holidays. Hear about camp life in the winter. Also, take part in military supply preparations or go to the re-created farm to see demonstrations of numerous holiday activities.
Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. They are closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. A ticket to both museums is $19.25. For more information, call (757) 253-4838 or (888) 593-4682.
Original Ghosts of Williamsburg
If you’d like a few ghosts with your history lesson, visit the Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Tour Company, where you’ll hear spooky tales of ghosts and folklore of historic Williamsburg. The tales are based on the book, “The Ghosts of Williamsburg” by L. B. Taylor, so if you’d like, you can purchase a copy and come prepared.
Shows start at 8 p.m. and the cost is $11; however, children 6 and under get in free. To find out more about these ghost tours, call (757) 253-1058.
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