Our Complete Guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration

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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?

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Nutcrackers

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 lowdown on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, taking place on select dates from Nov. 10, 2023, through Jan. 4, 2024. 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!

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Event Guide

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! Here is a list of all of the entertainment in store at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration!

O Wondrous Night

SeaWorld'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

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Elmo's Christmas Wish

Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Zoe at the Seaport Theater as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show filled with surprising atmospheric effects. Because this show is right at the front of the park and begins the earliest out of all the Christmas Celebration shows, we highly recommend starting your day here.

Sea of Trees

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - 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 but these dancing lights can be appreciated from anywhere around the lake.

Snow Flurries at the Waterfront

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Snow Flurries

Find yourself dreaming of a White Christmas? Lucky 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.)

Winter Wonderland on Ice

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - 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

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Sesame Street Parade

Move to the beat during the coolest Christmas party on wheels. Featuring fantastic, festively decorated floats and show-stopping performances that celebrate the magic of the holiday season, this energetic Christmas Celebration brings out all your favorite Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie and more. Your family is sure to sing, dance and be merry with their favorite furry friends! (I'll admit ... I even got a little misty-eyed watching this joyous celebration!) Viewing is available all throughout Sesame Street Land.

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

In his new workshop in Wild Arctic, you can share your wish list with the big man himself at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2023. Just hop onto his sleigh, and let him know what you want before posing for a picture. After meeting Santa, check out fascinating animal encounters, as you only can at SeaWorld.

If you’ve already met up with Santa elsewhere, there are plenty more holiday friends to hang out with. In the shadow of Pipeline near Ports of Call, you can find Rudolph, Clarice and Bumble of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" fame who are hoppy to play and take photos with you and your tadpoles. We highly recommend taking the time to meet these cute, fun, unique characters.

Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Holiday Reflections Fireworks

SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale, featuring dazzling lights and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience an amazing SeaWorld Christmas connection that illuminates the night sky from various locations around SeaWorld's large central lake. 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

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Stilt Walkers

Holiday cheer can be found everywhere you look! Say hi to seasonal stilt walkers at the Waterfront and in the Wild Arctic Plaza and gather 'round for Elf Story Chair Stacking in front of Fin Gifts in Sharks Plaza and jump-roping toy soldiers who can periodically be found near Voyager's Smokehouse at the Waterfront. Tadpoles will also love hanging out and playing games with the mischievous elves near the Guy Harvey Shop and listening to Big Bird share some of his favorite Christmas stories at his nest in Sesame Street Land. Be sure to also stop by the miniature Christmas train set right in the heart of the Shoppes at the Waterfront — a delightful display that will immediately transport you to a winter wonderland!

Special Holiday Offerings at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration

Holiday Candle Making

On Nov. 18, unleash your inner artisan and light up the holiday season with the magic of candle making! Join Jennstone Candle Company and choose from a delightful array of scents, sizes and colors to create your very own 100% custom soy candle. Enjoy water and a charcuterie board, indulge in a selection of cocktails and refreshments and play some festive games as your candles set. (You can even elevate your experience by adding on beer and wine for an additional $20.) Park admission is not required but you will be responsible for your parking fee. The event lasts one and a half to two hours and starts at $49.99. Choose one of three different session times and make your reservation here.

Hanukkah Celebration

SeaWorld is celebrating the festival of lights! From Dec. 7 to Dec. 15, 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 throughout the holiday.

Kwanzaa Festivities

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, frogs can gather for a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land and Story Time with Big Bird which fill feature Kwanzaa stories throughout the celebration.

New Year's Eve

Embrace our connection to the sea, marine life and the world we share as SeaWorld rings in the New Year! After an unfrogettable evening filled with exciting shows, amazing animals and thrilling rides, count down to 2024 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

In honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, frogs are invited to commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men with a special three-day event on Jan. 5-7. Feast on festive cuisine and enjoy extended opportunities to witness special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees and the festive holiday lights.

Dining at SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Oreo Beignets

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.

Try delicious new dishes like the Carrol's Wreath Soft Pretzel, the Oreo Beignets, the Corn Chowder and the Mini Pecan Pie or munch on returning favorites like the Feliz Pollo Empanadas and Bison Burger. There's also some sweet new sips at this year's festival. Leap and I loved the Christmas Spritz and Not Santa's Milk and Cookies. The tadpoles, on the other hand, couldn't get enough of the Holly Jolly Juice!

