SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration: A Mom’s Guide with Festive Pro Tips

There are so many things to love about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, but for me, it’s personal. I’ve watched my son grow up with this event, seeing his eyes light up a little more each year as we return together. I love that it’s included with regular park admission, so no extra tickets are required, and most of the experiences happen earlier in the evening. This means families like mine can soak up the holiday magic without keeping little ones out way past bedtime.

From holiday fireworks to some of the most entertaining stage shows around, here’s a guide to having a great time at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration this year.

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What to know about SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

Among our favorite holiday events in Florida is SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. We make a point to spend a full day inside the theme park each holiday season, taking in all of its seasonal offerings.

Sea World Orlando’s Christmas Celebration takes place this year from Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. The event is included with park admission and is offered during regular theme park hours on the following dates:

• Nov. 7–9
• Nov.14–16
• Nov. 21–30
• Dec. 5–7
• Dec. 12–31
• SeaWorld Orlando has yet to list which days in early January they will run this event

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration Activties

In addition to the stunning holiday decorations and lights throughout the park, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration offers incredible shows, activities, and special holiday touches that make it feel so magical.

O Wondrous Night is a favorite among longtime SeaWorld guests and first-time visitors alike. It’s a moving retelling of the Christmas story that combines live actors, animals, puppetry, and beautiful holiday songs.

Families know to get there early because seats fill quickly; it’s that beloved. Pair that with Winter Wonderland on Ice or the nightly Holiday Reflections fireworks, and the celebration truly comes alive.

For me, one of the most memorable parts of the event is Rudolph’s Christmas Town. I love the whimsical area where kids (and grown-ups!) can meet Rudolph and Bumble, as well as interact with hands-on buttons that bring different scenes and effects to life. It’s such a fun, tactile way for children to connect with the holiday magic — my son could stay there pressing those buttons over and over.

• Elmo’s Christmas Wish: A lively stage show where Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, and Rosita sing and dance their way through the season.
• O Wondrous Night: A telling of the Christmas story that features live actors and animals, as well as puppets and more than 30 holiday songs.
• Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale: This dazzling fireworks display closes out the event each evening.
• Sesame Street Christmas Parade: Beautiful holiday floats and festive music accompany muppets like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, and Ernie in this fun holiday parade.
• Snow Flurries at the Waterfront: Catch faux snow that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit as you stroll along the park’s waterfront area.
• Sea of Trees: This holiday display is a sight to behold. Lighted Christmas trees line the waters of SeaWorld, providing a 360-degree view of some of the most festive trees around.
• Public Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium: For an additional $15 charge that includes skate rental, guests can skate in public sessions at Bayside Stadium. Note that skaters must wear crew socks and gloves, both of which are also available for purchase.
• Winter Wonderland on Ice: This incredible ice skating show features costumed skaters and lots of holiday theming and music.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: In Rudolph’s Christmas Town, guests can meet (and pose for photos with) characters like Rudolph and Bumble.
• Photos with Santa at Wild Arctic: Meet the Man in Red himself and get photos with him at the Wild Arctic attraction.

Add in the sparkling Sea of Trees, the Sesame Street parade, faux snow drifting along the waterfront, and even a visit with Santa himself, and the whole park becomes a holiday wonderland that feels new every year we attend.

Don’t overlook the smaller holiday gems tucked around the park. My son always loves watching the model train sets, and An Elf’s Story adds a whimsical touch of magic to our visits. Younger kids especially enjoy Big Bird’s Christmas Storytime, where the pace slows down and they can sit, listen, and take in the holiday cheer.

These quieter moments balance out the big shows and parades, making the evening feel just right for families.

Other special add-ons at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

There’s lots more to do for an added fee at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. Here are things your family can add to your day to put even more merry into your experience.

• Christmas Celebration VIP Tour: From $300 per person. Includes a private guide (3:30 p.m.–close), dinner with Santa, reserved show seating, priority photos with Santa and Rudolph, a photo key per party, a refillable hot chocolate mug, and a holiday souvenir.
• Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard: Sample holiday treats with a lanyard — $60 for 10 items or $45 for 5 items.
• Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast: From $35 per adult and $18 per child (ages 3–9). Enjoy breakfast with beloved Sesame Street characters in holiday outfits.
• Dinner with Santa: From $44 per adult and $16 per child (ages 3–9). A festive sit-down meal with Santa himself.
• Cookies, Cocoa & Milk Fireworks Viewing: From $18 per adult and $13 per child (ages 3–9). Includes holiday treats and VIP seating for the evening fireworks.

Tips for attending SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

While the whole park feels festive during the day, most of the Christmas activities truly come alive in the evening. If you’ve got little ones who can’t handle a marathon park day, consider arriving later in the afternoon. That way, you can soak up the holiday magic from dusk until close without the overtired meltdowns.

Dress the part with holiday pajamas or matching Christmas t-shirts. Not only does it make for adorable photos with Santa and Rudolph, but it’s also a fun way to get the whole family into the spirit. Some of my favorite Christmas card pictures came from these moments at SeaWorld.

Make time for holiday shopping around the park. The seasonal merchandise is one of my guilty pleasures, and every year I pick up a Rudolph ornament to hang on our tree. It’s become a sweet little tradition, and now our tree tells the story of all the years we’ve attended together.

And finally, don’t forget that SeaWorld’s regular rides and attractions are still open during the Christmas Celebration. Between the shows, parades, and snow flurries, take a spin on a favorite ride. My son and I love the new Expedition Odyssey; it’s not overly thrilling and actually quite relaxing. It’s the perfect way to balance the holiday fun with some rides and attractions.