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The Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando

Shane Walton
10 minutes ago
3 min read

From shimmering Christmas traditions at SeaWorld to radiant lantern realms at Aquatica, Orlando’s most festive holiday offerings deliver unforgettable experiences that make every ticket go further this season

Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando

Central Florida is officially in holiday mode and the best place to celebrate is at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. From sparkling lights to tropical splashes to a brand-new lantern festival lighting up the night, here are 10 standout reasons families should make both parks part of their holiday traditions this year.

Reason 1:

Millions of Lights Across 120+ Acres at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration surrounds guests with millions of

shimmering lights, the iconic Sea of Trees, snowfall along the Waterfront, and beloved holiday

characters like Rudolph & Friends. Even better — it’s all included with park admission.

Reason 2:

Beloved Holiday Shows Return at SeaWorld Orlando

A lineup of new and returning favorites fills every corner of the park, including:

• NEW: Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas – a laugh-out-loud sea lion

adventure filled with holiday mischief

• Winter Wonderland on Ice – breathtaking choreography on a glistening frozen stage

• O Wondrous Night – the Nativity told through the eyes of the animals

• Elmo’s Christmas Wish – festive fun for younger guests

Plus, roving toy soldiers, stilt walkers, musicians, and pre-shows bring surprise moments of

cheer throughout the park.

Reason 3:

Festive Food, Sips & Seasonal Dining at SeaWorld Orlando

A full menu of holiday flavors awaits, including:

• Dinner with Santa (through Dec. 24)

• Sesame Christmas Breakfast (Saturdays through Dec. 20)

• Culinary Christmas Huts open daily at 4 p.m.

• Cookies, Cocoa & Milk Fireworks Viewing presented by Undeniably Dairy

From cozy cocoa to gourmet dishes, SeaWorld’s holiday food lineup offers something for every

taste.

Reason 4:

Fireworks That Light Up the Season at SeaWorld Orlando

As evening arrives, the park shines even brighter. Holiday Reflections — the nightly fireworks

finale — combines dazzling lights, sweeping holiday music, and festive energy to close out a

perfect holiday visit.

Reason 5:

Sunshine, Slides & Heated Waterways at Aquatica Orlando

With heated waterways, Aquatica delivers warm, comfortable fun all day long — a unique

Florida holiday perk that keeps families smiling from morning to evening.

Keep up to date with the latest theme park news and updates from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Reason 6:

Thrills for the Whole Family at Aquatica Orlando

Whether racing down high-speed slides like Reef Plunge, floating through winding rivers, or

relaxing on sandy beaches, Aquatica offers something for guests of every age.

Reason 7:

A Brand-New Lantern Festival Lights Up Nights at Aquatica Orlando

ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica is a separately ticketed nighttime event featuring

towering, glowing lanterns, vibrant creatures, and immersive light-filled installations — a

completely new holiday experience for Orlando.

Reason 8:

Five Distinct Realms Filled with Light & Color at ILLUMINATE

ILLUMINATE invites guests to explore:

• AquaLuma – glowing pathways guided by mythical animal guardians

• Candy Cascade Falls – a candy-colored dreamscape of giant sweets

• Enchanted Lagoon – a moonlit cove with a mermaid, unicorns, and illuminated wishes

• Myst Wood Waters – color-shifting chameleons and lantern birds fill a technicolor

forest

• Rivers of Discovery – a lantern safari honoring iconic wildlife from SeaWorld, Busch

Gardens & Discovery Cove

Reason 9:

Interactive Holiday Fun & Limited-Time Eats at ILLUMINATE

Guests can meet Kiwi Santa, hop aboard the Mini Serengeti Express Train, write letters to

Santa, and discover whimsical photo moments throughout the park. Festival-exclusive treats

include Brisket Mac & Cheese, Pork Belly Tacos, Apple Cider Churros, S’mores Pizza, and

signature cocktails and mocktails.

Reason 10:

Unbeatable Savings at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlandos

Guests can save up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes during the Holiday Sale,

plus enjoy savings on ILLUMINATE tickets starting at just $24.99, with additional Pass Member

discounts available

For more information, visit SeaWorld.com and Aquatica.com/orlando/

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