As SeaWorld Orlando is known for its festive fun, one of the best ways to celebrate is through the culinary arts, to which SeaWorld Orlando is no stranger. This year, SeaWorld Orlando has presented its guests with 18 stations across the park offering themed food and beverages for the holidays. With so many options, we took on the task of picking out our favorite choices to help guide your taste buds.

Christmas Celebration Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard

Maximize your experience at SeaWorld Orlando with a Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard. The Sampling Lanyards are valid for use on SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration food, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Not only is it convenient, but the Sampling Lanyard will help save money at the park’s culinary stations.

Day guests can purchase a five-sample lanyard for $45 or a ten-sample lanyard for $60 at any of the 18 stations in the park. SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholders have an exclusive option for a twelve-sample lanyard at the ten-item price.

You can also reduce the cost of your visit by purchasing discounted admission to SeaWorld Orlando through Orlando Informer and have more to spend on gifts under the tree.

‘Tis The Season Beignets

Strawberries and Creme Beignets

Upon the first bite, the beignets had a wonderfully soft and airy texture similar to a donut. They weren’t overly sweet, considering they were garnished with powder and drizzled with Bavarian cream and strawberry puree. The beignet bites are meticulously crafted to allow the tastes of both the strawberry puree and Bavarian cream to stand out.

Beignets are often known for their messiness due to the confectionery sugar, but these pleasantly defied expectations—surprisingly easy to eat without any mess. The sampler dish included three, which was a perfect size for me to share with my partner, though I was tempted to keep them all for myself.

Windermere Brewing Cranberry Graham Cracker Sour Ale

I went in not knowing what to expect in terms of flavor and was surprised by its complexity. Despite the initial impression of unconventional and intricate flavors, they work expertly together in a delicious blend. The cranberry brought in the sourness while the graham cracker and beer emphasized hoppiness.

Overall, if you enjoy sour, interesting beers, I would definitely recommend this one.

Christmas Comforts

Bison Burger

As this is a returning favorite, the Bison Burger deserves a dedicated place on our list. Despite the line, the wait was absolutely worth it.

What I expected to be a slider-size sample turned out to be a full-sized burger. It comes with a syringe full of hot cheddar cheese that oozed over the sides, bringing a fun addition to the experience. The flavors were exciting as the bacon onion jam unleashed a sweetness that danced with the char-grilled flavors of the burger.

Corn Chowder

The corn chowder had a nice smoky flavor with a hint of garlic that wrapped the heartiness of the corn, potatoes, and peppers like a warm present. It’s an easy, on-the-go sample to share that had a creamy texture that compliments the rest of the flavors. The Corn Chowder makes for a delightful choice on those cool December days.

Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies

“Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies” is a delicious take on Saint Nick’s Christmas Eve treats. The RumChata is very present in the recipe, giving it a great punch of spirit alongside the sweet cream and cinnamon flavors, making it a worthy choice with the sampling lanyard or worth the asking price if you’re purchasing it on its own. As a pro tip, be sure to eat the gingersnap garnish it comes with as soon as you can. Delaying may result in it becoming a bit mushy at the bottom, so promptly savor this drink!

Holly Jolly Cookies and Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

It wouldn’t be Christmas at SeaWorld without a traditional hot cocoa for us. It’s a fan favorite and a welcomed warmth while walking around or sipping on during a show.

You can enjoy a festive cup on its own with your choice of Peppermint, Gingerbread, or Toasted Marshmallow that’s topped with a dollop of whipped cream. We went with the Toasted Marshmallow as it is our favorite, but you can choose whichever suits you. Guests 21 and over can also “make it jolly” with Peppermint Schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream, or Kahlua at an additional cost for a little extra Christmas cheer.

Sugarplum Delights

Gingerbread Martini

This cocktail was similar in flavor to the “Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies,” but it substitutes the gingersnap cookie for extra cinnamon and rum. The cinnamon sprinkle allowed the nose to play along, while the RumChata and gingerbread syrup delighted the taste buds. While it may offer a milder punch compared to its bolder sibling, it was still quite refreshing and presented a pleasing alternative that wasn’t so spirit-forward.

Festin’ Feliz

Pumpkin Lava Cake

We’ll just get this out of the way and tell you this thing is massive! SeaWorld isn’t shy about handing out solid servings this year and giving guests enough to share. The cream cheese topping played nicely with the pumpkin flavoring and caramel drizzle. While I’d qualify this more as a bundt cake rather than a lava cake due to the shape and plating, it is still a worthwhile sweet treat that’s a great bang for your buck as either part of the sampling lanyard items or purchased on its own.

Tequila Moonrise

In a delightful twist, this Tequila Moonrise drank more as a refresher or spritzer. The apple cider came forward first, followed by hints of tequila, making this drink a fun addition to this year’s menu.

