SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration Returns With New Offerings

SAN DIEGO, CA — SeaWorld San Diego's annual Christmas Celebration is back with all-new entertainment and fan-favorite festive offerings.

Nominated for 2024 Best Theme Park Holiday Event by USA Today 10Best, Christmas Celebration transforms SeaWorld San Diego into a winter wonderland under the SkyTower Tree of Lights, which the theme park calls San Diego's biggest Christmas tree.

Event highlights include a daily tree lighting of a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, an all-new theater show, a festive parade and photos with Santa Claus. Holiday offerings, including Hanukkah festivities, take place on select dates through Jan. 7.

"We're excited to bring new holiday fun to our guests and help create special memories for the families who have made us a part of their holiday traditions year after year," said Jim Lake, park president at SeaWorld San Diego. "From San Diego's largest Christmas tree to new entertainment offerings, live reindeer, and photos with Santa Claus, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this beloved family event."

Here's the event lineup:

• O.P. Otter's Holiday Sing-A-Long: O.P. Otter celebrates the holiday season by singing and dancing to classic Christmas songs. This all-new show takes place multiple times a day at Mission Bay Theater.
• A Stocking Full of Soul Theater Show: Join "America's Got Talent" finalist Bryan Cheatham and his friends for a soulful celebration of holiday classics in this original production. The show takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Nautilus Amphitheater.
• Mrs. Claus' Christmas Parade: See Mrs. Claus and her band of merry elves as they make their way through the park on a festive procession with all-new floats and characters. The parade is held several times a day.
• Photos with Santa Claus: Take photos with Santa and see live reindeer at Santa's Village.
• Holiday Drinks and Treats: Guests can enjoy ice-cold brew, wine or one of SeaWorld's specialty holiday cocktails. There's also hot chocolate with candy toppings and all-new festive desserts.
• Reindeer Round-Up Scavenger Hunt: Take a merry quest with a Reindeer Round-Up Map. Explore the park to find all of Santa's reindeer and mark each location on the map to collect a special gift.
• Holiday Lights: Enjoy SeaWorld's decorated outdoor park grounds and the SkyTower Tree of Lights, which the theme park calls San Diego's biggest Christmas tree. There is also a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree with twinkling lights and Christmas songs programmed to the movement of multiple lighting designs.
• Hanukkah Display: Starting Dec. 1, there will also be a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday. The celebration will include a menorah lighting, holiday decor and Hanukkah music.