SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration 2026 runs on select dates from November 6, 2026 to January 4, 2027, according to the park’s event page. It is not a nightly event across that whole window, so the park calendar decides which days you see the full lineup. SeaWorld has not published a new headline attraction for 2026, so expect the familiar mix of lights, shows and character meetings.
The event suits families with young kids, Sesame Street fans and anyone who wants a relaxed holiday evening with animals, lights and fireworks. It is included with regular park admission and with a SeaWorld Annual Pass, so there is no separate event ticket. Extras such as Dinner with Santa, all-day dining and ice skating rentals cost more.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
- Dates: Select dates, November 6, 2026 to January 4, 2027
- Event nights: Select dates (check the park calendar)
- Highlights: Sea of Trees lights, Winter Wonderland on Ice, Holiday Reflections fireworks
- New for 2026: Not announced
- Ticket: Included with admission and Annual Pass
What’s new for 2026
SeaWorld has not announced a new show, zone or light display for the 2026 Christmas Celebration. The official page describes the returning headliners: Sea of Trees, Winter Wonderland on Ice, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade and the Holiday Reflections fireworks.
One small wrinkle on dates: the main event page lists November 6, 2026 to January 4, 2027, while an FAQ entry on the same page says November 7 to January 5. Treat the park’s ticket calendar as the final word for the day you plan to visit.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
The Sea of Trees is the twinkling light display that anchors the evening. Winter Wonderland on Ice is a Broadway-style ice skating show, and the Sesame Street Christmas Parade runs through Sesame Street Land. Holiday Reflections fireworks close the night and are listed as running through January 1.
Santa meets guests at Waterway Grill, and Rudolph and Bumble appear at Rudolph’s Christmas Town on Pipeline Pathway. Cultural celebrations are on the schedule too: Hanukkah Celebration on December 4 to 12 with menorah lightings, Kwanzaa Festivities on December 26 to January 1 with kinara lightings, a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration on December 31, and the Three Kings Celebration on January 3 to 6.
Rides and attractions open
The park does not list ride closures for the event, and regular attractions and animal habitats stay part of the day. Which coasters and rides run on a given day can change with weather and maintenance, so check the SeaWorld app before you go. Ice skating is offered as a separate paid activity, with rental costs on top of admission.
Holiday food and treats
SeaWorld lists holiday-themed food across the park, plus seasonal shopping at the Christmas Market, Shoppes at Waterfront and the SeaWorld Store. The park has not published a full menu, so check the app for what is open on your day.
Dinner with Santa runs on select nights as an all-you-care-to-eat meal. The official ticket page lists ham, smoked turkey and a Milk & Cookie Station with several cookie types and mini cupcakes. Listed prices are $44.00 for adults (10+), $19.99 for children 3 to 9, and free for children under 3 with a reservation.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
The event is included with theme park admission and with a SeaWorld Annual Pass. The park’s ticket page lists single-day tickets starting at $59.99 for ages 3 and up, a ticket with all-day dining at $99.99, and an Ultimate Ticket Bundle at $169.99 that adds Quick Queue. All-day dining can also be added for about $40 per ticket. Prices change by date, so confirm at checkout.
Other listed options include a Two-Day Two Park Ticket at $50 per day, a 2027 Fun Card at $144.99 for SeaWorld only or $184.99 with Aquatica, and a hotel Christmas Celebration Package with reserved show seating and a $25 merchandise credit. Parking starts at $35. A Christmas Celebration VIP Tour is also sold on the park site.
Tips for your visit
Check the park calendar first, since the event runs on select dates only. Download the free SeaWorld app for show times and to buy upgrades, and consider reserved seating for Winter Wonderland on Ice if you want a guaranteed view.
Central Florida evenings in December can turn cool, so bring a light jacket for the fireworks. Plan to arrive early enough to see the animals in daylight and be settled for the lights and fireworks after dark. Weather can affect outdoor shows and rides, so check the app on the day.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
Christmas Celebration 2026 at SeaWorld Orlando FAQs
When does Christmas Celebration 2026 start and end?
SeaWorld Orlando lists select dates from November 6, 2026 to January 4, 2027. An FAQ on the park page shows November 7 to January 5, so check the ticket calendar for your exact day.
Is Christmas Celebration included with park admission?
Yes. The event is included with regular SeaWorld Orlando admission and with a SeaWorld Annual Pass. Dinner with Santa, all-day dining, ice skating rentals and tours cost extra.
Do rides run during Christmas Celebration?
SeaWorld does not list ride closures for the event, and regular attractions stay open. The exact lineup can vary with weather and maintenance, so check the SeaWorld app on the day of your visit.
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Photo: Jeremy Thompson / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.