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Bison Burger

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 ($24.49 per adult, $12.59 per child ages 3 to 9), you can join your Sesame Street faves for a breakfast feast. Dinner with Santa ($30.79 per adult, $11.19 per child) features a holiday meal capped off with a photo-op with the big man himself. Ho, ho, ho!

Christmas Movies at Seafire Grill

Grab a chicken sandwich or turkey wrap and unwind over at Seafire Grill where a rotating selection of heartwarming Christmas classics are playing throughout the day. It's the perfect way to share the magic of the season with loved ones!

Tips for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2023

  • 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. A guitarist also plays and sings some iconic Christmas tunes on stage at the Nautilus Theater before the curtain rises on O Wondrous Night!

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Guitarist

  • 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.

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Wish Upon a Seastar Tree

  • Plot out 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 ($60). 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!

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!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Dec 7, 2023 at 6:21 p.m. TraciDulemba Says...

Beautiful park to visit during the holidays! always clean and no lines.!

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Nov 27, 2023 at 12:31 p.m. Disappointed Says...

15 - Treat Yo Elf - hit and a miss. Mistletoe Lambchop was delicious. North Pole Newberg was described as having lots of different seafood (shrimp, mussels, scallops, lobster, ...) in a bread bowl. Not a single piece of any type of seafood, just a couple of tablespoons of tasty sauce slathered on top of a tasty hunk of bread with the top sliced off - not even any insides carved out to form a bowl.

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Nov 26, 2023 at 7:12 p.m. hs Says...

Can I enjoy most of the Christmas event-related offerings if I only have 1 night? (My other days at SW are not event days. :(

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Nov 27, 2023 at 9:02 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi HS!

We definitely think so! A lot of the holiday entertainment doesn't even begin until later in the day around 4 p.m. The only shows you may miss out on would be Elmo's Christmas Wish Show and Happy Holidays from Sesame Street (a street show celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa), which have earlier showtimes during the day. However, there is a nighttime showing of Sesame Street Christmas Parade (usually 6:30 p.m.). We would suggest looking at the entertainment schedule on SeaWorld's park hours calendar for the specific date you're visiting to confirm showtimes for all entertainment options.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 12, 2023 at 6:14 p.m. James Says...

In the past, SeaWorld Orlando offered reserved seating for purchase for their Christmas shows (O Wondrous Night and the Ice Show) . I have looked and cannot find where to purchase this reserved seating, specifically for the Christmas shows. Are they not offering it this year? If your a Passholder, do you automatically get reserved seating into the Christmas shows?

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Nov 20, 2023 at 2:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi James!

It appears that the reserved seating upgrade for the Christmas shows has just recently popped up as an option here on SeaWorld's website! Typically, it is not automatically included as a passholder perk.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 19, 2023 at 12:08 a.m. Kayla jackson Says...

Hello ! As a military personnel, I know I get a free 1 day admission ticket . Can that ticket be used for 1 day at the Christmas celebration ?

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Oct 23, 2023 at 12:25 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kayla!

The Christmas Celebration is included with general admission at SeaWorld Orlando, so as long as there are no blackout dates for the Waves of Honor Complimentary Admission program, then you should be able to visit.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 14, 2022 at 2:03 a.m. Sue Says...

Now that they're building a new coaster in front you have to walk halfway the park to get to Winter Wonderland on Ice. Where is the train set they had when you used to enter the Christmas village? Things are all spread out, it's awful

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Nov 14, 2022 at 1:06 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sue!

We saw the train set on Friday in Shark Wreck Reef behind Fin Gifts—next to the Sugarplum Delights food booth. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Jun 3, 2022 at 2:37 p.m. Emily Says...

We usually purchase the all day dining pass for Sea World. This year we will be there during the holidays. Will the dining pass cover any of the holiday foods? We don't want to miss out on festive things, but trying to budget accordingly.

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Jun 6, 2022 at 1:36 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Emily!

The All-Day Dining package is only valid at certain locations, which include Voyager's Smokehouse, Expedition Café, Captain Pete's Island Eats, Seafire Grill, Lakeside Grill, Altitude Burger, Panini Bistro and Waterway Grill.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 23, 2021 at 4:21 a.m. Courtney G Says...

I just bought the 10 sampler lanyards. What days are the Christmas food events?

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Dec 23, 2021 at 8:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Courtney!

