SeaWorld Orlando Invited Us to the Christmas Celebration – What Should You Expect?

The Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando started on Friday, November 10, 2023.  We attended the opening night of SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. What should you expect when you visit?

We were invited to the media event for the Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld. For full disclosure, everything we describe in the resource will be the same as any guests experience during their visit.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration returned this year with an all-new holiday show, “Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen,” new and returning festive food and beverage offerings, and the introduction of the Christmas Market. This seasonal event runs on select nights through January 2.

Guests will encounter SeaWorld Orlando transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with more than three million beautiful lights and holiday experiences. The weather may not feel like it is the holiday season for some. However, the surroundings will feel as much like the holiday as can happen at a theme park.

The main feature of the magical festival is the Sea of Trees. The wintery, watery wonderland returns, immersing guests in a sea of twinkling holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on more than 100 trees. This includes a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water. During the celebration, guests can indulge in delicious ALL-NEW holiday treats, experience fabulous holiday shows and entertainment, and enjoy outdoor ice skating at Bayside Stadium.

We went on November 10, 2023, the event’s opening evening. As you might expect, our focus revolved around the dining options. As a result, we did not do everything that SeaWorld Orlando offers for the Christmas Celebration on opening night. Still, we experienced plenty of the festive fun.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Magical Holiday Shows & Entertainment

During a visit to the Christmas Celebration, guests will find numerous ways to get into the holiday at SeaWorld Orlando. One example can be found near the front of the theme park with the enchanting world of “Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen.” This new show provides a bit of theme park comedy with some nostalgic holiday sweetness. Mrs. Claus, the beloved matriarch of the North Pole, takes center stage as she trades in her cozy Christmas sweater for a chef’s apron, inviting guests on a whimsical culinary journey. Mrs. Claus attempts to master the art of social media while whipping up her famous Christmas cookie recipes. From classic sugar cookies to elaborate gingerbread masterpieces, she’ll be spilling the North Pole’s sweetest secrets while trying to keep up with the latest social trends.

Also, several additional shows happen during the day and evening during the Christmas Celebration. Guests should check the showtime schedule to avoid missing out on some festive fun.

Christmas Market

Also new this year, visitors can find the Christmas Market in the heart of the Wild Arctic Plaza. At this location, guests will discover a winter wonderland brimming with delectable culinary delights, unique merchandise, and the festive melodies of live music.

Returning this year is the fan favorite “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale,” to end each night of the Christmas Celebration. On opening night, this occurred at 9:00 p.m. We suggest checking the show schedules on the nights you attend to know when the fireworks happen. This firework spectacular features dazzling lights choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Everyone can stroll past life-size storybook vignettes featuring the classic narrative. The opportunity to meet Rudolph, Bumble, and Santa for photo opportunities exists.

Sesame Street Land

The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the famous Sesame Street Christmas Parade. During this parade, guests can see all their favorite Sesame Street characters entering the holiday spirit.

This year, Elmo’s Christmas Wish is also back on event mornings at Seaport Theater. Visitors can join Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, and Rosita as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish.

Ice Skating

SeaWorld Orlando hosts the only outdoor ice rink in Central Florida where guests can lace up and hit the ice. During the day, park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at Bayside Stadium.

Once night falls, guests can sit back and relax as the pros show off during “Winter Wonderland on Ice.” Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels, and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping ice-skating extravaganza. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background creates an experience the entire family will not want to miss.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration: Did Some Say Food?

For many, the holidays are about food. In fairness, for some of us, every day revolves around food. SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration offers plenty of food. We tried over 20 new and reimagined holiday food items on opening night. We still find ourselves on a sugar and carb high as we type this article. The holiday dining options range from lamb chops, Christmas cookies, chicken and waffle sandwiches, sweet treats, and even a cheesesteak.

Guests to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration can savor the flavors of the holiday season with many new food and beverage offerings this year. Traditional flavors like gingerbread, eggnog, and peppermint can be found in the food and beverage booths around the park. A special featured holiday doughnut from the Orlando-based doughnut shop, Shaka Donuts.  Some of the new food offerings guests can taste at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:

• Jolly Philly Cheesesteak – Steak, cheese, onions, peppers & secret sauce
• Festive BBQ Pulled Pork and Waffle – House-made waffle; BBQ pulled pork
• Mistletoe Lambchops – Rosemary grilled lamb chops, cranberry & peppered apple relish
• Strawberries and Cream Beignets – Strawberries, Bavarian cream, powdered sugar
• Santa’s Mini Apple Pie – Made with apples, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves
• Rustic Gingerbread Cake – Gingerbread spice cake filled with creamy vanilla bean mousse, topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream.

Guests will be able to sip seasonal drinks while strolling around the park. They can enjoy hot or frozen hot chocolate, coquito, or frozen eggnog. There are also several NEW holiday cocktails to try, including:

• Christmas Cheers – Hendrix gin, cranberry, orange, lime, garnished with orange wheel
• Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies – Rumchata, vanilla vodka, cinnamon, topped with ginger snap crumbs
• Mistletoe Margarita – Milagro Tequila, Triple Sec, cranberry, lime sour, garnished with lime wedge
• Apple Cider Punch – Apple cider, bourbon, ginger beer, lime juice, garnished with lime wedge.

We recommend the Pumpkin Lava Cake, Rustic Gingerbread Cake, or Joyful Chicken and Waffles for your dining choices. However, we were pleased with the food quality during our visit,

Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard

SeaWorld sells a sampling lanyard to help guests save a little money during their theme park holiday adventure. Guests can choose from the ten-sample lanyard for $60 or the five-sample lanyard for $45. SeaWorld annual passholders also receive some additional bonuses with the sampling lanyards. With this purchase, guests can try any combination of food, drink, or dessert samples and an exclusive souvenir hot cocoa mug.

Overall, we had a great time at the Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando. Everything we have mentioned, except the cost of food and beverage, comes included with your park admission. Based on SeaWorld Orlando being a more cost-effective alternative to the larger theme park resort in the Orlando area, more prominent groups will find the experience easier on their bank accounts.

The Christmas Celebration looks delightful. Those who wish to take in a theme park version of the holidays should enjoy this event. For those desiring a more casual theme park holiday event, SeaWorld Orlando’s version meets that need.

Many exciting things are coming to SeaWorld Orlando soon, like the new coaster, Penguin Trek. For more information about the Christmas Celebration or anything else at SeaWorld Orlando, please visit the SeaWorld Orlando website.