Do you know what time is fast approaching? You guessed right, it’s Christmas!!! One of the best places to celebrate Christmas is at SeaWorld Orlando which is located at the heart of the tourist scene in central Florida.
This festive period is usually filled with many seasonal activities and if you are one of those people who don’t have plans yet.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
SeaWorld is one of the best theme parks to visit as a family or for a solo adventure.
Celebrating the holidays at SeaWorld is one of the fun things you can do for you and your family this time of year.
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Visiting SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration At a Glance:
- The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration will take place from November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
- The decorate the park with over 3 million lights with countless holiday decorations everywhere!
- Check out the NEW Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition on select dates from November 8th through December 13th of 2024!
- Be sure to have dinner with Santa Claus.
- Explore Sesame Street Land and enjoy the most amazing holiday parade.
- Upgrade your day with the Christmas Celebration VIP Tour.
- Eat your way through the holiday festival (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to explore this Orlando theme park like a pro!
What You Need to Know About SeaWorld Orlando
Before we get into this holiday guide, let’s go over a few basic things you should know before your visit.
SeaWorld Orlando is one of the few aquatic theme parks remaining in the country.
This park offers all the features typical of the classic American amusement park where people of all ages can visit and find something to do.
When approaching the park gates, you’ll see a watery entrance reminding you of a gorgeous bay in San Diego.
Once you’re inside the gates, you’ll experience watery thrills, hear tropical noises, and see colorful topiary displays.
You can enjoy the holidays at SeaWorld Orlando with your family as it is quite budget-friendly and kids under the age of 2 have free admission into the park.
SeaWorld Orlando Holiday Weekend Hours
On a typical day, SeaWorld opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. but during the busy holiday season, it can stay open until 10 p.m. on the weekends.
5 Fun Things to Do at SeaWorld Orlando
In addition to this year’s holiday happenings, you can also enjoy some of the year-round tours and activities that this aquatic park is known for such as:
- Dolphin Encounter – in this tour, you will be able to spend time with the dolphins in the park, where you’ll interact with the Atlantic dolphins for close to 60 minutes
- Sharks Up-close Tour – here, you will be allowed to touch a small shark and learn different facts about them
- Penguin Tour – here, you’ll be given a tour and lecture on taking care of penguins
- Sea Lion Tour – this tour will show you how sea lions are taken care of at the park
- Ultimate VIP Tour – in this VIP tour, you and your group will be given a curated tour of SeaWorld Orlando for close to 8 hours. You will also be given many expert tips, VIP access, and reserved seating to various shows.
What is the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration?
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is where the park is transformed into your own Winter Wonderland.
You can visit this Orlando theme park at any time, but going to SeaWorld at Christmas is one of the best experiences you can have during this Yuletide season in Central Florida.
At this aquatic theme park, you’ll enjoy heartwarming shows, meet-and-greets with Santa and all his holiday friends, seasonal treats, a chance to watch twinkling lights and so much more!
These are just a few things that makes the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration a must do holiday event for both the young and the old.
With all these fun holiday activities, you can see why Christmas at SeaWorld is truly one of the best seasonal events in Orlando that offers so much more for your money than other parks in the area.
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When Does Christmas at SeaWorld Start?
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration will take place from November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
During this period, you don’t want to miss the over 3 million Christmas lights twinkling throughout the park.
What time does the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration start?
Although you can participate in many of the holiday celebrations around the time that the park opens, SeaWorld does trickle in specific times of certain events such as the fireworks that start towards park closing.
You can get the full schedule of event times here.
Hipster Power Tip: The Christmas Market area booths normally do not open until much later in the day (around 5 p.m.).
17 Festive Things to Do at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
As I mentioned earlier in this guide, you can participate in many of the fun holiday activities at SeaWorld.
Before we go through the tips you’ll need to make the most of your time, I want to show you what you can expect from each Christmas activity this year.
1. Check Out the Millions of Christmas Lights
During the Christmas period, SeaWorld takes decorating to a whole new level. They decorate the park with over 3 million lights with countless holiday decorations everywhere inside the park.
These aquatic-inspired decorations make it the perfect place to get yourself pumped up or the festive celebrations this holiday season.
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2. Interact with Famous Christmas Characters
At SeaWorld, you’ll have the opportunity to safely interact with different Christmas characters and Sesame Street characters in their holiday best.
This is always a hit for both kids and adults alike, so be sure to head on over there to meet Rudolph and his friends.
3. Eat Your Way Around the Holiday Food Festival!
This is by far my absolute FAVORITE thing to do at SeaWorld for Christmastime.
All over the park, there are different food booths where you can sample a variety of holiday treats and beverages.
You can enjoy your holiday feast until the park closes from twenty booths offering more than 40 Christmas-inspired dishes.