The food is available on any day that the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is going on, which is now hoppening every day until Jan. 2. You can look at the park hours and events here.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 19, 2021 at 3:34 p.m. Dawn Says...

We are planning on going on Christmas Day. Was thinking not to arrive until around noon so we could see the christmas shows at night as we have elderly with us. We have already prepurchased our tickets. Will we be able to get into the park?

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Dec 20, 2021 at 1:12 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dawn!

While we do think that a later arrival at noon would be OK, we'd still recommend arriving earlier than later. SeaWorld Orlando does not regularly close for capacity, but it's more likely to hoppen during busy peak periods such as Christmas Day.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 19, 2021 at 12:43 a.m. Matthew Desbles Says...

Do you know where the sesame street christmas breakfast is located at

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Dec 20, 2021 at 9:44 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Matthew,

We know in the past that Sesame Street character dining experiences have taken place at Seafire Grill, but a park attendant will be able to direct you when you arrive so you can confirm with them!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 7, 2021 at 8:51 p.m. Helen Says...

Is the hot cocoa refills good only through December or can you get hot cocoa throughout the year?

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Dec 7, 2021 at 4:02 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Helen!

The hot chocolate refills are only available during the event.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 18, 2021 at 4:52 p.m. Ashley Says...

Hi,

My family is visiting SeaWorld this December and we were excited to go to the Christmas Celebration. However, I just learned that it is not available on the day we were planning to visit. So I'm wondering, what is the holiday experience like if you go on a regular day during the holiday season? Are there still a lot of decorations? Do they have anything special going on during the day, like parades in Sesame Street land or anything else?

Thanks!

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Oct 20, 2021 at 4:10 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ashley!

The decor would still be up! There's usually a big Christmas tree near the entrance for a great holiday photo-op, plus you'll probably see some decor throughout the park. Sesame Street may have characters dressed in holiday outfits, but the shows and other entertainment typically only run on event dates.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 8, 2021 at 4:17 a.m. Dailyn Sharp Says...

I was wondering if there were no wait passes? I have 2 special needs kid and waiting is the worst for them.

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Oct 8, 2021 at 8:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dailyn!

Yes, SeaWorld Orlando has a Ride Accessibility Program that allows Special Access without waiting in lines for select attractions. You can find more information here.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Jun 12, 2021 at 1:08 p.m. Melissa Says...

We haven’t been back since covid started. Can we still use our refillable cups from before for drinks and popcorn?

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Jun 15, 2021 at 9:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melissa!

Yes, you can use your refillable cups and popcorn buckets!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 16, 2020 at 6:36 p.m. Judy Says...

We are wondering if we should buy front of the line tickets. We are going a few days after Christmas. Will it be really crowded?

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Dec 16, 2020 at 6 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Judy!

While capacity is limited, that tends to be a busy time of the year, so if you can spring for it, we'd recommend it! Have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 2, 2020 at 11:40 a.m. Angie Says...

How is the weather in Orlando the week before Christmas? I plan on visiting around December 19th . Will it be too chilly?

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Dec 3, 2020 at 3:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Angie!

There's generally a high of about 75 degrees F and a low of 55 degrees F, so pack some layers!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 8, 2019 at 7:39 p.m. Linda Kuehn Says...

I'd like to know the exact dates that "O Wondrous Night" & the ice show will be playing. I felt cheated last time I came in December and neither one was playing.

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Dec 9, 2019 at 9:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Linda!

You can see the daily showtimes here to plan your visit on a day when those shows are taking place. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 25, 2018 at 4:56 a.m. Amy Thompson Says...

I agree! Sea World is so amazing for the hollidays. We have had Disney annual passes for about 11 years straight. The past 5 or 6 years we buy sea world passes too just for Halloween and Christmas. They blow Disney out of the park for the holidays. Sea World is the BEST Park by FAR for holiday decorations and activities. We go about 7 times between Halloween and new year's then go back to Disney when all the crowds clear out.

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Dec 24, 2018 at 12:05 p.m. Connie G Says...

SeaWorld has really outdone themselves. Their Christmas decorations are outstanding and all theirs shows are wonderful. So much for so little. We've gone there at least 5 times this month. Annual pass definitely worth it.

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Nov 28, 2018 at 3:43 a.m. Doreen Says...

I know the Christmas shows start at 5 pm and you can get reserved seating for $30 but are there still regular “daytime” shows as well that are different? I was considering getting the quick queue ticket upgrade as well. Thanks in advance!

