Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando is a great time to visit the Orlando park. The special event will bring you holiday joy! Today we are sharing the best things to do at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration was a surprise hit for our family. We honestly weren’t sure what to expect when visiting for the day.
We knew they had holiday additions included with your park ticket and we were excited to see what Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando was all about.
First impression…I was impressed. The festivities throughout the park were really well done. It was such a fun experience for all of us.
Overview of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (2024)
The SeaWorld holiday activities and events are included with your admission ticket except for any extra activities you may want to book.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration runs from November through January.
Most of the general activities, including the live shows and rides, are included with your theme park admission to the park. Below is the holiday enhancements in the park. I have noted where an additional charge is required.
- O Wonderous Night Show (Features life-size puppets and live animals.)
- Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale (Festive fireworks show at the end of the night.)
- Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show
- Christmas Movies at Seafire Grill
- Sesame Street Christmas Parade (In Sesame Street Land see your favorite characters like Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more during the parade perfect for the entire family.)
- Snow Flurries at the Waterfront
- Sea of Trees
- Winter Wonderland on Ice
- Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Story Walk-Thru
- Photo with Santa Clause
- An Elf’s Story
- Big Birds Christmas Storytime
- Most rides and attractions are open during the event.
- 18 Seasonal Holiday Treat and Beverage Kiosks (additional cost)
- Christmas Celebration VIP Tour (additional cost)
- Holiday Candle Making (additional cost)
- Public Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium (Outdoor ice rink, additional cost)
- Festive Foods and Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard (additional cost)
- Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast (additional cost)
- Dinner with Santa (additional cost)
- Cookies, Cocoa & Milk with Special Holiday Guest VIP Fireworks Viewing (additional cost)
Are you planning a visit to SeaWorld during a different time? Check out all the Best Things to Do at SeaWorld.
Can’t Miss at Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando
Holiday Lights Everywhere You Look
SeaWorld takes decorating the park very seriously. I was so impressed with the lights and holiday decor around every corner that really gets you in the holiday spirit.
Meet & Greet Holiday Characters
At SeaWorld they have set up an awesome interactive meet and greet experience where you can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends.
As you enter Rudolph’s ChristmasTown you follow along with the story of Rudolph and the Christmas adventure he goes on.
Along the path you will have a chance to meet the characters from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Bumble. At the meet and greets there are photographers set-up but they will also take pictures for you.
Holiday Treats to Sample
This may have been one of our favorite ways to enjoy the holiday festivities at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration.
Along the paths and at specially marked food booths, there were samples of sweet and savory treats as well as beverages to sample.
To sample the food and beverages you purchase a sample punch card that range from $25 to $40 and offer sampling from 5-10 items. This is a great deal!
We tried braised pork and mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, frozen hot chocolate, cinnamon pretzels, Hot cocoa, and so many more delicious items.
My only complaint would be the crowds were a bit busy and the lines were sometimes long. We expected larger crowds because it was a Saturday and a week before Christmas.
If I was going to do it again, I would arrive early to the food booths and try our favorites early. We really wanted to try the chocolate covered bacon and mini-donuts but didn’t have time.
I also suggest going through the guide and deciding what you would like to try. Be prepared for which food options you want to try and head to those first.
The Christmas Market Shops
The Christmas market had entertainment, shopping, and a model train display. One of our favorite entertainment options was watching the Christmas elves play holiday music as we waited for our food.
Holiday Shows
The holiday shows during the Christmas celebration don’t disappoint. The live shows really bring the magic of the holidays to life and you don’t want to miss them during your visit.
Most start during the evening but the Sesame Street shows start earlier in the day.
Before you arrive at the park check out the times of the shows and pick the ones you wanted to see. If you are traveling with young children you should include the Sesame Street parade in your visit! The shows are great for the whole family.
Sea Of Trees (My Favorite)
I love holiday lights and holiday light shows. The Sea of Trees is a beautiful show of 100 trees lit up on the central lagoon and synchronized to music. You can watch it from anywhere in the park around the lake.
This was one of our absolute favorite parts about the holiday event.
Meet Santa Claus
At SeaWorld you can meet Santa near the Wild Arctic attraction. We didn’t have an opportunity to do this because we were so busy enjoy all the other offerings but we did see the area earlier in the day and it looked to be a great meeting place.
The best ways to make sure you don’t miss anything is to check out the holiday show schedule before you arrive and plan your day.
Our visit to Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando was a great holiday surprise. There was so much to do at the park and it was a great way to celebrate the holiday season in Orlando.
Read Next: Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.