We feel right at home at SeaWorld Orlando ... and it's not just the large amount of water for us to splash around in! SeaWorld Orlando has a way of making every holiday come alive with the perfect amount of festivities to make you feel like you're at an amazing theme park and your hometown, all at once. With decadent treats, impressive entertainment and millions of glittering lights, SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is the perfect example of holidays done right. What more could a Frog Family ask for?
Overview of SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration is a winter holiday event that brings the spirit of Christmas to life in a spectacular way. Visitors can experience live shows, sparkling lights and festive decorations throughout the park. Meet Santa Claus, enjoy seasonal treats and take a stroll through a winter wonderland with dazzling holiday displays — including a memorable fireworks display. This heartwarming event offers the chance to create lasting memories and celebrate the joy of the season in a unique and fun-filled way.
Here’s our rundown on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, taking place on select dates from Nov. 16, 2024 through Jan. 5 2025. The best part? It's all included with regular SeaWorld Park admission. Save a little green this holiday season and purchase your tickets through Undercover Tourist!
And new for 2024, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition on select nights this November and December, starting Nov. 8. Guests can enjoy seven of the park’s top rides, like Mako, Kraken and Pipeline: the Surf Coaster, all while surrounded by festive Christmas lights. Select retail and food locations will also be open. Heads up! This is a separately ticketed event and is not included with general admission.
Entertainment at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando always blows us out of the water (so to speak!) when it comes to entertainment — and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is no exception. Showtimes vary by day (and the special entertainment is only offered on days the Celebration is hoppening), so you'll want to check out the park hours and experience times before making your plans! For example, here is a list of all of the entertainment in store at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration!
O Wondrous Night
A returning fan-favorite, this musical brings together life-size puppets and live animals to share the greatest story ever told. Featuring 30 classic carols, this signature show is sure to charm, delight and entertain frogs of all ages — no matter what they celebrate.
Elmo's Christmas Wish
Do you have a Sesame Street-obsessed tadpole at home? If so, they'll love Elmo's Christmas List. In this show, Zoe, Rosita, Grover and Cookie Monster help Elmo find his Christmas wish. Of course, doing so requires lots of singing and dancing, so be sure to get in on the fun. It's located at the Seaport Theater. Since it begins the earliest out of all the Christmas Celebration shows, we highly recommend starting your day here. The earliest showtime is at 9 a.m.!
Sea of Trees
You’ll be singing “Walkin’ in a Water Wonderland …” while walking through SeaWorld’s immersive sea of holiday trees, which appear to be floating on water. The trees turn into different colors and patterns, making it a sight to see! This fun display is visible throughout the evening and is great to appreciate in passing between shows. The best views are from the bridge that stretches across the lake. However, these dancing lights can be appreciated from anywhere around the lake.
Snow Flurries at the Waterfront
Find yourself dreaming of a White Christmas? Luckily for you, several times a night from sunset to park close, the Waterfront turns into a picturesque Winter Wonderland as snow flurries fall from the sky! We love when the weather calls for "snoap" and so will your little tadpoles. Engage in a friendly "snowball fight" or use this time to take some festive holiday pics! (Just try to refrain from sticking your tongue out.) While you're enjoying the flurries, keep an eye out for some elves, ballerinas and toy soldiers! (Hey, they don't want to miss out on the fun either, you know!)
Winter Wonderland on Ice
Nothing says “Christmas” like a little ice skating — and this show screams “Christmas,” with a full-blown extravaganza on ice at Bayside Stadium. Figure skaters will wow you with choreography to classic Christmas tunes. Enjoy the dazzling view of the Sea of Trees as they light up while the professional skaters amaze you with their show-stopping moves in groups, couples and solo numbers. Lily especially enjoyed the life-size skating penguins.
Sesame Street Christmas Parade
Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium
Guests can skate alongside the water of SeaWorld's central lagoon for an additional cost of $15 — and this price includes skate rental. Crew-length socks and gloves must also be worn and can be purchased on-site. For the tadpoles or anyone who has trouble on the ice, adorable, animal-shaped ice skating aids are available so you can avoid a crash and burn (or in this case, a freezing fall!). Make your reservation here and plan to arrive at the stadium 30 minutes prior to your selected skating time.