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Nov 28, 2018 at 9:47 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Doreen!

Yes, there are tons of shows taking place throughout the day as well. We recommend checking out the showtimes for the day of your visit.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 27, 2018 at 11:45 p.m. Sara Says...

Do Rudolph and the gang meet all day every day? I know some shows are only certain days and the lights will of course just be at night, but could we meet them early to kind of get that part out of the way to leave time for all the night stuff?

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Nov 30, 2018 at 3:43 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sara!

You can find the whole gang meeting on Nov. 17-25, 30, Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-31. On the other days, you can find Rudolph meeting at Sea Fire restaurant :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 27, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. Autumn Says...

Love your blog! We just came back from Busch Gardens in Virginia, and we are trying to go to SeaWorld the day before our cruise. I was curious if you knew if the rides were opened during the Christmas event. Thanks!

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Nov 27, 2018 at 2:18 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Autumn!

Weather permitting, all rides are operating as normal during the event! We got to walk on some of our favorite coasters!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 5, 2018 at 10:11 p.m. Mallory Says...

Wondering if the X-mas show Itinerary 1 package includes all of the shows listed for the $30 price or you pick one of the shows listed for the $30 price (Show Times for Itinerary 1 are: Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas 5:00, Winter Wonderland on Ice 6:15pm, O Wondrous Night 7:15, Shamu Christmas Miracles 8:30)? Thanks for the info!

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Nov 5, 2018 at 8:55 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mallory!

The $30 "Itinerary 1" upgrade package found on SeaWorld Orlando's site includes reserved seating for all of the shows listed as those given times, not just one. How awesome?!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 17, 2018 at 9:06 p.m. Bella Says...

Is the Polar Express train ride back for the Christmas Celebration 2018?

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Nov 20, 2018 at 1:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bella!

It is not, but there is plenty more fun to be had!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Jun 22, 2018 at 9:37 p.m. Shauna Says...

Does SeaWorld Orlando still do Shamu Christmas Miracles? Do you know if they are doing away with it, since San Diego no longer has it. We are going to be in Florida Nov 13-27 and wanted to fit in SeaWorld and Universal on one of those days and was really hoping to see Christmas Miracles

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:16 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shauna!

SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration starts on November 17 and Shamu's Christmas Miracles will be returning!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Apr 24, 2018 at 9:36 p.m. Andrea Says...

Hello,

I'm curious about why your crowd calendar recommends Saturday and Sundays during the Christmas holidays? I would have thought that they crowds would be slightly lower on week days?

TIA!

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May 8, 2018 at 9:03 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andrea!

We recommend weekends during the holidays at SeaWorld since that's when a majority of their Christmas Celebration takes place!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 24, 2018 at 3:27 a.m. Camille Says...

Hello! We are visiting FL in December this year and am hoping to come on one of the Christmas Celebration nights. In the past was this only a weekend thing? Well be going to a few other theme parks but would love to see this! Thank you for your GREAT BLOGS!!

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Apr 26, 2018 at 9:44 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Camille!

The Christmas Celebration is so fun and so amazing, you'll really enjoy! The event isn't exclusive to weekends, but does only take place select nights, so be sure to plan ahead! We'll update this post when more details are announced for this year.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Mar 4, 2018 at 1:01 p.m. Matt Andolina Says...

Does Sea World Orlando have plans to bring back Polarexpress experience in 2018?

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Nov 6, 2018 at 3:37 a.m. Jonathan Says...

They didn't have the Polar Express ride last year, so I fear they may have done away with it; it seems Rudolph and co. have become the new featured IP for the event. They still have Santa's Workshop, just with the normal Wild Arctic ride instead of the Polar Express overlay. I guess it fits thematically, since you're visiting the north pole, though it's still sad because the Polar Express theming was honestly more elaborate (and also not 25 years old).

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Dec 26, 2018 at 1:52 p.m. Francisco Munoz Says...

Aww. I miss The Polar Express experience so much. It was my favorite Christmas experience at SeaWorld. Why would they take it away? So many people had so much fun on it

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Mar 5, 2018 at 9:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Matt!

We haven't heard one way or another, but we'll keep you posted!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Dec 1, 2017 at 2:36 a.m. Rebecca Tolleson Says...

Great info! Thank you

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Oct 6, 2016 at 2:44 p.m. Charlotte Says...

Hello! We are going on Sunday 11th Dec and have purchased the reserved seating package.