Waffle Wonderland

Joyful Chicken and Waffle

As a Southerner, I always have room for chicken and waffles, which SeaWorld’s creation didn’t disappoint. The waffle was made fresh right at the counter, as were the crispy chicken tenders with which it was teamed. What truly sold this was the chutney and spicy honey that elevated the dish with a sweet heat that wasn’t too hot and was delicious!

The Joyful Chicken and Waffle is served as a sandwich, which proved to be a bit ambitious for me to take on. With that said, don’t be afraid to disassemble it if needed.

Festive BBQ Pulled Pork and Waffle

SeaWorld once again comes through with its generous portions! The Festive BBQ Pulled Pork and Waffle filled the plate and was loaded with tender pulled pork and coleslaw. The crunch of the coleslaw is a classic combo with the smokiness of the pulled pork. The hot honey action in this dish introduced a perfect balance of sweet heat that elevated the pulled pork sandwich to a whole new level!

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration occurs on select dates until January 2, 2024. You can get your discounted admission tickets to SeaWorld through Orlando Informer and discuss vacation planning with our SeaWorld Community on Facebook!

The post SeaWorld Christmas Celebration 2023 Food Review appeared first on Orlando Informer.

As families embark on their SeaWorld Orlando adventure, maximizing the fun and ensuring everyone is thoroughly entertained becomes the key to making the most of their time and creating unforgettable moments together. There are likely some who may be first-timers or wish to be reacquainted with SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, so we’ve included our favorite experiences for every family member. In addition, we’ve ordered these activities so readers can experience them in our preferred way, but everyone is welcome to mix and match the steps in their holiday journey.

Ensure your family’s holiday adventure kicks off on a festive note – grab your discounted SeaWorld Orlando admission through Orlando Informer and make the season merrier!

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration: Meet and Greets

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Location: Pipeline Pathway

Themed meet-and-greets are common at any theme park, but where else can you interact with the North Pole’s star buck, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? This photo opportunity features life-size storybook vignettes of the classic stop-motion tale throughout its queue and set. Along with Rudolph, guests can also meet Bumble, the famed abominable snow monster.

Times vary during event days, so it’s best to keep an eye on the show schedule via the official SeaWorld Orlando app.

Photos With Santa Claus

Location: Near Wild Arctic

What’s Christmas without Santa Claus? Jolly Saint Nick can be found near Wild Arctic during SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration event days. Guests of all ages can speak with Father Christmas and share their holiday wishes. Santa’s appearance times may vary, so it’s best to keep an eye on the show schedule during the event via the Official SeaWorld App.

Anyone wanting to add a little extra magic to their visit can also opt for the Dinner with Santa Claus package. While guests can meet Santa at no charge, the add-on experience has a starting cost of $43.99 plus tax for adults and $15.99 plus tax for children ages three to nine. Included in the dinner is an all-you-can-eat holiday meal with Santa that features the likes of turkey breast, pork loin, Yukon Potatoes, as well as a kids buffet filled with classics like chicken tenders and corn dogs.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration: Holiday Shows

Elmo’s Christmas Wish

Location: Seaport Theater

It’s Christmas time on Sesame Street, and everyone has their wish list! Everyone except for Elmo, that is. The fan-favorite red, fuzzy resident of Sesame Street needs help finding out his wish, and he’s enlisting everyone he can to assist! Throughout the show, Cookie Monster, Rosalita, Grover, and Zoe sing their wishes to help inspire Elmo as they cover Christmas hits in an unforgettable performance.

Elmo’s Christmas Wish takes place during select hours of the day, so keep up with SeaWorld Orlando’s show schedule for the times.

Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen

Location: Seaport Theater

Mrs. Claus is well-known as the original Christmas cookie baker, don’t you know? Santa’s charged one of his most trusted elves, Kirby, to set up a web series showcasing Mrs. Claus’ baking skills. Seaport Theater’s interactive show has audience members taking “elfies” with Santa’s Helpers and helping Mrs. Claus in the pop-up kitchen. Guests attending SeaWorld Orlando’s newest holiday show will experience laughter, magic, and “just a hint of chaos,” making it a must-see this year.

Of course, the showtimes vary for this evening show. Check the park’s show schedule or the park hours page in the app for when it occurs.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration: Family Experiences

Snow Flurries at the Waterfront

Location: The Waterfront

There’s nothing like taking in the Christmas happenings with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a winter wonderland, where snow flurries magically fall throughout the day. Take a stroll to The Christmas Village nearby, where you can cozy up by a crackling bonfire and be serenaded by festive carols.

