From sea lions to Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone at San Diego’s premier Christmas event
San Diego CA— Laughter rings out at Sea Lion and Otter Amphitheater as California sea lions Clyde and Seamore put on their own hilarious holiday TV special; playful dolphins jump and splash, celebrating the season with a tropical twist in the Dolphin Island Christmas show; the Christmas story is told from a new point of view, through the eyes of the animals, in SeaWorld’s live nativity musical performed under the stars; families gather to share nostalgic moments with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends; more than a million holiday lights shine brightly at SeaWorld, including the park’s iconic 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights at the center of it all; and the big guy himself listens carefully to the Christmas wishes of little ones at Santa’s Christmas Village. New for 2018 is Rudolph’s Movie Experience performed daily and special performances of the 3 Kings Procession (Jan. 1–6 only).
From sea lions to Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone at San Diego’s premier Christmas event, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration! Plus, SeaWorld visitors can enjoy all the year-round shows, ride and attractions the marine park is famous for, including the Penguin Encounter, Otter Outlook, Dolphin Point, Orca Encounter, Electric Eel, Manta and more. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, kicking off Nov. 17, 2018 and running through Jan. 6, 2019, is truly where the season meets the sea.
Check Out What’s New For 2018!
Rudolph’s Movie Experience: Complete with special effects including the aroma of delicious hot chocolate and the gentle falling of snow, Rudolph’s Movie Experience will be presented daily in the park’s Mission Bay Theater. Speaking of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the most famous reindeer of all returns this year to SeaWorld San Diego, the only theme park on the West Coast where people can meet this lovable character that has charmed generations for more than 50 years. Rudolph’s Christmastown has something for everyone, including photo opportunities with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. Plus, guests can sing along during the nightly tree-lighting ceremony of the 40-foot Happiest Christmas Tree.
Three Kings Procession: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration continues long after Dec. 25, with special performances of the Three Kings Procession, Jan. 1-6 only.
Elmo’s Christmas: Elmo and friends celebrate the season with Elmo’s Christmas, a dance party every day at 3 p.m. on the Furry Photos stage at Sesame Street Bay of Play.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2018:
SeaWorld brings the moving story of the Nativity and the meaning of Christmas to life through song and celebration at the live holiday musical, O Wondrous Night, The Greatest Story Never Told. The spectacular stage show, performed under the stars nightly at the park’s Nautilus Amphitheater, tells the Christmas story from a new point of view: through the eyes of the animals. This breathtaking musical features more than 30 carols, beautiful storytelling puppets and live majestic animals, including camels, a donkey, llamas, sheep and doves.
In Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special, SeaWorld’s beloved California sea lions and their mischievous co-host, OP Otter, are together again to create a family favorite show filled with laugh-out-loud holiday cheer in this spoof of a nighttime TV Christmas special.
SeaWorld’s playful dolphins celebrate the holidays with a tropical twist, performing amazing athletic feats set to island music, in Dolphin Island Christmas.
Friends and family can cozy up and enjoy classic holiday traditions at Santa’s Christmas Village presented by Coca Cola. Using a new texting service, parents can check in for a reservation that will hold their child’s spot in line to meet Santa, so that the family can explore the Village, including “Merry Moments” with Santa’s friendly elves, story time with Mrs. Claus and delectable culinary creations.
When it comes to lights and decor, SeaWorld goes all out, with hundreds of Christmas trees, 5,000 feet of garland and more than a million holiday lights, including the park’s iconic 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights, the largest Christmas tree in Southern California. SeaWorld’s premier family roller coaster, Manta, transforms into a Christmas thrill ride with the newly re-imagined Merry Manta. Dynamic lighting and energetic Christmas music create three different shows in the ride’s launch tunnel. Riders will twist and turn through a sea of glowing Christmas trees while the cool holiday air rushes by. Merry Manta is sure to add some thrill to the holiday season. Animal habitats such as the Penguin Encounter get a splash of holiday spirit with specialty-themed décor inside. And outside Nautilus Amphitheater, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of Pets Rule! hang out in their own holiday-themed house.
SeaWorld has a variety of admission ticket offers that provide tremendous value perfect for both local residents and tourists, including the new tiered Pass lineup, which starts as low as $7.99 a month. With an Annual Pass in hand, visitors can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and the exciting lineup of seasonal events in 2019.
SeaWorld is open year-round including holidays. The marine park is located on SeaWorld Drive, off of I-5 in San Diego. Admission is $91.99 for ages 10 and older; $86.99 for ages 3–9. A visit to SeaWorld helps support animal rescue programs. Seeing animals at SeaWorld supports saving them in the wild. For more information, visit www.SeaWorldSanDiego.com or call (619) 222-4SEA.