On the tickets it requests you arrive 15 minutes prior to each show but in your article above you mention queing up approximately 45 minutes in some instances (i am assuming/hoping this is without priority seating)?

I am hoping they only allocate/sell a number of reserved tickets and therefore so long as you do turn up within the 15/20 minutes prior to a show you are guaranteed a reasonable seat?

Is this your experience or at least what you might suggest to be the case? I am just concerned as the reserved seating itinerary does not leave that much time between each show if you need to be queing for longer than the recommended time on the tickets!

Thank you very much in advance for any advice you can give.

Reply
Oct 20, 2016 at 3:52 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Charlotte,

With the reserved seating, 15 minutes should be just fine.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 26, 2016 at 5:34 p.m. Nelle Says...

I am interested in taking my 1 yr old on Christmas Day. Would I be able to spend the entire day there, then head back to the hotel so he can take a nap, and then return for the Christmas experience at night?

Reply
Sep 14, 2016 at 2:40 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nelle,

This is a very busy day, and while it's possible, do keep in mind that you will need additional time for coming and going with all of the extra people in the park. There is also a chance it could be at capacity for some part of the day. If you decide to do this, we'd make sure you are at nearby hotel and upgrade your parking (if you have a car).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 10, 2016 at 8:15 p.m. Heather Says...

Any information for 2016 yet?! We are coming the week of November 7th and I was curious if most of the above would be available then! Thanks in advance!

Reply
May 17, 2016 at 3:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Heather,

We don't yet know this year's dates, but typically it doesn't start until later November/early December.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Dec 13, 2015 at 1:30 a.m. Steve Bellucci Says...

Is the Polar Express Experience only open on the weekends in December? We are planning to be there December 21 (Monday).

Thanks Steve

Reply
Dec 16, 2015 at 7:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steve,

It's open every day during the holidays.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 9, 2015 at 12:44 a.m. chuck Says...

I will be there on Tues. 12/29 with a reunion group of about 20, One is in a wheelchair, what are line times generally and is there any accommodation for the handicap. any other tips would be appreciated

Reply
Dec 16, 2015 at 1:41 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Chuck,

It’s going to be a very busy time in the park on that day. You can check out predicted wait times at our Crowd Calendar. Most attractions have wheelchair accommodations! Here’s a helpful resource to see what accommodations each attraction makes: https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disney-world-disability-access-attractions/

Make a plan, decide what attractions are priority and enjoy yourself! While the park will be busy, it’s a fun time of year to be there :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 16, 2015 at 2:06 p.m. Darline Says...

Hi Mommy Frog,

I planning to go on dec. 25 can I get any tips what time. To see more thing on that day. Is it very crowdy.?

Gr.

Darline

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Dec 3, 2015 at 9:07 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Darline,

We have updated this post with more details about this year's event. Check it out. You can see the schedule here. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. that night, and I would definitely stay through the evening to experience the snow flurries, Antarctica Christmas tree and Winter Wonderland on Ice. If you plan to visit the Polar Express, I would recommend doing it early in the day.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 4, 2015 at 12:06 a.m. Ben Says...

Hello. I plan to come on Dec 31st 2015 with my 3 little (6 years, 3 y and only 6 month). I assume it will be more than crowded this day. Do you confirm I shall buy the reserved seatings to avoid long lines with the small kids everything but patient... Is the reserved seating usable for all the shows during the day, or only one ? And are they already on sale ? I was not able to ad this to the cart on seaworld website... Thanks !

Reply
Sep 15, 2015 at 3:08 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ben,

Details have not been released yet on how reserved seating will work this year, but I would recommend it for Dec. 31.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 30, 2015 at 8:40 p.m. Shanna Says...

Are the Sesame Street characters available for meet and greet or do they just perform in the show?

Reply
Sep 2, 2015 at 9:14 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shanna,

At this time, we don't know yet whether they will be available for meet-and-greet. Hopefully, we'll get more information as the event gets closer.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 17, 2015 at 4:45 a.m. Alice Says...

Hi,

I am planning to visit sea world Orlando on December 7, which is a Monday, and I wonder how bad is the line up to the Christmas shows? I have a 2.5 year old and an 1 year old. Do you think it worth paying extra for the Christmas show seating tickets?

Thanks,

Alice

Reply
Jun 17, 2015 at 8:53 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alice,

I don't think you will have any issues with lines at this time, but keep in mind that SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is typically held on select nights and may not be available on that Monday.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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