Christmas glides into SeaWorld with an all-new ice skating spectacular featuring skaters from around the country performing Winter Wonderland on Ice.
Cirque Christmas, a jaw-dropping performance combining the traditional ballet of “The Nutcracker” with contemporary cirque-style entertainment, also debuts this year.
Along with these new and other holiday experiences, the park will be returning many guests’ favorites. From sea lions to Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone with marine park Christmas events kicking off Nov. 23 and running through Jan. 5. 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 teeterboard acts, and high-energy hip-hop dance. Sesame Street Christmas Village
Some 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 and photo ops. 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” (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. Ice Skating Spectacular
Taking center stage at the 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 holiday experience will be performed nightly under the stars at SeaWorld’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.” Rudolph’s Christmastown
Rudolph’s Christmastown has something for everyone, including photo opportunities with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. Santa’s Cottage
After making a reservation, the entire family can enjoy “Merry Moments” with friendly elves, storytime 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. Lights, lights and more lights
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.
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.