Character Meet and Greets
You can also share your wish list with the big man himself at the Wild Artic Gift Shop now until Christmas Eve. For $19.99, you can secure a reserved time slot to meet Ol' Saint Nick and, as a special keepsake, enjoy a FREE 6x8 photo to remember your enchanted visit. Just hop onto his sleigh, and let him know what you want before posing for a picture. There's no better way to capture the magic of the holiday season!
If you’ve already met up with Santa elsewhere, there are plenty more holiday friends to hang out with. In Rudolph's Christmas Town, you can find Rudolph and Bumble who are hoppy to play and take photos with you and your tadpoles. We highly recommend taking the time to meet these cute, fun and unique characters. Stroll through storybook vignettes featuring the classic tale and immerse yourself in the story of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"!
Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale
Capping your night at the parks has never felt so festive with Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale! This show is amazing! Fireworks burst across the nighttime sky, set to your favorite holiday songs from now until Dec. 31.
SeaWorld recommends viewing this show from the Waterfront, Bayside Stadium or the Orca Encounter Pathway. Any spot is great but we love watching them right in front of where they're set off from the seats at the stadium to get the best view of the lit-up trees!
Mrs. Claus' Magic Kitchen
Mrs. Claus has not only taken over Seaport Theater, but social media, as well! Join the world's most famous cookie baker as she spills the North Pole's sweetest culinary secrets — all while trying to keep up with the latest social trends. This hilarious new holiday show will have you ho-ho-hoing from start to finish.
Street Entertainment
Holiday cheer can be found everywhere you look! Gather 'round for An Elf's Story in front of Fin Gifts in Sharks Plaza. Tadpoles will also love listening to Big Bird share some of his favorite Christmas stories at his nest and snapping photos with furry friends in festive holiday attire at Photos with Elmo & Friends in Sesame Street Land. Be sure to also stop by the miniature Christmas train set near the Dolphin Nursery. It's a delightful display that will immediately transport you to a winter wonderland!
Special Holiday Offerings at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration
Hanukkah Celebration
Notably, SeaWorld is celebrating the festival of lights! From Dec. 25 to Jan. 2, gather with your friends and family to view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land and listen to Big Bird telling Hanukkah stories.
Kwanzaa Festivities
From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, frogs can gather and celebrate Kwanzaa. In Sesame Street Land, Big Bird will not only tell stories that focus on this celebration of African heritage but you can also watch the nightly lighting of the kinara.
New Year's Eve
Likewise, embrace the excitement of opportunity and reflect on our shared connection at SeaWorld's New Year's Eve celebration. After an unfrogettable evening filled with exciting shows, amazing animals and thrilling rides, count down to 2025 at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 with a spectacular fireworks display visible from a variety of viewing areas around the park.
Three Kings Celebration
Between Jan. 4 - 6, 2025, you and your froggy family can indulge in this Latin cultural tradition and celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. This celebration includes special performances, as well as beautiful views of the Sea of Trees and remaining holiday lights, keeping the spirit of the season alive!
Dining at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration
Moreover, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is overflowing with special holiday snacks, treats and drinks. There are plenty of seasonal dishes that will have the whole family hoppin’ for more. Be aware that Christmas Food Facilities open at 4 p.m on event dates.
Claus Cookie Co.
- Carrol's Wreath Soft Pretzel — A sweet, salty and buttery pretzel in the shape of a wreath
- Fresh Baked Deep-Dish Cookie — Featuring chocolate chip, oatmeal raisins and M&Ms
- Frozen Hot Chocolate — Topped with whipped cream and sweet chocolate sauce (yum!)
- Frozen Eggnog Delight — Topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce
- Premium Specialty Hot Chocolate — Served with whipped cream and your choice of either peppermint or toasted marshmallows; available in a souvenir cup!
