Raise your hand if you love SeaWorld — and if you're counting down the days to the most magical time of the year! Well, fans of both amazing sea life AND Christmas should not miss one of the best winter wonderland adventures out there: the SeaWorld Christmas celebration!
A fan-favorite for both kids and grown-ups, spending the festive season enjoying the incredible atmosphere of one of San Diego and Orlando’s staples is an absolute must. From mesmerizing light displays to meet-and-greets with Santa himself, and from mouth-watering Christmas treats to colorful and exciting seasonal shows, SeaWorld Christmas truly has something for everyone.
Keep reading to discover six of the most extraordinary things you can do, see, and eat at this much-loved spot over Christmas.
1. Enjoy Beautiful Light Displays
Would it even be Christmas without sparkles and lights? SeaWorld won’t disappoint! Check out its Christmas Tunnel of Lights, a fabulous experience you will never forget. Running from mid-November through early January, this display features more than 5,000 beautiful lights in all the colors of the rainbow.
But there’s more! Once you walk through this festival of lights, some of your favorite holiday songs start playing on the loudspeakers, encouraging you to dance and have an absolute blast.
2. Meet Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
If you think meeting some of the coolest Christmas characters is for kids only, then think again. Visitors of all ages can experience the best of the holiday spirit by coming up close and personal with two Christmas heroes — namely, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the man himself, Santa Claus. Rudolph might even bring some of his friends along and is available for Insta-worthy snaps that will delight the kids (and increase your follower count).
And how does "Cookies and Photos with Santa" sound? Simply book your spot for an outdoor party table where you can munch on Santa’s cookies while the big man entertains the kids with a Christmas story and some fun activity sheets. That’s what we call a win-win for the whole family!
3. Experience the Sesame Street Christmas Village and Parade
Any fans of Sesame Street out there? Once again, SeaWorld won’t disappoint! Check out the super-fun Sesame Street Christmas Village and Parade, where you will meet — and take photos with — the Cookie Monster, Zoe, Elmo, Grover, and Oscar the Grouch, all dressed up in their most festive attire.
4. Witness Unique Holiday Shows
One of the most memorable things about visiting SeaWorld at Christmas is the experience of witnessing some truly special holiday shows and events. For example, the parks’ popular dolphin and sea lion show will blow you away with its unique holiday tweaks! But there’s a lot more than fantastic sea creatures at SeaWorld. Take the “Santa Presents: Christmas Animals Around the World” show. This brand-new event features an exciting presentation of live animals — including reindeer, camels, and porcupines — showing how different cultures around the world celebrate the Christmas holidays.
And for more Santa-inspired fun, encourage your little ones to participate in the Christmas Treasure Hunt. Cheeky Santa has decided to hide the gifts for his eight reindeer throughout the park, and your kids need to find them all! Help them mark each location on their map with the right reindeer sticker, and once done, take the map to the store to receive a special gift!
If you're in the mood for some reindeer-themed events, we highly recommend the Rudolph’s Movie Experience film. Visitors can watch a movie telling the story of the most famous reindeer on a huge 150-foot outdoor screen after dark and even meet Rudolph himself after the projection!
And here's one more for the kiddies up to age 12: Take them on the new Stocking Stuffer Christmas Trail! Here, they will be able to find toys, candies and other tiny little surprises that a parachute drops into their holiday bags. Now, if that’s not Christmas magic, we don’t know what is!
5. Take Some Time Out for Photos With Different Characters
Visiting SeaWorld at Christmas is also THE perfect opportunity to take lots of fabulous photos you can proudly show your friends and family or share on your social media accounts. For example, spot the holiday vignettes and take fun snaps, or head to the Tunnel of Lights, Santa’s sleigh, and a sea-themed Christmas tree for more festive shots.
6. Try Delicious Holiday Food and Drinks
Did you think that all you could do at SeaWorld was see incredible creatures of the depths? Well, at Christmas, you can also taste some seriously yummy holiday food and drinks.
A cup of SeaWorld’s hot chocolate is a no-brainer — even when it’s sunny and warm outside! Have it on its own, or top it with sprinkles, whipped cream, or anything else your sweet tooth might fancy. Want something more decadent? Try indulging in a festive cinnamon roll or a slice of refreshing peppermint cheesecake.
On the lookout for a slightly healthier and more nutritious option? Try some of the on-site chef’s Christmas creations, including delicious tomato soup and garlic bread, winter kale and pear salad, and glazed ham.
And don’t forget to grab yourself a Christmas cocktail! The parks serve new winter drinks, such as the colorful and super-festive Prancer’s Piña Colada with Flor de Cana rum and a crushed peppermint rim. Bottoms up!
Save on Your Holiday Trip to SeaWorld Orlando or SeaWorld San Diego
If you're looking for an absolute blast this holiday season, look no further than SeaWorld! With incredible Christmas-themed shows, displays, activities, and food and drinks, both the Orlando and the San Diego parks have something for everyone. Check out CityPASS® tickets for discounted admission to both parks, plus other great Orlando, San Diego and Southern California theme parks and attractions.