Whether you’re kicking off your day, concluding your holiday visit, or simply seeking a delightful break from the day’s excitement, this spot is our top recommendation for creating memorable moments at SeaWorld Orlando.

Christmas Movies at Seafire Grill

Location: Seafire Grill

Navigating the whirlwind of creating cherished memories at SeaWorld Orlando’s dazzling shows and photo ops, especially with the whole family in tow, can be quite an adventure. Yet, those quieter moments in between become the heart of the experience.

SeaWorld Orlando understands the value of these interludes, offering a fantastic option: During SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, Seafire Grill shows a rotating schedule of holiday classics nightly. This ingenious idea from the event’s creative minds offers the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, as grabbing a meal and movie at one of the park’s quick-service restaurants is an excellent option while attending their holiday event.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration: Special Holiday Celebrations

Hanukkah Celebration

Location: Sesame Street Land
December 7 – 15

Guests celebrating Hanukkah can find the lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land, accompanied by a narrator sharing the story of this celebration on select dates. The nightly show times may change, so stay updated on the park’s show schedule for the latest information.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Location: Sesame Street Land
December 26 – January 1

On select dates, SeaWorld also celebrates Kwanzaa. The returning event educates guests about Kwanzaa’s history and traditions during an outdoor performance. The host will speak on the holiday’s principles as they light the kinara nightly in Sesame Street Land. Similarly to the park’s Hanukkah celebration, guests interested will want to refer to SeaWorld Orlando’s show schedule for its show times.

New Year’s Eve

December 31

As part of the holiday festivities, SeaWorld Orlando has a fitting way to ring in the new year. The park will present a festive show of lights, pyrotechnics, and high-energy music on New Year’s Eve. The performance features a dazzling spectacle of fireworks and projections in unison with the park’s signature Sea of Trees and can be seen throughout the park.

As of now, SeaWorld Orlando’s show schedule indicates that it occurs just before the park’s closing time, but it is advisable to verify the current show schedule during your visit.

Three Kings Celebration

January 5 – 7

During SeaWorld Orlando’s Three Kings Celebration, the park goes all out with food, shows, and music. During select dates, guests can enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to enjoy the Sea of Trees, festive holiday lights, and O Wondrous Night. Of course, guests will want to check the show schedule and park hours page for accurate show times.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration occurs on select dates until January 2, 2024. You can get your discounted admission tickets to SeaWorld at Orlando Informer. You can also discuss vacation planning with our SeaWorld Community on Facebook!

The post Ultimate Guide to Family Fun at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration appeared first on Orlando Informer.

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Overview

Looking for some family-friendly holiday fun this season? Look no further than SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, happening at SeaWorld Orlando until January 3, 2023. With so much to do, we divulge the details and break down the options for your SeaWorld holiday adventure this yuletide!

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• Food & Beverage
• Shows & Activites

No park does the holidays like SeaWorld Orlando. Their annual Christmas Celebration is full of experiences that are sure to bring out the holly jolly spirit of their guests. Among the holiday happenings, there is a slew of festive features at SeaWorld. Annually, guests can take in the sights of millions of lights, experience snow flurries at the Waterfront Shopping Plaza, nightly fireworks at park closing, meet-and-greets with Rudolph and friends, and even chat with Santa Claus himself!

While some of these are at an additional fee, many of the park-wide experiences during the event are included with the day’s admission. Since there’s so much going on, we felt it worth sharing some of our favorites with you.

Christmas Town’s food and beverage

Going off the spirit of their Seven Seas Food Festival, SeaWorld has delivered an exceptional food and beverage menu across 14 market stations for the season. If you’ve been to this event before, you may notice the return of some old favorites and the introduction of new and enticing choices to enjoy. For instance, guests can choose a specialty flavoring of peppermint, gingerbread, or toasted marshmallow along with traditional hot chocolate. New to the beverage options this year are two choices of eggnog – at Claus Cookie Co. a frozen version can be found that the entire family can enjoy and Donut Open Till Christmas Featuring Shaka Donuts offers a “Holiday Peppermint Eggnog,” a cheery twist on the beloved, yuletide beverage.

Using that as a springboard, there are four new holiday-spirited cocktails as well as a festive mocktail available. The Sugarplum Delights station’s cocktail, Tis the Season, presents guests with warm notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and cola that mingle with apple cider to bring out a sensory profile reminiscent of an apple pie in a cup. Those wanting something a little more adventurous will want to set their sights on their Caramel Mule, which is essentially a Dark and Stormy cocktail with caramel and lime.

