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Open in Apple Maps ↗Before the gates, after the encore
Picks for before and after, ranked by Wayfind Score and walking distance.
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- 2Top Food pick🍴 CaféCoffee before the gates · Featured in creator posts@tampaimanInstagram
- 3Top Food pick🍴 CaféDog-friendly coffeehouse in a converted home with free WiFi, a large array of drinks & paniniCoffee before the gates
- 4ActivitiesSerengeti SafariOff-road safari tour in an open-air truck featuring African wildlife & giraffe feedingsMake a day of it
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- 8ActivitiesFalcon's FuryThe tallest in the U.S., this freestanding drop-tower ride pivots & falls downward at 60 mphMake a day of it
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Who should skip it
You hate theme-park pricing, the event is included, but you still need park admission to be there.
The move
The week before Christmas is the crush; early-December weeknights have the same lights with about half the crowd.
Getting there
Standard Busch Gardens lots; preferred parking earns its fee on event nights for the exit alone.
One thing worth knowing
The same park that runs Howl-O-Scream flips to Christmas Town in under two weeks each November.
Make it an outing
Pair Christmas Town with an afternoon arrival, day rides, then lights at dusk.
Official site: confirm dates and tickets before you travel
Going? Send it to whoever you’d go with. They’ll get the dates, the hours and where to park.
Verified 2026-10-13 against the organiser’s own listing. Verification source. More in Florida Events.