Voted the #1 Best Theme Park Holiday Event in 2023 by USA TODAY, SeaWorld Orlando’s beloved Christmas Celebration returns even more dazzling this year with an expanded array of festive entertainment, ALL-NEW holiday food, drinks and more. Starting November 16 through January 5, guests are invited to experience the park’s transformation into a stunning winter wonderland. With over three million twinkling lights illuminating the grounds, SeaWorld becomes a dazzling spectacle of holiday cheer.
Throughout the event, guests are invited to glide across Central Florida’s only outdoor ice rink at Bayside Stadium and be mesmerized by the Sea of Trees as they stroll among shimmering holiday trees that light up the water in sync with classic holiday tunes. Plus, guests won’t want to miss the breathtaking 70-foot centerpiece tree at the heart of the display. In addition, the fan-favorite O Wondrous Night show returns this year. The show is a heartwarming retelling of the Nativity featuring more than 30 cherished Christmas carols, brought to life through beautifully crafted life-size puppets, live animals and a talented cast.
Dazzling Holiday Shows & Entertainment
SeaWorld Orlando is turning up the holiday magic this year. This season, guests can explore the all-new Christmas decor at Journey to Atlantis Plaza, featuring sparkling lights and festive displays, including the enchanting Snow Globe Ballerina. In the Antarctica Realm, the winter wonderland continues with a snowy Christmas ambiance, playful Donder Elves and the exciting All-New Penguin Trek ride, where visitors journey through a snowy Antarctic landscape and come face-to-beak with SeaWorld Orlando’s incredible penguins.
Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen invites guests to join Mrs. Claus as she goes viral with cookie recipes straight from the North Pole, sharing holiday baking tips with a modern, social-media twist. The holiday celebration continues with “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale,” a dazzling display of fireworks set to classic Christmas tunes.
In Sesame Street Land, families can enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with favorite characters, the Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show and Storytime with Big Bird. Guests can also explore An Elf’s Story by the fireside, meet Rudolph and Bumble in Rudolph’s Christmas Town and visit with Santa Claus at Wild Arctic gift shop. For winter fun, visitors can take a spin at ice skating and catch “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” an ice-skating show featuring sparkling lights, festive costumes and graceful performances. Access to the rink is first-come, first-served, with socks and gloves available for purchase.
ALL-NEW & RETURNING FAVORITE Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks
Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the season with an exciting selection of new food and beverage offerings. Holiday classics like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint are given a fresh twist, with creative and delightful options available throughout the park. Some NEW and RETURNING FAVORITE food offerings guests can delight in at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:
- NEW Festive French Onion Soup – Seasoned Crouton with Provolone
- NEW Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie– Biscuit covered chicken pot pie
- NEW Yuletide Pasta– Baked Ziti
- NEW Red Velvet Bundt Cake – Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cake Glazed with Signature Cream Cheese Frosting
- NEW Roasted Turkey OR Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham- Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brown Gravy
- NEW Santa’s Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich- Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- NEW Pork Tamales – Cotija Cheese, Cilantro Crema and Chicharrónes
- RETURNING FAVORITE Bison Burger – Bison Burger, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle
- RETURNING FAVORITE Oreo Beignets – Caramel, Oreo Crumble, White Chocolate
Guests can sip on seasonal beverages as they stroll around the park taking in the holiday delights. They will find options like frozen hot chocolate, coquito and frozen eggnog. Plus, there are various new and returning favorites to explore, including:
- NEW Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashion – Garnished with Orange Peel, Cherry
- RETURNING FAVORITE Holiday Peppermint Eggnog – Egg Nog, White Chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, garnish with peppermint stick
- RETURNING FAVORITE Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies – Rumchata, Vanilla Vodka, Cinnamon- Garnish with Ginger Snap Crumbs
- RETURNING FAVORITE Mistletoe Margarita – Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry, Lime Sour, Garnish with Lime Wedge
In addition to the diverse food and drink options, guests can take advantage of unique dining experiences for an additional cost, designed to enhance their visit. These include Dinner with Santa and Cookies, Cocoa & Milk. During Dinner with Santa, guests will be able to enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal with all the trimmings and meet Santa Claus himself. During Cookies, Cocoa & Milk guests can experience a night of wonder as they indulge in sweet delights and warm cocoa, capped off by a surprise visit from a favorite character, all set against the stunning backdrop of SeaWorld Orlando’s Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.
Guests can enhance their holiday experience by purchasing the Festive Food & Seasonal Sips sampling lanyard. For $75, the 10-sample lanyard allows visitors to enjoy all the holiday-themed food, beverages and desserts throughout the park, making it the perfect way to indulge in the season’s offerings. Annual Pass Members can reap the benefits and purchase a 12-sample lanyard for the same price.
More to Celebrate at SeaWorld Orlando
Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld Orlando. From December 25 through January 1, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land™ during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.
Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
New Year’s Eve: Guests can embrace the connection to the sea, marine life and the world we share as they bring in the New Year, SeaWorld-style. Giving 2025 a wondrous welcome with bold fireworks, festive entertainment and more.
Three Kings Celebration: In honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to enjoy special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees and festive holiday lights. Keep the spirit of the holidays burning brighter and longer than ever with this special event from January 4 – 6.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83