- Make Any Drink Jolly — Your choice of Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps and Baileys Irish Cream (for frogs 21 and older, of course)
'Tis The Season Beignets
- Oreo Beignets — Topped with caramel, white chocolate and an Oreo cookie crumble
- Bananas Fosters Beignets
- (New) Strawberries and Cream — Featuring strawberries, powdered sugar and Bavarian cream
- Southern Tier Brulé
- Windermere Brewing Cranberry Graham Cracker Sour Ale
- Gingerbread Martini — Gingerbread flavoring with a cinnamon-dusted rim
- Christmas Cheers — Hendrix Gin, orange, lime and cranberry, garnished with an orange wheel
- Coca-Cola Mocha Cola — Monin cold brew coffee concentrate and Coke
- Coca-Cola North Pole Fizz — Monin Natural Zero Vanilla mixed with Diet Coke and topped with whipped cream
- Coca-Cola Stores Float — Monin Toasted Marshmallow syrup, Coke and vanilla ice cream
- Gingerbread Float — Monin Gingerbread Syrup, Sprite and vanilla ice cream
Christmas Comforts
- Bison Burger — Bison patty topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese, onion jam and a pickle
- Golden Holiday Truffled Fries — Topped with parmesan cheese, truffle oil, cilantro and special seasonings
- Santa's Mini Apple Pie — An apple pie bouche covered in a caramel glaze
- Walking Tree Babycakes Oatmeal Stour
- Not Santa's Milk and Cookies — Vanilla vodka, Rumchata and cinnamon, garnished with ginger snap cookie crumbs
Holly Jolly Cookies & Cocoa
- Fresh Baked Deep-Dish Cookies — Options include oatmeal, M&Ms and chocolate chip
- Premium Specialty Hot Cocoa
- Make Any Drink Jolly — Your choice of Baileys Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps or Kahlua to make any drink Jolly! (For frogs 21 and older!)
Festin' Feliz
- Arroz con Lichen — Rice with roasted pork, sweet plantains and pigeon peas
- Beef and Cheese Empanada — Topped with a cilantro crema
- (New) Pork Tamales — Cotija cheese, chicharrónes and cilantro crema
- (New) Arroz Con Dulce — Rice pudding with raisins, topped with nutmeg and cinnamon
- Eppa Red Sangria — Red sangria with vanilla and orange notes
- Tequila Moonrise (Tequila Sunrise) — Apple cider, tequila and grenadine
Waffle Wonderland
- Joyful Chicken and Waffles — Fluffy house-made waffles served with fried chicken and topped with scallions and Mike's Hot Honey
- (New) Festive French Onion Soup — Topped with provolone cheese and seasoned croutons
- (New) Red Velvet Bundt Cake — A mini red velvet bundt cake topped with cream cheese frosting
- Mistletoe Margarita — Cranberry, tequila, Triple Sec and lime sour, garnished with a lime wedge
- Apple Ginger Mule — Apple cider, ginger beer, bourbon and lime juice, garnished with a lime wedge
Waterway Bar
- Snowman Holiday Soft Pretzel — A salted, buttered pretzel
- Coquito — Rum, Coconut cream, coconut milk, vanilla and varied spices
- Frozen Jack & Coke — Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel's
- Frozen Piña Colada — Cherry, pineapple and coconut
- Frozen Margarita — Tequila and lime
- Craft Serve French 75 — Gin, prosecco, raspberry and lemonade
- Craft Serve Spicy Margarita — Triple Sec, tequila and lime
- Craft Serve Strawberry Mule — Rum, ginger beer and strawberry
- Craft Serve Bourbon Street Daisy — Bourbon and Triple Sec with lime
Donut Open Till Christmas
- Santa's Sweet & Savory Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich — A chicken sandwich served with Nashville Hot and pickles on an apple cider cronut
- (New) Shaka Festive Donut — A cinnamon and nutmeg sugar doughnut served with salted apple cider butter cream
- Gluwein — Cinnamon and Star Anise-infused warm wine
- (New) Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashion — Bourbon garnished with a cherry and orange peel
- Holiday Peppermint Eggnog — Egg Nog, vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur and Peppermint Schnapps garnished with a peppermint stick
Holiday Moonshine Tasting ft. Ole Smokey
- (New) Butter Pecan
- (New) Banana Pudding
- (New) Shine Nog
- (New) White Chocolate & Strawberry Cream
Treat Yo Elf
- Gingerbread Cake — A vanilla bean mousse-filled gingerbread spice cake topped with powdered sugar
- Kris Kringle's Biscuit Pot Pie — A flavorful chicken pot pie
- Yuletide Pasta — Baked ziti with ricotta cheese and marinara sauce
