Christmas glides into SeaWorld this year with an all-new ice skating spectacular featuring skaters from around the country performing Winter Wonderland on Ice. Also new is Cirque Christmas, a jaw-dropping performance that combines the traditional ballet of “The Nutcracker” with contemporary cirque-style entertainment. Childrens’ faces will light up seeing their favorite fury friends join Santa Claus at the new Sesame Street Christmas Village, while a one-of-its- kind Tunnel of Lights will dazzle park guests with a magnificent holiday celebration of more than 5,000 shimmering lights. Along with these new holiday experiences, the park will be returning many guests favorites. From sea lions to Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone at San Diego’s premier Christmas event—SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration—kicking off Nov. 23, 2019 and running through Jan. 5, 2020.
Ice Skating Spectacular – Taking center stage at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration this year is Winter Wonderland on Ice, an ice skating spectacular featuring 15 of the nation’s top skaters including USA National and International team member, Brandon Mroz. This must-see holiday experience will be performed nightly under the stars at SeaWorld San Diego’s outdoor Nautilus Amphitheater, with more than a dozen ice routines skated to classic holiday songs, including a couples’ waltz to “It’s That Time of Year” and an upbeat toy soldier performance to “Jingle Bells.”
Cirque Christmas – In collaboration with Cirque du Soleil NextGen, Cirque Christmas is a fusion of traditional and contemporary entertainment, with breathtaking acts performed by acrobats, aerialists and dancers in the park’s Mission Bay Theater. Ballet performances from “The Nutcracker” are juxtaposed with Russian bar, lyra and teeter board acts and high-energy hip-hop dance.
Sesame Street Christmas Village – Some very familiar furry friends from Sesame Street join Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at the Sesame Street Christmas Village this year, with opportunities for hugs, photo ops and well, more hugs! Elmo, Grover and Abby Cadabby are just a few of the Sesame Street characters that guests of all ages will be delighted to meet. Even “Cookie Santa” (that’s Cookie Monster dressed as Santa) will be there!
Tunnel of Lights – Park guests making their way between the Explorer’s Reef and Ocean Explorer realms can take a special detour through the all-new stunning, 140-foot Tunnel of Lights, with more than 5,000 dazzling lights.
Rudolph’s Christmastown – SeaWorld San Diego is only opportunity on the West Coast where people can meet the most famous reindeer of all. Rudolph’s Christmastown has something for everyone, including photo opportunities with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius.
Santa’s Cottage – Every child wants to meet Santa and SeaWorld is the most festive place to find the jolly old elf. After making a reservation, the entire family can enjoy “Merry Moments” with friendly elves, story time with Mrs. Claus, and delectable sweet treats such as kettle corn, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls. A special texting service will then alert families when it’s time for their child or children to meet Santa. There is also a “Priority Santa” package (which can be reserved online or at the park) which guarantees a specified time with Santa and includes photos.
Lights, lights and more lights! When it comes to illumination, the holiday shines at SeaWorld like nowhere else in San Diego. More than a million Christmas lights, the iconic 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights and the park’s 40-foot, animated Happiest Christmas Tree bring the festive holiday spirit to life. Even SeaWorld’s premier family coaster becomes Merry Manta, as dynamic lighting and energetic Christmas music create two different experiences in the ride’s launch tunnel. As guests stroll around the park, they’ll also spot blue trees dotting the hill behind Dolphin Amphitheater, palm trees lit like candy canes near Sea Lion and Otter Amphitheater and multi-colored lights that turn the Shark Encounter more merry.
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