[singlepic id=2162 w=320 h=240 float=right]Last year was the first time Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened their gates for the Christmas Season; spending a fortune on lights, trees, new musical shows, and tons of merchandise for an event that no one could predict if it would be a hit or not. What happened was a Christmas miracle in itself. The crowds came in droves! All attendees easily found themselves basking in the glory of a spectacular display of Holiday cheer. Many visitors came back again and again to experience the magic of Christmas Town; thus securing the event to be repeated once more and perhaps forevermore.
Following the success of the first year, park officials decided to make Christmas Town bigger and better than before. All I can say is that after walking around the park and seeing the latest additions: “Tis the Season to Be Jolly! Busch Gardens delivered their best!”
[singlepic id=2157 w=320 h=240 float=left]The differences from last year include a newly decorated Italy in glorious Gold and White, a new show called Miracles found in the San Marco Theater, hundreds of thousands of more lights, an operational Skyride, a larger penguin exhibit, and more shops to explore. It is hard to pinpoint my favorite part of Christmas Town this year, so I will quickly mention them all.
I must say that Miracles is a must see show. The music is uplifting and inspirational. The choreography is a mixture of Modern Dance and Ballet; a perfect fit for the song list and outstanding vocals. The Skyride’s “Flight of Lights”, as it is appropriately labeled, takes a complete circuit around the main areas of the park and gives the viewers a birds-eye view of the sparkling splendor below. The penguin exhibit, or Polar Pathway, has been upgraded from last year. Now, a Snowy Owl proudly perches within the exhibit and a newly added diving pool for the penguins makes the experience even more entertaining.
[singlepic id=2156 w=320 h=240 float=right]My favorite addition of lights, besides the beautifully decorated Italy, is located along the banks of the Rhine River. I would venture to guess that at least a hundred lighted pine trees are sprinkled around the areas below the bridge connecting Italy to Germany. They glisten like golden jewels through the trees and the mirrored reflection on the water will awe any Humbug. And if a hundred lighted trees were not enough to lift your spirits, placed on the train trestle in the distance is a glowing sign flanked by twinkling angels that spell out the message “Peace on Earth”.
There is no escaping the spirit of Christmas at Busch Gardens. So smile and say hi to Santa, take in a inspirational show or two, shop for gifts, wander through the lighted pathways, enjoy a delicious Holiday Meal, ride a few rides, sip some hot cocoa, and just relax. Christmas Town is a gift to us all this year!
[singlepic id=2159 w=320 h=240 float=left]Nora is a member of the BGWFans Forums and is a regular contributor to the site.