SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration Returns With All-New Holiday Surprises

SAN DIEGO, CA — SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration is back with cherished traditions and all-new holiday surprises.

The San Diego theme park has transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual event, which runs through Jan. 4.

More than 1 million sparkling lights illuminate the park, including the SkyTower Tree of Lights, which SeaWorld calls San Diego's largest Christmas tree. Event highlights include an all-new holiday sea lion show, nighty snowfall, real reindeer, photos with Santa Claus and festive fireworks.

Here's the event lineup:

• Clyde and Seamore's Christmas Special: Clyde and Seamore are back, along with their trainers, for an all-new Christmas-themed sea lion and otter show.
• Holiday Lights: Enjoy SeaWorld's decorated outdoor park grounds and the 320-foot-tall SkyTower Tree of Lights. There is also a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Garden Plaza with twinkling lights and Christmas songs programmed to the movement of multiple lighting designs.
• Toymaker Trouble with Mrs. Claus and the Elves: With the help of Mrs. Claus and two of her most trusted elves, the elves will be reminded of what makes Christmas truly special during this all-new storytime.
• Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show: This holiday show celebrates the joy of friendship and holiday traditions with Sir Winston the Walrus at Mission Bay Theater.
• Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade: See Mrs. Claus and her band of merry elves as they make their way through the park during a festive procession with all-new floats and characters.
• A Stocking Full of Soul: This reimagined fan-favorite features live music, singing and dancing at the Nautilus Amphitheater.
• Photos with Santa Claus: Take photos with Santa at SkyTower Lawn.
  
• Santa's Live Reindeer: Meet and learn more about Santa's reindeer.
  
• Snowflake Seeker's: A Christmas Quest: Explore the park to find all the colorful winter snowflakes. Mark each location on the map to collect a special gift.
  
• Rudolph's Christmastown: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and some of his friends will make spirits bright with photo opportunities.
  
• Snowfall: Watch nightly for snow at SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic.
  
• Donner and Blitzen's Lazer Light Show: The light show runs nightly at the front of the park.
  
• A Christmas Wish Fireworks Show: Watch the sky above SeaWorld come alive with festive colors during the park's holiday fireworks display on Dec. 13.
  
• Dine with Orcas and Santa: Enjoy a meal on a private poolside patio next to orcas and get a special visit from Santa.
• Holiday Drinks and Treats: Parkgoers can enjoy an 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.
• Festive Food and Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard: The sampling lanyard allows parkgoers to try any combination of food, drink or dessert samples and is valid for up to 10 samples during Christmas Celebration. Pass members receive two additional samples for free.
  

SeaWorld will also celebrate other holidays in December.

Starting Dec. 1, there will be a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday. The celebration will include a menorah lighting, holiday decor and Hanukkah music. In addition, a Kwanzaa kinara will be on display, accompanied by a table with a unity cup and crops.

To complete the festivities, the park will celebrate New Year's Eve with a New Year's countdown and a fireworks show.