You’ll want to buy a lanyard punch card which is relatively cheap in order to sample the holiday offerings. These are the prices for the holiday food festival at SeaWorld:
- 10 Sample Lanyard for $75
- 5 Sample Lanyard for $45
2024 SeaWorld Holiday Food Booths and My Top Picks (also review their locations on the map above):
- Claus Cookie Co.: Frozen Egg Nog Delight (Topped with whipped cream and caramel)
- Tis the Season Beignets: Bananas Fosters Beignets AND Christmas Cheers (Hendrix Gin, Cranberry, Orange, Lime, Garnished with Orange Wheel)
- Christmas Comforts: Bison Burger Bison Burger, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle AND Golden Holiday Truffled Fries (Parmesan Cheese, Truffle Oil, Special Seasoning, Cilantro)
- Holly Jolly Cookies & Cocoa: Peppermint Hot Cocoa AND Fresh Baked Deep-Dish Chocolate Cookie
- Festin Feliz: Beef and Cheese Empanada with Cilantro Crema
- Waffle Wonderland: Joyful Chicken & Waffle (House Made Waffle, Deep Fried Chicken, Hot Honey Syrup, Scallions) AND Apple Ginger Mule (Apple Cider, Bourbon, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, Garnish with Lime Wedge)
- Waterway Bar: Coquito (Vanilla, Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream, Rum & Spices) AND Snowman Holiday Soft Pretzel on a soft salted pretzel
- Donut Open Till Christmas: Santa’s Sweet & Savory Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich (Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich with Nashville Hot and pickles) AND Holiday Peppermint Eggnog (Egg Nog, White Chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, garnish with peppermint stick)
- Holiday Moonshine ft Ole Smoky: Shine Nog
- Treat Yo Elf: Gingerbread Cake (Gingerbread Spice Cake Filled with Vanilla Bean mousse and dusted with powdered sugar) AND Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie (Biscuit Covered in Chicken Pot Pie)
- Tottin Around the Christmas Tree: Roasted Turkey (Roasted Turkey Breast, Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brown Gravy) AND Jingle Totchos (Tater Tots loaded with Chili, Cheese, Sour Cream and Green Onions)
- Seasons Eatings: All Grown up Birria Grilled Cheese (Texas toast, sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, and tomato dipping soup…it’s THE BEST!!!) AND Harvest Mac & Cheese (Pasta in a Creamy Beer Cheese Sauce, Topped with Bacon, Crispy Onions & Micro Greens)
You can get the full menu here.
Don’t miss out on the amazing Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant as they have a Holiday Menu for this year.
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4. Go Holiday Shopping and Enjoy the Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is probably the most festive area in the park near the Sky Tower area.
Here you’ll be able to shop your heart out and taste delicious dishes reflective of the holiday.
Apart from shopping in the Christmas Market, there are also other forms of entertainment present to thrill you.
The model train will be on display and the Christmas elves will be available to play holiday music for you.
5. Meet Santa Near Wild Arctic
You and your family can meet Santa at SeaWorld between the former Wild Arctic attraction and IceBreaker roller coaster.
I believe that every holiday event must give you the opportunity to meet the big guy himself.
SeaWorld delivers on that requirement and allows everyone to take that epic photo with Santa Claus.
You can try it too as you’ re never too old for Santa, right?
6. Have Dinner with Santa
In case meeting Santa is not enough, you can have dinner with him! This SeaWorld holiday experience allows you to enjoy a magnificent feast while hanging out with the man himself.
The cost to have dinner with Santa is $44 for adults and $17 for children (ages 3 to 9).
7. Watch the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale
This year you’ll be able to complete your holiday trip to SeaWorld by watching an incredible yuletide fireworks extravaganza.
This wonderful dazzling celebration will take place on select nights of the event over the SeaWorld Lagoon.
Don’t forget to upgrade your experience with the Cookies, Cocoa & Milk with Special Holiday Guest VIP Fireworks Viewing package!
8. Enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade
If you want a magical experience, then you must check out The Sesame Street Christmas Parade.
This year’s festive show will feature all of your Sesame Street friends such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, and more.
They’ll show you how to party for the Christmas holiday! You can get the schedule here for your trip!
9. Watch Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show
Before the parade starts, why not check out Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! This is a great way to get you excited for the Christmas Parade at SeaWorld.
This show will take place in the Seaport Theater and will occur multiple times a day. You can get the schedule here for your trip!
Don’t forget to check out Big Bird’s Christmas Storytime and you and your little one will love it 🙂
10. Play in the Snow!
Nothing says Christmas in Florida like the flurries of our “snope.” Although it’s not the real thing, we truly appreciate the effort of bringing a white Christmas to Orlando.
