SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2020 in Photos and Video
Hi everyone!
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is running on select dates now through December 31st, 2020. We were invited out to experience some of the offerings this year (we are also annual passholders and plan to go back in December on our own). Our main goal was to see “It’s a Wonderful Night: A New Story to Tell”, which is a reimagining of “O Wondrous Night”. Here is a look at our visit from last week!
You can make SeaWorld reservations and buy tickets here.
SeaWorld had reserved seating for us to watch the new show. The official site says about “It’s a Wonderful Night: A New Story to Tell”, You haven’t experienced the spirit of the season quite like this before. SeaWorld is bringing over 30 of your favorite Christmas carols back to the stage with new clever surprises and lighthearted laughs.
Here is our video:
The show this year has some similarities to “O Wondrous Night”, including some familiar performers and humor. I think that this show tries just a little too hard on the humor part. While I enjoyed it, sometimes I also wished for a little more subtlety.
The music is great as always, and the performers are all in masks (as is the audience). There are fewer guests than normal allowed in the audience at all SeaWorld shows.
The performers are terrific. It has been nice to see creativity to keep everyone safer with masks and distance but allow for live musical performance (as does other venues like Gaylord Palms).
The central message is the same and revolves around the birth of Jesus.
After the show, we went to the Bayside Stadium pathway.
We tried a few of the items for sale at SeaWorld during the holiday season – including the hot chocolate. There are a variety of food and drink items, including hot chocolates that can include alcohol or not.
The Cheesecake Cones are wonderful.
A lot of what was available to try was desserts, including the Double Chocolate Loaf. I look forward to using our leftover sampler lanyards to order some food and drink items around the park. SeaWorld does a wonderful job during festivals with food and drink.
The Sea of Trees is a holiday favorite and I have a photo at night at the end of the article (with the trees lit up).
Winter Wonderland on Ice plays several times per night. It rained on this particular evening so we didn’t see it – but it is a favorite show of mine and I look forward to it this season.
Rudolph’s Christmastown is back.
There was a line outside of Rudolph’s Christmastown after we went through – SeaWorld was managing the amount of guests going into the area.
Rudolph’s Christmastown has not really changed much from other years.
We met Bumble with some physical distancing.
Rudolph was also out and Jeff met him.
There is other entertainment in the park.
We went to Sesame Street. Elmo and Cookie Monster in their Christmas outfits man this entrance.
The land is decorated nicely for the holidays.
The shops have Christmas decorations.
Holiday merchandise like books and apparel is offered.
Elmo and Cookie Monster were meeting guests when we stopped by.
Cookie Monster looks like he’s ready to bake cookies.
Elmo is nearby.
Elmo points to Cookie Monster.
In the laundromat area, a sock tree can be found.
There is also a sock wreath near the washing machine.
Christmas trees can be found throughout.
Next time we will also visit here during the day, but it was fun to see the decor at night.
A Christmas tree includes Sesame Street characters.
Bert and Ernie are on the tree.
Wreaths also include Sesame Street characters.
And here is the Sea of Trees at night. So pretty!
Christmas lights and decorations are not as abundant as usual, but there is still quite a bit to enjoy.
Merchandise is for sale.
I always enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and appreciate SeaWorld inviting us out!
One note – the park is still not as good at mask & distance enforcement as I would hope. Most guests did wear their masks but I would like to see the park add some more employees for making sure masks and physical distancing are followed. Also, the meet and greets in Christmastown weren’t marked in the lines for distance. I think it is important to note that for those planning to visit. That said, we do plan to go back mid-December to enjoy the holidays again.
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Here is the official press release from November 6th, 2020.
ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2020) – Gather your family and meet your festive friends at the award-winning SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, taking place November 14 through December 31. Safely experience this year’s holiday spirit as the park is turned into a winter wonderland with more than three million sparkling lights and park-wide holiday activities, in addition to SeaWorld’s one-of-a-kind attractions, thrilling coasters and up-close animal interactions, all with physical distancing measures in place, that make SeaWorld the best place to celebrate the holidays.
To bring the merriment to life, SeaWorld’s creative team consulted with medical experts to offer a modified event with required reservations and limited capacity that celebrates the spirit of the season safely. This seasonal event features open-air entertainment and experiences as well as enhanced health, safety measures, including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, face covering requirements and physical distancing. Included in park admission, park guests can safely enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season with specialty shopping, physically distant holiday shows, tasty holiday treats, and beloved holiday traditions.
New This Year
New! It’s a Wonderful Night: A New Story to Tell
You haven’t experienced the spirit of the season quite like this before. SeaWorld is bringing over 30 of your favorite Christmas carols back to the stage with new clever surprises and lighthearted laughs. Check back soon for details on this reimagining of an old favorite for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, coming to the Nautilus Theater with limited capacity and physical distancing.
New! Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium
All-new for this year, guests can now experience outdoor ice skating! You and your family can skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon throughout the day in our beautiful winter wonderland. Capacity will be limited to promote physical distancing and all guests must wear crew length socks and gloves. Additional charge required which includes rental of ice skates, socks and gloves can also be purchased.
New! Hanukkah Celebration
This year, SeaWorld will be celebrating more holidays than ever before. For the first year ever, join us as we honor the festival of lights! From December 10 through 18, gather with your friends and family in a socially distant experience to view the traditional lighting of the menorah throughout Hanukkah.
New! Kwanzaa Festivities
Another new experience for the holidays this year, SeaWorld will celebrate the festivities of Kwanzaa! Taking place December 26through January 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara.
New! Photos with Santa Claus
Take a visit to the top of the world to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident, Santa Claus, at SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic for a safe alternative to family photos with everyone’s favorite jolly elf! One party at a time will greet Santa in the expansive family room and have the opportunity to sit (physically distant) in Santa’s sleigh with Santa seated above and behind, separated by a plexiglass partition. *Photo packages available.
New! Happy Holidays from Sesame Street Land
It’s furry and bright on our favorite street! Join us as we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with our Sesame Street friends as they sing and dance to their favorite holiday songs.
Holiday Shows
Rudolph’s Movie Experience
Rudolph and his friends star in this movie that will get the entire family in the holiday spirit, playing daily in the Sea Port Theater with limited capacity and physical distancing. This special movie experience is approximately 10 minutes long and begins every 30 minutes.
Sea of Trees
Take a walk through a wintery, watery wonderland and immerse yourself in the expansive holiday Sea of Trees Located in SeaWorld’s lagoon where the glistening forest sparkles to music and lights up the water—and your eyes. With 360-degree views from around the park, there is plenty of space to enjoy with safe physical distancing. As the lights dance to holiday classics, your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat. Plus, a magnificent centerpiece towers 70 feet above the water.
Winter Wonderland on Ice
Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and lights as skaters dazzle and delight in a show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza with physically distant seating arrangements. A sea of sparkling trees and towering fountains dancing in the background come together to create a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that the entire family will enjoy.
Special Events
Rudolph’s Christmas Town
Returning for another year of festive fun, guests can immerse themselves in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Stroll outdoors past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, and meet beloved characters including Rudolph and Bumble. This attraction has limited capacity to promote physical distancing.
Christmas Market
Nestled along the park’s Bayside Pathway, the Christmas market features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights from an all-NEW chef and mixologist created holiday menu. Guests will also encounter playful elves and a charming model train village. Relax near the warm glow of the fire pit with a fan-favorite seasonal beer or mulled wine, or chose from a variety of NEW unique holiday inspired beverages rooted in classic Christmas traditions. Limited capacity and physical distancing measures will be in place. These unique limited time options include specialty cocktails like the “Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy” made with winter cider, honey whiskey and a chain infusion and the festive “Peppermint Cocoa” made with peppermint schnapps.
The spirit of the season is in every bite of holiday food pairings throughout the park such as the ale-cured and smoke-cured pork slider, the mini chicken philly or the “Traditional Christmas Dinner Stack” which layers roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce over texas toast. The market also features a variety of peppermint desserts like the peppermint bark cheesecake. The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Celebration Tasting and Brew Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $35.00 for a 5-punch lanyard or a 10-punch lanyard for $50.00.
A full list of menu options is located here: http://seaworldorlando.com/christmas
Special Holiday Dining Options
Dinner with Santa
The wonders of Christmas come to life this season in an experience that’s destined to make memories for the young and young at heart. Dinner with Santa invites you to a sumptuous holiday meal with all the trimmings and a delightful opportunity to take a (physically distant) photo with Santa Claus himself! Featuring protective food service barriers, widely spaced single-party tables, sanitation between meals and more, guests of all ages will delight in this safe holiday tradition.
Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast
Join your favorite furry friends for a fun-filled holiday breakfast feast. This experience combines a delicious meal with exciting (but physically distanced) character appearances. With protective food service barriers, widely spaced single-party tables, sanitation between meals and more, it is a safe, fun time for the whole family!
Best Way to Enjoy the Holiday Cheer
For a limited time, buy a 2021 Fun Card and get the rest of 2020 FREE or upgrade to an Annual Pass starting as low as $11.75 per month with no down payment. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits, now with the best benefits ever such as FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, Pass Member VIP Ride Nights, and up to 50% savings on merchandise, photo prints, Quick Queue, and more. The Fun Card gives park-goers unlimited access to the park to visit again and again for the remainder of 2020 calendar year and all of 20211 for one low price, but does not include the additional pass benefits! Visit www.Seaworld.com/Orlando for more information, park hours and to purchase tickets.
Safety:
SeaWorld Orlando is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. SeaWorld Orlando is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, visit Seaworld.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety.
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