Nobody does Christmas like the United States, and Florida is no exception. The Sunshine State’s world-class theme parks go all out for the most wonderful time of year, with dedicated events and displays, dazzling lights, and all-out festive fun to make your Christmas holiday nothing short of spectacular.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment comprises the eponymous SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Discovery Cove – three parks that don’t usually scream ‘Christmas’ but embrace the festive spirit and promise magical moments and wonderful seasonal celebrations for all.
What happens at SeaWorld Orlando at Christmas?
For the upcoming festive season, SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration boasts a flurry of activity from 16th Nov 2024 to 5th January 2025 in the form of award-winning stage shows, otherworldly light shows, signature firework displays, Christmas parades, and much more!
Live Shows
SeaWorld Orlando plays host to a glittering array of stage performances year after year, most notably the ever-popular O Wondrous Night nativity show, complete with carols, life-sized puppets and live animals to amaze and enchant.
Elmo’s Christmas Wish features a host of beloved Sesame Street characters who help Elmo find his Christmas wish, with singing, dancing, and lots of festive cheer, this show is perfect for all ages and can be found at the Seaport Theater.
Dazzling Displays
The mesmerising Sea of Trees light show features dozens of brightly lit Christmas trees floating across the park’s lagoon, creating a watery winter wonderland that dances and softly sparkles in sync with classic holiday tunes. In other words, this beautiful sight is sure to get you in a cosy festive mood.
Rivalling the Magic Kingdom’s nightly illuminations, Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale is a show-stopping feat of colourful fireworks choreographed to Christmas musical favourites. This fabulous show occurs on various Christmas Celebration nights right up to New Year’s Eve, so it’s well worth staying in the park all day to witness this impressive event.
Street Festivities
The Sesame Street Christmas Parade is a chance to watch your favourite friends like Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, and Elmo gliding through the park on floats adorned with festive lights and scenery. Bop along to the music and wave as they pass by in this energetic parade that will thrust you into the holiday spirit and the magic of this wonderful season!
Don’t forget, Orlando may enjoy a tropical climate but that doesn’t mean you can’t ice skate outdoors at Christmastime! Head for the park’s Bayside Stadium, which transforms into an ice rink where you can hire skates and glide serenely across the ice in this classic winter activity, right in the heart of the Sunshine State.
You can also wander the streets and experience intermittent snow flurries along the waterfront, complete with toy soldiers, ballerinas, and some of Santa’s special helpers, all adding to the Christmas joy.
What happens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay at Christmas?
Tampa’s most famous theme park is equally as magical throughout the holiday season, transforming into a winter wonderland of millions of lights, sparkling illuminations, and enchanting experiences at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Between 15th November 2024 and 5th January 2025, your park admission also includes access to this electrifying buzz of Christmas cheer, with activities and events set to delight and excite the whole family.
Festive Shows & Events
Jump aboard the Holly Jolly™ Express for a train ride like no other. This scenic journey will take you through the sixty-five-acre plains of Busch Gardens to see the park’s celebrated giraffes, rhinos, zebras and more. All while chugging along to festive music and twinkling lights in an exciting trip through Tampa Bay’s very own Serengeti!
Story Time with Mrs. Claus is an adorable performance geared towards the youngest members of your group, with Mother Christmas herself—along with one of her helpful elves—reading ‘The Night Before Christmas’ while her yummy cookies are toasting in the oven. Settle down on the cosy rug up front or huddle up on the seats behind and listen to this magical tale with a hot chocolate in hand, then enjoy a sing-along at the end for a heartwarming experience.
The park’s longest running and most popular show, Christmas on Ice, is presented at the Moroccan Palace and features elaborate costumes, skilful ice dancers, and classic Christmas songs in a vibrant and thrilling performance on a world-class scale. Check the schedule for showtimes throughout the day and make sure to plan ahead and get there early to grab the best seats!
Every Saturday night and on a few selected nights throughout the season, the sky above the park glows with a glittering firework display: Holiday in the Sky: A Fireworks Spectacular. Guaranteed to get you in the holiday mood, this colourful show bursts in harmony to festive music, made even more dramatic with its backdrop of big roller coasters!
Character Meet and Greets
Santa’s North Pole Experience—on until 24th December 2024—promises excited visitors the chance to meet the big man himself in his snug workshop as he and his jolly elves get ready for Christmas. This is a great photo opportunity and a chance to take some unforgettable memories home with you!
Then, get ready to meet everyone’s favourite red nosed reindeer at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland and pose for a photo before he trots off to prepare for his holiday jobs!
Shopping & Dining
There are many mouth-watering festive offerings at the Christmas Town Village Food & Beverage Cabins throughout the park. From deep dish cookie cakes and cosy hot cocoa drinks to spicy seasonal cocktails and hearty smoked turkey roast dinners with all the trimmings, you’ll dine very well at Busch Gardens. There’s so much on offer so consider purchasing a ‘Food & Beverage Sampler’ ticket to try 5 or 10 different items of your choice!
If you’re set on purchasing festive gifts to take back for your friends and family, make sure to stop by Marrakesh Market for all things Christmassy. Snow globes, nutcrackers, tree decorations, and signature park merch is all available at this twinkling retail haven!
Did you know?
As well as SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay both opening their doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Discovery Cove Orlando will also be open!
Not typically known for its festive events or decorations, this all-inclusive attraction offers a more low-key day out over the yuletide period. Swim with dolphins, enjoy up-close animal encounters and experiences, splash around in the tropical pools and lagoons, and laze on the man-made beach for a Christmas Day to remember!
Dive into the SeaWorld Parks Holidays for your Christmas Orlando adventures. Get in touch with our Florida experts today and let them sprinkle their festive magic! 
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