You can enjoy the snow in the Shoppes at Waterfront of SeaWorld each evening.
11. Sing-along with the Sounds of the Season
One of my favorite things to do at SeaWorld during Christmas is to listen and sing-along to the holiday sounds.
I know that sounds a bit corny, but it doesn’t feel quite like the wintery season until you hear you those famous songs playing in the background of the park!
Think of it as your own holiday music festival as you explore SeaWorld Orlando.
12. Enjoy the Sea of Trees
This is perhaps a SeaWorld holiday staple and another one of my favorite things to do while enjoying Christmas at SeaWorld.
Each year, SeaWorld places these amazing holiday glistening trees across the lagoon at the park.
Although you can get a beautiful photo in the day, the magic really takes place at night when the trees begin to light up with holiday cheer and lights flickering to some of your favorite holiday tunes.
13. Go Ice Skating at SeaWorld!
Now I know you’re like “Florida and Ice Skating” doesn’t quite make sense, but I’m here to tell you that this one of the most fun things you can do at SeaWorld’s yuletide festival this year!
This special experience will be offered in the Bayside Stadium overlooking the lagoon and costs $15 per person.
Be sure to bring crew length socks and gloves (skates are included). However, if you forget those items, you can buy socks and gloves from a SeaWorld Team Member.
Please note that you are not allowed to bring your own ice skates into the park and the experience is First Come, First Served.
Watch the Full Guide to SeaWorld Orlando here on YouTube!
14. Watch Winter Wonderland on Ice
In case ice skating is not intriguing to you, you can watch a magical Christmas show brought to life by ice skaters.
With the picturesque Sea of Trees in the background and the nostalgic holiday music, this is one show that you cannot miss.
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t miss the most heartwarming show called O Wondrous Night near the Mako roller coaster and also the opportunity to watch Christmas Movies at Seafire Grill!
15. Explore the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Experience
Get immersed in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s ChristmasTown.
Here you can walk through his story told in life-size story book vignettes with classic characters such as Rudolph and Bumble.
And if you love classic holiday stories such as Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, then you’ll want to listen to the An Elf’s Story when you’ll hear your favorite Christmas tales.
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16. Do a SeaWorld Christmas Tour
This year you get VIP treatment with your own tour guide as you they take you through all of the holiday activities at SeaWorld.
The cost for the Christmas Tour starts at $249 and includes:
- Private Tour Guide from 5 pm to park close
- Dinner with Santa
- Reserved show seating (including Signature Holiday Shows)
- Priority photo opportunities with Santa and Rudolph
- 1 complimentary Photo Key per party
- Hot Chocolate Souvenir Mug, along with complimentary refills
- Christmas souvenir
17. Celebrate Cultural Holidays from Sesame Street Land
Not only can you celebrate Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando, you can also partake in the festive holiday experiences of other cultures such as:
- Hanukkah Celebration: From December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025, you can view the traditional lighting ceremony of the menorah in Sesame Street Land.
- Kwanzaa Festivities: From December 26, 2024 – January 1, 2025, you can learn about this African-American holiday tradition with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: Bring in the new year in a fun and family-friendly way at SeaWorld Orlando on December 31st, 2024!
- Three Kings Celebration: On January 4th – 7th 2024, SeaWorld will recognize the role of the Three Wise Men in our Christmas story with delicious food, a special performance in the Nautilus Theater, and so much more to commemorate the day!
11 Tips You Must Know for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
During this festive period, the theme park has quite a lot of activities happening and it can get overwhelming.
This is why I will give you some of my BEST tips to help you navigate through the SeaWorld Park during the Christmas Celebration and get the most of your holiday experience.
Here are the tips to help you this season.
1. Grab a Park Map
I always recommend reviewing the park map before your trip. You can get it on the official SeaWorld website or through their app.
If you’re not able to do that, don’t worry. There are maps placed throughout the park to help you find your way to the top holiday attractions.
Recommended: 27 Most Festive Things to Do in Orlando for Christmas
2. Have Your Strategy in Place
Having a strategy is very essential especially if you want to see all of the different holiday shows and activities. It can be a bit tough to get in all done in one day, but it’s possible if you have a game plan.
Get my favorite SeaWorld Itinerary here.
3. Get to SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Early
Although some of the festivities for don’t start until later in the afternoon, I still think it’s good to get to SeaWorld Orlando early if possible. This will give you time to enjoy the thrilling rides and unforgettable shows.
Once the holiday happenings start, you’ll be able to focus primarily on them without worry about missing out on an attraction.
Just remember that the park schedule of operation varies each day, so be sure to check the Christmas Celebration dates before you head out.
