SeaWorld San Diego kicked off its incredibly popular and enchanting Christmas Celebration on Nov. 19 and we’re here to give you a look at what to expect! Plus, we’ll take a look at progress over at Ocean Explorer and more! Let’s dive in!
Behind Explorer’s Reef is a photo op area where guests can take a photo on Santa’s sleigh, as well as some tables for guests to sit at.
This year, SeaWorld is advertising that their Christmas Celebration includes “One Million Lights”, and boy did they go all out! Here’s a brief look at some of the decor you can find around the park…
Over by Pet’s Stadium, the adorable Cat’s Christmas Parlor has returned. 
SeaWorld acquired the license for CBS Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer franchise last year and the beloved characters have made their way into the parks! Rudolph and friends have taken over Arctic Plaza – between Wild Arctic and the Penguin Encounter – and includes photo ops, special food options, a main stage with performances, and the a giant Christmas tree that occasionally changes and lights up to various songs!
Due to construction for Ocean Explorer, Santa’s Christmas Village has moved next to Journey to Atlantis.
Here you can find festive merchandise, food options, a meet and greet with Santa, fun characters…
…and reindeer!!!!
Guests can meet and take a photo with Santa at Santa’s Cottage!
Besides these attractions, the Christmas Celebration includes four seasonal shows: Dolphin Island Christmas, Pet’s Rule Christmas, Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special, and Shamu Christmas Miracles. We will take a look at these shows and take a more in depth look at the Christmas Celebration in our next update – however we should point out that Shamu Christmas Miracles is the last Shamu nighttime show for the park, as all the Shamu shows will be replaced with the “Orca Encounter” educational presentation next year.
One more addition will arrive to the Christmas Celebration on December 17…SNOW! It’s been absent the past couple years due to the drought, but preparations are already being made to bring it back and we’ll also take a look at this in our next update.
Walls have gone up around Shamu Underwater Viewing and preparations are being made to add bleachers for temporary presentations during the construction in Shamu Stadium early next year. However, Dine with Shamu and viewing from the side are still available to guests.
Ocean Explorer is coming along! It’s uncertain if we’ll see the Animal Encounter building repurposed for the attraction, but as of the taking of this photo it’s still there.
Well that does it for this update! Are you planning to visit SeaWorld San Diego to see the “One Million Lights” during the Christmas Celebration? Let us know in the comments below!
You must be logged in to post a comment.