SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

November 17 - December 31, 2012
Celebrate Christmas under the sea SeaWorld style! Enjoy special Christmas themed shows of your favorites Shamu and Clyde & Seamore, ride the Polar Express, and sip some hot chocolate while watching the lagoon full of lighted trees come to life and dance to the holiday music. Listed below are the special Christmas Shows and Attractions with their official descriptions, along with our reviews and photos.

O Wondrous Night
"O Wondrous Night tells the greatest story never told, with more than 30 carols, based upon the Christmas Story and told through the eyes of a variety of live animals. Everyone will be entertained by this touching, light-hearted and glorious celebration featuring a host of angels, animals and the true glory of Christmas. And new this year, guests will have the opportunity to take photos with some of the stars from the show!"


Winter Wonderland on Ice
"Winter Wonderland on Ice is an ice skating extravaganza where Christmas comes to life through towering water fountains, magnificent fireworks and some of the most talented ice skaters in the world."

 

Shamu Christmas...Miracles
"SeaWorld invites guests to experience the grace and beauty of our Shamu family at Shamu Stadium, during the night-time show, Shamu Christmas…Miracles. Thrilling seasonal music rings out as whales soar through the air in a performance that will take the audience on a stirring voyage into the heart of the holidays."


Clyde & Seamore's Countdown to Christmas
"Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas features Santa’s helpers, Clyde and Seamore, who are bringing their own brand of comedy to Christmas this year. Our loveable sea lions, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and a wintery walrus or two, search for Santa."

Review: If you know Clyde & Seamore like we do, you already know that their special event shows are even funnier and more entertaining than normal (and the regular show is great!). This is our definite "Don't Miss" show of the holiday season.



Holiday Reflections
"SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience a wondrous SeaWorld Christmas connection that lights the night."


The Polar Express
"All Aboard! At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests embark on a heart-warming journey to the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience,based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as family and friends are immersed in the dazzling wonder of this beloved holiday classic. Upon arrival at the North Pole, guests can meet Santa Claus himself, and encounter astounding animals in a wintery wonderland."

Review: This motion simulator (or non-simulator, your choice) takes you aboard the Polar Express and drops you off at the North Pole. They have done an excellent job of converting the Wild Arctic ride into this theme. Everything has been redecorated, down to the "wood" doors. The heavy scent of pine greets you as you step in to the loading area. If you do get the slightest bit motion sick, you might want to do the non-ride version. This ride is rather rough and jerky, and I believe more dizzying than similar simulators. After the ride, you'll find an enormous Christmas tree and Santa Claus himself. There is a small booth inside that sells hot chocolate. Plus, if you are an Annual Passholder you can skip the ride and enter the rest of the exhibit at a door to the left of the attraction exit inside the gift shop. (Honestly, we've never seen anyone checking passes at this door, so give it a try if you have just a one-day ticket.) Don't forget to have your picture taken in front of the Polar Express engine!

 

Sea of Trees
"In addition to the incredible seasonal shows and attractions, the amazing Sea of Trees includes more than 100 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake."

Review: The lagoon is filled with tinsel-covered trees that light-up and dance to the music after sundown. There are several great viewing spots for the roughly 10 minute show. The Christmas Market area, the bridge across the lake, the Sand Bar or the area by the Spice Mill restaurant all provide great views.
 
 

The Christmas Market
"The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway, features unique artisans and culinary delights. At this festive, bustling market, guests can find one-of-a-kind gifts and dine on scrumptious holiday delights."

Review: Lots of great treats including sausages with onions, 1/2lb. hamburgers, snacks and more, along with some adult hot beverages to wash all that merriment down. Click here for the Christmas Drinks & Seasonal Beer menu.
 
 
 

Fireside Feast
"Plus, enjoy a delicious dinner of Christmas favorites with Santa and Mrs. Claus during Santa’s Fireside Feast, a charming, warm-hearted holiday experience. Meet Santa himself, and listen to a classic holiday poem told onstage as never before to create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. This sumptuous, all-you-can-eat seasonal meal takes place weekends of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. Reservations are required, and include reserved seating at select holiday shows. To book your reservation, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com."


All of these events (except the Fireside Feast) are included with your daily admission!