4. Watch the Sea of Trees Show from the Bridge Pathway
Watching this show from the bridge is ideal as you’ll have a clear view of the show in 360-degrees.
Another option is to find an unobstructed view from the Pipeline roller coaster area, that way you can have a good seat and a nice beverage to enjoy while watching the Sea of Trees Show.
Recommended: 25 AMAZING Things to Do in Florida at Christmas
5. Watch the Holiday Shows
SeaWorld has incredible seasonal shows such as Elmo’s Christmas Wish and the Sesame Street Christmas Parade that you must watch on your trip.
Be sure to take your time enjoying the shows and fit them inside of your schedule while visiting the park.
6. Check Groupon for Discount SeaWorld Christmas Tickets
You can find great deals for SeaWorld theme park tickets on Groupon.
They can change each day so be sure to check it before you get to the park if you want to save some money.
7. Try the Christmas Celebration Meal Specials
I love the loaded nachos at SeaWorld, but one of the meals they serve only during the holidays is the Hot Chicken Slider and the Holiday Whiskey Sour.
And yes, I did just put chicken and whiskey together!
This treat is made up of a Crispy Chicken, Apricot, Serrano Glaze, and Pickles. This totally a wonderful SeaWorld creation and special for holidays at the park.
Just remember that they change it up slightly each year but the taste is still incredible.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
8. Drink the Best Holiday Beverages
In addition to the savory options like the Hot Chicken Slider are Christmas treats and beverages such as Eggnog, Hot Toddies, and hot cocoa just to name a few.
They’re all available in the different booths throughout SeaWorld.
9. Go Holiday Shopping
You can buy some unique Christmas gifts from SeaWorld all over the park, but particularly in the Christmas Market. You can even customize your holiday gifts while you’re in the park.
How to Customize Your Own Christmas Ornament at SeaWorld Orlando:
Many of the Yuletide items are only sold during this holiday period so you must buy what you need as they won’t be available until the next Christmas season.
10. Celebrate Christmas at SeaWorld the Week Before
If you can come a week or two before Christmas Day, you’ll be able to do many of the things listed in this guide without the hassle of the crowds.
It doesn’t matter what day you celebrate as long as you understand why you’re celebrating.
11. Take Lots of Photos!
Become your own snow globe by entering into the snow globe prop to get the first-hand experience on what it’s like to be inside of one.
Remember that you can use your PhotoKey to get all your pictures stored that day while at the park.
What is PhotoKey at SeaWorld?
It’s a subscription-based photo app that SeaWorld uses to store your photos taken by their Team Members digitally with your own PhotoKey card that will be stored to your account.
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What to Know Before You Go SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Before we end this SeaWorld Christmas guide, let’s go through a few of the most common questions about the event.
Is SeaWorld Open on Christmas Day?
SeaWorld is not just open on for the holiday season, it is also open on Christmas Day!
Is SeaWorld Usually Crowded at Christmas?
Because of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, a large number of people come to the park to enjoy all the holiday events and shows.
Although SeaWorld is not as crowded as the Disney parks, this is the time that locals flood the park to enjoy the holiday festivities and to ride the world-class attractions after their own Christmas celebrations at home.
What Are the Dates for SeaWorld Christmas Celebration In 2024?
As previously mentioned in this guide, the Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld begins on November 16th 2024 and ends on January 2, 2025.
What Ages Get Free Passes at SeaWorld?
Children below age 2 get free passes at SeaWorld to most of the shows.
Can I Get Discounted SeaWorld Tickets?
Yes, you can get discounted tickets from different discount websites such as Groupon, or directly from SeaWorld’s official website.
How much is SeaWorld Christmas Celebration?
It is free! The Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld is included with park admission. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the festivities.
You will have to pay for merchandise and any food, but you can participate in some the holiday activities at SeaWorld Orlando at no additional cost to you.
My Final Thoughts on Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando
You can visit SeaWorld Orlando at any time of the year, but the Christmas period is picturesque and gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the Yuletide extras such as the shows and savory treats.
Regardless of whether you go solo, with your partner or your entire family, SeaWorld Orlando is one of the best places to be in during this magical holiday season.
Have you ever been to SeaWorld Christmas Celebration? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- The Complete Theme Park Checklist
- Complete Busch Gardens Guide
- Complete SeaWorld Guide
- Best Disney Resorts to Visit at Christmastime
- Tips for Doing Christmas at Disney World
- How to Celebrate Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
- Holiday Resort Hopping Guide at Walt Disney World
- Christmas at Epcot
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Date: December 2016/Updated October 25, 2024)
Is the all day dining restaurants open till 10pm during Christmas celebration?
Hi Rick! It stops when the park is closing (even during Christmas). However, I’d recommend getting your last meal in at least 30 minutes before the park closes as things are constantly changing.