- Hidden Seas Red Blend — Featuring notes of mulberry, cherry, plum and other spices
- Maple Bourbon Sour — Featuring a lemon twist and rosemary sprig as garnish
- North Pole Cosmo — Vodka, Triple Sec and bluebrry
Tottin Around the Christmas Tree
- Roasted Turkey — Roasted turkey breast served with stuffing, mashed potatoes and brown gravy
- Jingle Totchos — Tator toys covered with cheese, chili, sour cream and green onions
- Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham — A cherry bourbon flavored ham served with stuffing, mashed potatoes and brown gravy
- Iced Honey Pumpkin Cider — Cider served with a cinnamon sugar apple garnish
- Merry and Bright Rita — Milagros Tequila, brown sugar, Granny Smith apple and lime
Seasons Eatings
- All Grown Up Chilled Cheese — Smoked cheddar served on Texas Toast and accompanied by a dipping soup
- Cranberry Glazed Meatballs — Meatballs in a sweet cranberry glaze garnished with chives
- Maple Bourbon Sour
- Frost Bite — Blue Curacao, Cream de Cacao, tequila and cream, garnished with whipped cream.
Of course, what is Christmas without hot chocolate?! You're in luck because there is definitely hot chocolate overload at the holiday Holly Jolly Cookies & Cocoa locations. Many spots have either traditional, frozen or flavored hot chocolate. The specialty-flavored hot chocolate comes in a souvenir cup! Be sure to keep the cup, as it costs less to refill it than to purchase an entire new cup of hot chocolate.
If your tadpoles want to get closer to their favorite characters, there's also a Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast and Dinner with Santa available. At the Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast ($34.99 per adult, $17.99 per child ages 3 to 9), you can join your Sesame Street faves for a breakfast feast. Dinner with Santa ($44 per adult, $17 per child) features a holiday meal capped off with a photo-op with the big man himself. Ho, ho, ho!
Tips for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2024
- Enjoy the wait before shows! Before the skaters come out for Winter Wonderland on Ice, a talented violinist takes the stage (er ... ice) and performs a mini-concert filled with classic Christmas medleys.
- We highly recommend catching the second showing of Winter Wonderland on Ice as you'll already be seated in the best viewing spot for the Holiday Fireworks — especially since the bridge connecting The Waterfront to the Orca Encounter Pathway closes by the time the second show starts. You won't want to walk all around the park to get to Bayside Stadium and then walk all the way around again three minutes later when the fireworks end to get to the park exit.
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration only occurs on select dates so check the calendar while planning your visit! You can still enjoy the festive decor all around the park even on non-event days.
- To ensure a stress-free experience, plan your night appropriately and allow yourself plenty of time to get to your next destination. Some shows are located across the park from one another. Due to holiday crowds, we suggest arriving at least 30 minutes (though the earlier, the better!) before Elmo's Christmas Wish, Mrs. Claus' Magic Kitchen, O Wondrous Night and Winter Wonderland on Ice if you want a good seat.
- Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyards are a great way to sip and savor SeaWorld’s best treats without breaking the bank. You have two options: a 5-Sampler lanyard ($45) and a 10-Sampler lanyard ($75). As a result, we recommend the 10-Sampler lanyard so you can share sweets and treats with the whole family.
- Check out the decorations throughout the park, as they make the perfect family photo-op. You may even spot some stiltwalkers!
In conclusion, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is the perfect way to kick off (or close off) your holiday season. We love the classic tales and tunes being presented through every bit of the festivities. SeaWorld is the perfect Orlando destination for a more traditional take on Christmas. What’s your favorite part? Tell us in the comments.
Related: Our Guide to Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando
Hoppy planning!
