My favorite theme park holiday event is back! SeaWorld Christmas Celebration runs on select dates from November 10th until January 2nd, 2024. Check out SeaWorld’s website for additional information on the dates.
I love SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and there is so much to do. The park goes all out with lights, Christmas trees and snoap. Additionally, there are wonderful shows, a special fireworks presentation and lots of festive food & drink!
SeaWorld does Christmas to the max and I always love spending time at their Christmas celebration! Be sure to check the dates as it is usually only on the weekends. You can still see the lights and trees if the celebration is not going on, but you will miss out on the shows, food booths, entertainment, fireworks and snoap.
Christmas Celebration Lights & Decorations
I could just walk around the park and be pretty darn content. They boast having millions of beautiful lights and they really do. There are lots of lights throughout the park and they are beautiful once it gets dark.
Christmas Celebration Trees
In addition to the millions of lights, there are Christmas trees located throughout the park. There is also a Sea of Trees show that happens out on the water.
Shows
The shows at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are phenomenal and I highly recommend making time for them. The shows can and do reach capacity, so I do recommend showing up early to get a seat. I have found that O Wondrous Night opens up the theater about 30-40 minutes ahead of time, and I was able to get a seat for Winter Wonderland on Ice about 40 minutes before the show started.
O Wondrous Night
This show is aaammmmaaazzziinnggg!! If you are going to the Christmas celebration you MUST go to this show. I am blown away by it every year and it is probably one of the best shows I have seen at a theme park. The talent is superb and I always leave smiling.
The premise of the show is a retelling of the night of Jesus birth. However, it is told from the point of view of a few of the animals that were there, each of them determined that they are the reason Jesus was born in the manger. The show is a lot of fun, filled with wonderful music and a surprise at the end.
Make room for this show, you will not regret it!
Winter Wonderland on Ice
This show is also wonderful. The skaters are beyond talented and it is full of holiday classics. Prepare to be amazed by their skating ability and dancing in your seat. The performers always look like they are having a blast and it is a well-choreographed show.
If you show up early for the show they also usually have a violinist that plays some Christmas classics while you are waiting.
Sea of Trees
The Sea of Trees happens on the water in the middle of the park. The trees are all lit up and synced with holiday music. It happens a few times throughout the night and can be viewed from anywhere where you can see the trees on the water. I really enjoy this show! It is pretty short, but worth stopping for a few minutes to enjoy.
Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen
This show is new for the 2023 celebration and unfortunately I have not made it yet. The show stars Mrs. Claus in a holiday cooking show where she is also attempting to incorporate social media. It sounds like a really fun show and I am hoping to stop by before the celebration is over!
Entertainment
And the fun does not stop at the holiday shows. The amount of additional entertainment that happens during the Christmas Celebration is crazy! Stop by the waterfront for some Florida snow flurries or head over to Wild Artic to meet Santa. There is a special Elmo Christmas show and a sesame street parade. Not to mention Holiday fireworks that happen each night of the event! I have listed these and more down below as there is just so much to do.
Christmas Celebration Food & Drink
I have tried some of the food in years past and there is some really fun and tasty options. However, I do not usually purchase much food and drink from the event. My biggest suggestion if you are wanting to try some of the festive food & drink is to purchase a tasting lanyard. You can purchase a 5 or 10 sample lanyard (5 samples for $45 or 10 samples for $60). This makes the food a much better price for what you get. The food options are generally very expensive and do not provide much food.
You can also get a souvenir hot cocoa mug that provides you with reduced price refills for hot chocolate throughout the park. This is a great option if it is a cooler night as you can grab cocoa as you explore!
Additional Things to Do
There is so much to do at the Christmas Celebration! Here is a list of even more stuff to check-out at the event.
- Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale
- Snow Flurries at the Waterfront: Enjoy a wonderful Florida snow featuring our favorite snoap. Check out the schedule to find the times!
- Sesame Street Christmas Parade
- Ice Skating during the day (becomes the stage for Winter Wonderland on Ice in the evening): This is an additional cost, but you can enjoy some ice skating at Bayside Stadium.
- Photo opportunities & meet and greets: There are lots of fun photo ops and you can also meet with Rudolph and Friends over by the new Pipeline coaster. As well, you can get photos with Santa by Wild Artic
- Christmas Movies at Seafire Grill
- Holiday Shopping: There is themed merchandise throughout the park and even some fun holiday surprises in the stores. When I was there you could get some warm German wine at the Waterfront shoppe with a souvenir boot mug.
Overall Experience
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is my favorite holiday event at the Orlando theme parks! I think the decor is top-notch, the entertainment is fabulous and there is a lot to do at the park. The event is included in normal admission so you get all SeaWorld has to offer plus fun holiday festivities.
Happy Holidays and Happy Travels! ~Colette