SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration Returns

SeaWorld Christmas at the Waterfront
SeaWorld Christmas at the Waterfront

SeaWorld Orlando plays host to my favorite Christmas Celebration at any of the area theme parks and I’m so excited it returns this weekend! I attended this special event for the first time last year and loved it! It is included in regular park admission and takes place each weekend through the end of the year, and some weeknights the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve (always double check dates and times on the website before heading out).

Most of the events during SeaWorld’s Christmas take place during the afternoon and evening. Special offerings include music from a capella singers, to Christmas carols played on a classical guitar to Elmo’s Christmas Wish featuring many of your favorite Sesame Street characters. I loved the whole vibe of the park in the evening with the lights and music throughout bringing Christmas to life.

SeaWorld Christmas Tree
SeaWorld Christmas Tree
Elmo's Christmas Wish
Elmo’s Christmas Wish
The Conductors
The Conductors
Musicians
Musicians
Shamu's Christmas Miracles
Shamu’s Christmas Miracles

There are fun shows including some of SeaWorld’s most famous residents with Shamu’s Christmas Miracles. Last year I didn’t get around to seeing Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, so it is near the top of my list of must dos this time around. I love their regular show, so I’m sure this one will be just as enjoyable and will be full of holiday spirit.

At the top of my list of things I want to catch that I missed last year is the very popular Polar Express Experience. I grew up reading Chris Van Allsburg books and he is still one of my favorite children’s book authors. Reading the Polar Express each year on Christmas Eve is still a tradition in my house. Another show on my list to see is O Wondrous Night, which is a telling of the Christmas story complete with live animals that would have been found in the manger.

Sea of Trees
Sea of Trees

Something that you should not miss is the Sea of Trees featured all along the waterfront area. The gorgeous trees are lit beautifully and dance to some of your favorite holiday hits! I cannot tell you how mesmerized I was by this fantastic show! Catch it several times throughout the night from different vantage points if you can.

Winter Wonderland is an incredible ice skating show set to Christmas music. SeaWorld visitors will appreciate the mix of characters with stories accompanied by some amazingly talented performers. This show often only takes place once during the evening, so make sure to check times of shows before arriving at the park so you don’t miss this great performance!

Throughout the night you will find entertainers roaming the park with comedy acts, strolling musicians, and maybe even some snowflakes. Select SeaWorld restaurants offer the All-Day Dining Deal and even include some special holiday menu items. You can also book Santa’s Fireside Feast in advance if you are looking for a buffet with a meeting with Santa at the end. In addition to unique food and beverages, SeaWorld has special merchandise available for the holiday season for sale at the Christmas Market and several other locations throughout the park.

My favorite part of attending last year’s Christmas celebration at SeaWorld was hands down the amazing fireworks display called Holiday Reflections. This phenomenal show is I think best seen from Bayside Stadium facing the Waterfront. It incorporates music and water elements with the fireworks to put on one of my favorite fireworks shows anywhere of the entire year.

Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Holiday Reflections
Holiday Reflections
Trees
Trees
Penguins
Penguins

If you get an opportunity, I highly recommend that you visit SeaWorld Orlando for their Christmas event. It is such a great value since it is at no additional cost (of course other than food, drinks, souvenirs, etc.). I absolutely loved this special event last year and was disappointed when I could only go one night. This year will be different! I hope to find myself visiting at least a few times to go back and catch my favorite things I experienced last year and to check out the new to me shows and attractions I missed.

Have you been to SeaWorld’s Christmas? What is your favorite show or attraction? I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram