It’s Christmas time in San Antonio! The River Walk is covered in lights, the sounds of the holidays fill the air, and SeaWorld Antonio has been transformed into a winter wonderland. If you have some extra time on your hands this December, why not surprise your family by taking them to spend a day at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration? You’ll not only be able to spend some quality time with the family, but you’ll also be able to get into the Christmas spirit. Kids will love the chance to meet Santa Clause and his favorite reindeer, Rudolph, and adults will be wow-ed at the spectacular display of holiday lights covering the park, in addition to the park’s Christmas-themed animal shows. What better way to spend time this holiday?
Read on to check out our guide for this year’s SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, we’ve covered everything from the shows to the meet-n-greets, and much, much more.
5 Million Lights Display
The first of SeaWorld’s many attractions for this year’s Christmas Celebration is the 5 Million Lights Display, which is the largest display of lights in all of Texas. With 15 different lands in the park, each section has been decked out in lights and given a “holiday twist.” As you make your way around the 250 acre park, take in all the sights and sounds—and don’t forget to stop at special selfie spots to capture memories along the way. If you’re looking to share your photos on social media, be sure to use SeaWorld’s hashtag, “#SeaLightsTX.”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Meet-n-Greet
This year Santa Clause is bringing along one of his favorite reindeer to celebrate Christmas at SeaWorld: the most beloved-reindeer of all, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. You won’t just get an opportunity to meet Rudolph, you’ll also get a chance to meet all of his friends from the Island of Misfit Toys. If your family is interested in an extra special experience, you can sign up for Dinner with Rudolph and Friends, including other reindeer, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. You’ll also be able to catch Rudolph and the gang by taking the SeaWorld Express train (which is located next to Nautilus Amphitheater, across from the Flamingo Pond) to the Island of Misfit Toys land to have a meet-n-greet and get your photo taken.
For more information and to book Dinner with Rudolph and Friend, visit Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Pictures with Santa Clause
Every child dreams of the day that they get to meet Santa Clause, sit on his lap, and tell him their long list of toys that they’re hoping to receive on Christmas morning. During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, your family will have the opportunity to meet Santa and take pictures with him at the Christmas Market. Oh and we should mention, it’s not just the little ones who have a chance to take their picture with old St. Nick, adults of all ages are welcome too!
SeaWorld also gives you online access to all your photos with Santa, in addition to all the photos you take all around the park, by visiting their PhotoKey where you can purchase as many as you wish. For more information, visit SeaWorld PhotoKey.
Christmas-Themed Park Shows
During the Christmas Celebration, all of your favorite SeaWorld shows are transformed into holiday-themed spectaculars for your enjoyment. Here are a few of the shows that you can’t miss:
Shamu Christmas: Miracles – Shamu Theater
Join SeaWorld’s most well-known whale, Shamu, as he helps to tell the story of “reflection and understanding, of peace and friendship, and of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long.”
A Dolphin Christmas – Beluga Stadium
Jump for joy with the happiest of sea creatures, including Beluga Whales, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, and all their trainer friends, as they perform the Nutcracker, SeaWorld style.
Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas – Sea Lion Stadium
Follow along with the most beloved sea lions in the park, Clyde and Seamore, as they make sure they’ve completed their chores and prepared for the arrival of Santa Clause.
Also be on the look out for these Christmas shows:
- Reflections – Entrance Plaza
- Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Sesame Street Bay of Play Stage
- Jingling Around the Block Party – Sesame Street Bay of Play Stage
- A Pets Ahoy Christmas – Sea Star Theater
Sounds of the Season Performances
You won’t want to leave the park without singing along to SeaWorld’s Sounds of the Season performances. Different performers are spread out around the park, ready to serenade you at every opportunity. Don’t miss out on hearing the Merry Mariachis at the front of park, along with the Nativity Singer located at Joy to the World and the Ho Ho Hoedown at the Christmas Market.
Tickets & Park Info
Dates & Times
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs from Nov. 19 through Jan. 1, and hours vary depending on the day of the week. SeaWorld is open every Saturday in December, including New Years Eve, from 1pm to 10pm. For additional park hours, visit SeaWorld.
Special Pass Member Christmas Ornament Give-A-Way Day
This weekend, on Dec. 3, SeaWorld will be giving away free Christmas ornaments to all pass members. The give-a-way is first come first served while supplies lasts, and runs from 1pm to 6pm.
Tickets
Check out the following links for park admissions and special events:
- FunCard: Pay for a Day & Play Through 2017 – Unlimited admission through Dec. 31, 2017 starting at $68.00
- Annual Pass: Save $36 on a 2-Park Annual Pass until Jan. 1, 2017 – Unlimited admission for 12 months with no blackout dates.
- Dinner with Rudolph and Friends – Tickets starting at $32.00.
- Dinner with Santa & Mrs. Clause – Tickets starting at $30.00.
- Santa’s Sleigh Reserved Seating – Tickets starting at $20.00
- Brunch with Cookie Clause – Tickets starting at $27.95.
For more information about all tickets and events, visit SeaWorld Christmas Celebration.
If you’re looking for more amusement park fun this holiday season, be sure to check out our article, Planning Your Next Family Vacation: Best Amusement Parks in San Antonio—don’t forget to check each park’s website for seasonal hours and events.