SeaWorld doesn’t shy away from bringing out its best in the realm of food. This year, park-go-ers looking for a comforting meal needn’t go further than the All Grown Up Birria Grilled Cheese. Its smoked and sharp cheddar cheeses are served on Texas Toast and paired with tomato dipping soup. Alternatively, The Main Event, a Thanksgiving dinner of turkey breast, Andouille sausage stuffing, cranberries, and brown gravy, offers a festive meal that warms the soul. Guests with a taste for the sweet and savory will want to stop by the Tis the Season Beignets stand. Not to be confused with the libation of the same name, it specializes in the namesake fritter and offers three different types: a savory shrimp option, as well as sweet s’mores and turtle choices.

If you’re thinking there are way too many options to choose just one dish or drink, we’re right there with you. To that, we’d suggest getting the Food and Brew Sampler and the refillable souvenir holiday mug. The Food and Brew Sampler offers formats of five or ten items of your choice for $40 and $55 plus tax, respectively, and are sure to be the best bang for your culinary value. Turning our focus to the holiday mug, this endearing drinkware comes with the purchase of hot cocoa at $9.49 plus tax and can be refilled at the discounted rate of $3.99 plus tax. Anyone returning to the event can do so even in the following years, so get your holiday refill on!

Shows and activities for the family

It isn’t the holiday season at SeaWorld without meet-and-greets and a show or two. In Rudolph’s Christmas Town, families can pass through storybook vignettes of the famous reindeer’s tale as they make their way to see Rudolph, Bumble, and their friends. Visitors wanting to tell Santa what they want this year will want to traverse to the Waterfront Shoppes where he can be found among the occasional snow flurry.

SeaWorld has some amazing shows and sometimes it’s not easy to see them all. If choices must be made, we’d suggest Winter Wonderland on Ice, O’Wondrous Night, and the Sea of Trees. Over the years, these shows have successfully become staples for the park’s Christmas festivities. Times for the shows and meet-and-greets may vary, so it’s best to check the site or app when planning your visit. Of course, you’ll also want to know a little about them –

The Sea of Trees

Guests from all over travel to SeaWorld at this time of year to bask in the glow of their seventy-four Christmas trees that line the park’s lagoon. Their wondrous LED-lined water forest will dazzle your eyes and ears as their light displays dance to yuletide favorites. The show lasts around twenty magical minutes and occurs various times throughout the day. When I attend with my family, we’ll usually settle into a spot on one of the bridges so we feel immersed in the trees, but there are plenty of great spots to see them throughout the park.

Winter Wonderland on Ice

SeaWorld’s professional ice skating show takes place at Bayside Stadium and is, humbly stated, one of the best shows in any Orlando theme park. In 2021, it received the IAAPA,  the global association for the attractions industry, Brass Ring Award for Excellence in Entertainment and Creativity in a Sports or Stunt Show as per the IAAPA site. Putting aside the well-deserved clout, we enjoy this show because it’s a heartfelt and captivating performance. The pre-show features a violinist, and the main event incorporates the sea of trees behind the stage as well as a waterworks display while professional ice skaters perform to the notes of holiday classics. I’d recommend arriving early as it’s very popular. Extra kudos to those who take in Winter Wonderland on Ice with a hot chocolate (with or without the “Jolly” added) during the night’s last showing just before the park’s Fireworks Finale.

O’Wondrous Night

Back by popular demand, guests can once again witness the story of the Nativity in the Nautilus Theater, as re-told through the eyes of the manger animals who were there for the first time since 2020. The biblical stage show features thirty carols sung by a live choir, live animals, and life-size puppets. SeaWorld is the only theme park in Orlando whose Christmas festivities include a show like this one. It’s a charming, light-hearted, family show that guests will always remember.

Ice Skating at Bayside Stadium

If you thought Bayside Staidum’s ice stage looked welcoming, you’re certainly not alone. During this year’s holiday season, SeaWorld brought back the opportunity for their guests to take center stage. For $15 plus tax, which includes the rental of a pair of ice skates, guests can skate where the stadium’s famous show takes place for twenty minutes. Our know before you go is that gloves and crew-length socks are required to partake in this activity, and skates cannot be brought from home. If you do this in the spur of the moment, don’t fret! You can purchase these items when checking in for your reserved time slot.

Christmas in Sesame Street Land

Parades aren’t just for the daytime hours! As part of the Christmas Celebration’s kid-friendly activities, Sesame Street Land’s energetic and festive Christmas parade features everyone’s favorite characters from the brand, such as Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird. During their visit, guests and their kiddos can catch Elmo’s Christmas Wish starring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, and Rosita as they help Elmo find what he wants most for the holiday. It’s a heart-warming show that will sure to put your family in the Christmas spirit.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is going on until January 3rd. You can get your discounted admission tickets to SeaWorld at Orlando Informer. You can also discuss vacation planning with our SeaWorld Community on Facebook!

The post The Best Way to Experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration appeared first on Orlando Informer.