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SeaWorld Orlando to ring in holiday season with Coasters After Dark, festive favorites

After-hours event starts Nov. 8

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (JEFF MOSIER (SeaWorld San Antonio))

ORLANDO, Fla. – There will be plenty of jolly good thrills and festive fun happening at SeaWorld Orlando this holiday season.

The coaster capital of Orlando is launching Coasters After Dark – Christmas Edition. The exclusive festive nighttime event will take place on select nights and will give thrill-seekers the unique opportunity to experience their favorite roller coasters and attractions under the stars while surrounded by Christmas lights.

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Select nights from November to December are listed below:

Doors open at 7 p.m. Event hours 8-11 p.m.

  • Nov. 8
  • Nov. 9
  • Nov. 15

Doors open at 8 p.m. Event hours 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

  • Nov. 22
  • Dec. 6
  • Dec. 13

Tickets for the event start at $49.99 and are available in limited quantities.


SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

Bayside Stadium skating rink. (SeaWorld Orlando)

Starting Nov. 16, guests are invited to experience the park’s transformation into a stunning winter wonderland.

There’s the 70-foot centerpiece tree at the heart of the display plus three million twinkling lights that will illuminate the grounds.

Below is a breakdown of holiday experiences:

  • Ice skating: Guests can glide across Central Florida’s only outdoor ice rink at Bayside Stadium and admire the sea of trees. Visitors can take a spin at ice skating and catch “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” an ice-skating show featuring sparkling lights, festive costumes, and graceful performances. Access to the rink is first-come, first-served, with socks and gloves available for purchase.
  • “O Wondrous Night” — A retelling of the Nativity featuring more than 30 Christmas carols, brought to life through life-size puppets, live animals, and a talented cast.
  • Explore the all-new Christmas decor at Journey to Atlantis Plaza, featuring sparkling lights and festive displays, including the enchanting Snow Globe Ballerina.
  • Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen invites guests to join Mrs. Claus as she goes viral with cookie recipes straight from the North Pole, sharing holiday baking tips with a modern, social-media twist.
  • “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale” — a dazzling display of fireworks set to classic Christmas tunes.
  • Christmas in Sesame Street Land: Families can enjoy the Sesame Street Christmas Parade with favorite characters, Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show, and Storytime with Big Bird.
  • Guests can also explore “An Elf’s Story” by the fireside, meet Rudolph and Bumble in Rudolph’s Christmas Town and visit with Santa Claus at Wild Arctic gift shop.
Sesame Street Land holiday celebration. (SeaWorld Orlando)

New and favorite food and beverage offerings guests can delight in at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration include:

  • Festive French Onion Soup - Seasoned Crouton with Provolone (NEW)
  • Kris Kringle’s Biscuit Pot Pie- Biscuit covered chicken pot pie (NEW)
  • Yuletide Pasta- Baked Ziti (NEW)
  • Red Velvet Bundt Cake - Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cake Glazed with Signature Cream Cheese Frosting (NEW)
  • Roasted Turkey OR Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham- Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brown Gravy (NEW)
  • Santa’s Apple Cider Cronut Chicken Sandwich- Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich (NEW)
  • Pork Tamales - Cotija Cheese, Cilantro Crema and Chicharrónes (NEW)
  • Bison Burger - Bison Burger, Swiss Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle (NEW)
  • Oreo Beignets - Caramel, Oreo Crumble, White Chocolate (NEW)
  • Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashion - Garnished with Orange Peel, Cherry (NEW)
  • Holiday Peppermint Eggnog - Eggnog, White Chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, garnish with peppermint stick
  • Not Santa’s Milk and Cookies - Rumchata, Vanilla Vodka, Cinnamon- Garnish with Ginger Snap Crumbs
  • Mistletoe Margarita - Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry, Lime Sour, Garnish with Lime Wedge

In addition to the diverse food and drink options, guests can take advantage of unique dining experiences for an additional cost.

  • Dinner with Santa: guests will be able to enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal with all the trimmings and meet Santa Claus himself.
  • Cookies, Cocoa & Milk: Guests can experience a night of wonder as they indulge in sweet delights and warm cocoa, capped off by a surprise visit from a favorite character, all set against the stunning backdrop of SeaWorld Orlando’s Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.

Guests can enhance their holiday experience by purchasing the Festive Food & Seasonal Sips sampling lanyard. For $75, the 10-sample lanyard allows visitors to enjoy all the holiday-themed food, beverages and desserts throughout the park. A 12-sample lanyard is available to annual passholders for the same price.

Other celebrations at SeaWorld

  • Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld Orlando. From Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the menorah in Sesame Street Land during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.
  • Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, guests can enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land.
  • New Year’s Eve: Guests can embrace the connection to the sea, marine life, and the world we share as they bring in the New Year, SeaWorld-style. Giving 2025 a wondrous welcome with bold fireworks, festive entertainment and more.
  • Three Kings Celebration: Taking place Jan. 4 - 6 is the cherished tradition of Latin cultures. Families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy festive cuisine and extended opportunities to enjoy special performances in Nautilus Theater, Sea of Trees, and festive holiday lights.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, click here.

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