TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s annual holiday event, Christmas Town, is returning this year but with a few modifications because of the ongoing pandemic.

The limited capacity event will run daily November 20 through January 3, 2021. However, the festivities will kick off a little earlier on November 14 and 15 as part of a new preview weekend, which will feature light displays and select entertainment.

Christmas Town will feature a variety of holiday offerings including a new “Spark the Night” fireworks show on select nights. The Christmas on Ice show will be performed outside this year for the first time ever. And the Holly Jolly Express, which offers visitors a sing-along train ride, will operate in a limited capacity.

Character meet-and-greets will be changed to contactless interactions. Visitors will be able to see Santa as well as snap a photo at a distance in a new outdoor location. Other character interactions include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Clarice, and Sesame Street friends, who will be donning their best holiday attire.

Holiday-inspired dishes will also about available in the park’s Christmas Town Village along with new beverages and limited-time specialty cocktails.

Christmas Town is included with park admission.

Since reopening from its COVID-19 shutdown, Busch Gardens has implemented a number of health and safety measures, including temperature checks, face mask requirements and physical distancing.

For more information about Christmas Town as well as Busch Gardens’ health and safety measures, visit buschgardens.com/tampa.