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The Christmas celebration at SeaWorld San Diego is almost underway, and I can tell you what to expect based on first-hand experience. Guests will be treated to holiday cheer, complete with sparkling lights, a fun holiday show or two, a special holiday fireworks display, and other fun-filled surprises, all with yuletide flair.
So, if you haven’t yet, plan to add it to your Christmas in San Diego to-do list! The good news is that while you can enhance your experience with upgrades, most of the activities and events are included with park admission. Here are 16 things to look forward to when you go on your merry quest.
Key Event Takeaways
Every year, there is something new to look forward to at the Christmas celebration at SeaWorld San Diego, and this year, they have truly gone over the top with the holiday cheer!
1. ‘A Stocking Full of Soul’
One of SeaWorld’s strengths is in its shows, which means the shows for Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego are next level. This year, you’ll be able to enjoy several that are holiday-themed, but don’t miss A Stocking Full of Soul.
Performed daily at the Nautilus Amphitheater, this soulful music celebration of holiday classics will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.
2. 30′ Tree Lighting
Don’t miss the annual SeaWorld Christmas tree lighting celebration that happens every night in Jingle Bell Square.
Two special guests all the way from the North Pole will be on hand with some Christmas Magic to help light the spectacular 30-foot tree.
3. Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Parade
Make sure to catch Mrs. Claus and her crew of elves as they journey across the park under the holiday lights and festive colors, spreading holiday cheer to all at SeaWorld San Diego. Check the schedule when you get to the park for the fun parade.
4. New Christmas Show – ‘Happy Harbor Holiday’
A brand new show to the winter schedule this year is the Happy Harbor Holiday. Head to the Mission Bay Theater to enjoy this celebration of friendship while focusing on holiday traditions with SeaWorld’s favorite, Sir Winston the Walrus.
5. Snowflake Seeker’s: A Christmas Quest!
For a fun family activity, grab a map (you need to purchase one at the SeaWorld store) and scour the park in search of colorful winter snowflakes. You’ll get a special prize if you return your completed map to the store.
6. Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show
SeaWorld San Diego presents the ultimate holiday lights show with laser beams set to holiday music in a thrilling spectacle. The show runs every night at the front of the park.
7. Coca-Cola Lane & Market
This new addition to the holiday festivities sees a fun lit-up pathway for guests to enjoy, full of red and white twinkly lights, festive music, and holiday treats with—you guessed it—holiday Coca-Cola beverages.
Over at the Coke Market there’s a Christmas family photo op among Coca-Cola Christmas trees and ornaments, and more holiday treats.
8. Santa’s Live Reindeer
Holiday festivities don’t get better than live reindeer! Straight from the North Pole, two of Santa’s reindeer will be making a stop in San Diego, CA, to join in the Christmas celebration. Send a Christmas wish to Santa when you send a letter via the reindeer.
9. Snowfall at SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic
If your Christmas wish is to see snow this holiday season, SeaWorld San Diego is happy to make that Christmas wish come true! While not quite a true winter wonderland, it will “snow” flakes at SeaWorld San Diego at both SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic every night.
Then, like magic, snow (tiny bubbles) will be blown over the crowd for a white Christmas you’ll see only in San Diego.
10. Photos With Santa at Santa’s Village
Head over to Santa’s Village for the opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus in his cottage during SeaWorld’s Christmas celebration. Tell him all of your Christmas wishes before plunging into his supply of candy canes.
11. Photos With Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
SeaWorld San Diego park admission includes the chance to take a photo with Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. He’s, of course, located in Rudolph’s Christmastown (inside the Holly Jolly Marketplace) near Jingle Bell Square.
In this area, you’ll also find several photo backdrops featuring Santa and reindeer, the Abominable Snowman, and others.
12. Holly Jolly Marketplace & the Christmas Shoppe
It wouldn’t be a SeaWorld San Diego Christmas celebration without a little bit of shopping. Stock up on some gifts and decor as the seasonal boutique will feature plenty of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer merchandise since the Holly Jolly Marketplace is where you take photos with him.
Plan Time to Shop
The Christmas Shoppe feels like it belongs in a shopping mall. I was surprised by how nice some of the holiday merchandise is, from ornaments to kitchenware, so do pop into the shops. They can hold your purchases.
Find your ultimate Insta-worthy moment or San Diego photo-perfect moments in front of the various backdrops throughout the park.
Festive colors adorn Santa’s sleigh, a menorah display at the Manta roller coaster (one of SeaWorld San Diego’s best rides), and all around the park.
Don’t miss the palm trees lit like candy canes for a special San Diego holiday twist. We love nothing more than strolling the park while sipping hot chocolate, craft beer, or holiday cocktails and taking in the various sights.
13. The Holiday Lights and Fireworks Show
SeaWorld San Diego is always awash with twinkling Christmas lights for the holidays, whether it be palm trees lit up as candy canes or the iconic 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights.
But on December 14 and New Year’s Eve, December 31 this year, SeaWorld will host a spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnics show for not only guests but everyone around to see and enjoy. Don’t miss it!
14. Special Dining Experiences
Check to see what special dining experiences are happening during SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas celebration. Last year, you could dine with orcas on a poolside patio and enjoy a visit from Santa. This year’s special experiences are TBD.
15. Special Holiday Animal Presentations
If you’re fans of Clyde and Seamore (the witty sea lions in the Sea Lions Live show), you’ll notice that their stage and act have a holiday twist.
The same goes for the Dolphin Days show. I highly recommend taking a break from the rides and games to see both signature shows.
Be sure to get there 15 minutes early for the best general admission seating because everyone loves sea lions and dolphins!
16. Holiday-Inspired Food
You will definitely eat, drink, and be merry at SeaWorld San Diego this season with treats like waffle on a stick, SeaWorld’s famous hot chocolate with candy toppings like peppermint crumbles, SeaWorld’s specialty holiday cocktails, limited-release holiday craft beer, and more.
Tip: Get the Refillable Mug
You can actually purchase a holiday mug and use it to receive $.99 hot chocolate refills around the park! You’ll see signs for it in the Holiday Shoppe.
Tips for Your SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebrating Visit
California theme parks are busy during the holidays, and SeaWorld San Diego is no exception.
Plan Dining Ahead of Time
During our weekend visit during Thanksgiving break, lines for popular quick-service kiosks and counter-order restaurants were quite long throughout the day. So, if you see a short line, hop in line to eat, especially on weekends. Order food through the app if you can.
Consider Quick Queue for Rides
We also upgraded our tickets to include Quick Queue. This popular ticket upgrade allows you to enter a shorter line for popular rides like the Electric Eel roller coaster and Journey to Atlantis (which makes this a popular theme park for teens in San Diego). The teens with me could ride each other multiple times with only a few minutes’ wait.
Go Later in the Day
Many holiday events happen in the afternoon and evening, so plan your visit accordingly. Most importantly, plan a day to visit SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration this year and let your Christmas wishes come true.
Save Money on Tickets
There is absolutely no need to pay gate prices. Choose a sightseeing pass or individual tickets.
Directly Through SeaWorld
IIt feels like there’s always some sort of sale happening on the park’s website. You can also buy parking, dining experiences, and upgrades here.
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Katie Dillon
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