A Very SeaWorld Christmas

It’s no secret that we think SeaWorld Orlando offers one of the best Christmas programmes in the ever-increasing welter of seasonal events throughout this part of Central Florida.

In the past 10 years or so, they have practically cornered the market on Yuletide happenings, with a dazzling array of live entertainment, festive food and sheer Christmas sparkle all over the park.

And here they come in 2023, with another full line-up of the season’s finest shows and suitable décor to delight guests from November 10 to January 2 (on select dates only from Nov 10-Dec 14; see SeaWorld’s schedule on this link).

Once again, it is a mixture of traditional favourites and new elements that all add up to a lively and suitably exciting atmosphere that is a big hit with families.

What’s it all about?

In setting its stall out for a Christmas bonanza, SeaWorld sums up its festive program as follows:

“Our award-winning Christmas Celebration is returning this year and it’s more spectacular than ever before with an ALL-NEW holiday show, Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen, deliciously festive food and beverage offerings, and the introduction of the Christmas Market.”

Visitors will see the theme park transformed into a traditional winter wonderland sparkling with more than three million beautiful lights and the addition of new experiences sprinkled around the event.

The main feature is the eye-catching Sea of Trees – a true guest favourite. The wintery, watery wonderland is back in 2023, 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, including a giant glistening centrepiece that towers 70ft above the water.

During the celebration, guests will also be able to indulge in delicious new holiday treats, experience fabulous holiday shows and entertainment, and enjoy outdoor ice skating at Bayside Stadium.

ALL-NEW Magical Shows & Entertainment

This year, there are even more ways for families to get into the holiday spirit. Step into the enchanting world of Mrs Claus’ Magic Kitchen, a delightful live show that promises to add a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of sweetness to your festive celebrations. In this jolly good time, Mrs Claus takes centre stage as she trades in her cosy Christmas sweater for a chef’s apron, inviting guests on a whimsical culinary journey.

Get ready for an entertaining blend of holiday magic and culinary chaos as she attempts to master the art of social media while whipping up her famous Christmas cookie recipes. From classic sugar cookies to elaborate gingerbread masterpieces, Mrs Claus will be spilling the North Pole’s sweetest secrets, all while trying to keep up with the latest social trends.

Also new this year, in the heart of Wild Arctic Plaza, is the Christmas Market. Guests will discover a winter wonderland brimming with delectable culinary delights, unique merchandise and the festive melodies of live music. It’s the perfect place to shop, savour and celebrate the holiday spirit.

Returning favourites

Back this year is firm fan favourite Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale, to end each night of the Christmas Celebration, featuring dazzling lights choreographed to joyous holiday musical favourites.

Families can also immerse themselves in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Stroll past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale and meet beloved characters, including Rudolph, Bumble and Santa for photo opportunities. There is also the chance to Dine with Santa throughout the Christmas Celebration (for an additional cost).

Perhaps our all-time fave, though, is O Wondrous Night. Hear the greatest story never told with more than 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals in this headline show that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life.

The magical holiday fun continues in Sesame Street Land with the return of the hugely popular Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where guests can see all their favourite Sesame Street characters getting into the holiday spirit.

For an additional cost, families who come to the park on Saturday mornings can have breakfast with their Sesame Street friends. Elmo’s Christmas Wish is also back this year 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 fun

SeaWorld is also home to the only genuine outdoor ice rink in Central Florida, where guests can lace up and hit the ice. During the day (before the shows start), park guests will have the opportunity to ice skate at the wonderful Bayside Stadium.

Once night falls, they can then sit back and relax as the pros show off their prodigious skills in the Winter Wonderland on Ice performance.

Here, 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 come together to create an experience you will not want to miss.

Decadent Holiday Treats and Drinks

Now comes the tasty part, as SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration features all the flavours of the holiday season with an ALL-NEW food and beverage line-up this year.

Traditional flavours like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint can be found all around the park in new and unexpected ways. There will also be a special featured holiday doughnut from Orlando-based doughnut shop, Shaka Donuts. Some of the new offerings include:

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

Seasonal drinks will also be on offer while you stroll around the park, with beverage offerings that include hot or frozen hot chocolate, coquito or a frozen eggnog. There are also a bevy of delicious new holiday cocktails:

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

For even more holiday dining experiences, guests can head to SeaFire Grill, where they can watch their favourite holiday movies while enjoying this array of decadent treats.

And there’s more

It may be Christmas for many visitors, but other celebrations and faiths are certainly not forgotten, hence the additional elements include:

Hanukkah Celebration: Enjoy the Festival of Lights from December 7-15, when friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.

Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place from December 26 through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the Kinara. Story Time with Big Bird will also feature Kwanzaa stories throughout the celebrations.

New Year’s Eve: Guests can spend the final day of 2023 enjoying SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, then ring in the New Year as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky at exactly midnight on December 31.

Three Kings Celebration: In honour of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to take in special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees and the park’s festive holiday lights. Keep the spirit of the holidays burning brighter and longer with this special event from January 5-7.

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