SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration returns Nov. 6 with the Miracles orca show, a new Christmas Market and the 70-foot Sea of Trees. Here’s what’s included and what costs extra.
SeaWorld Orlando is bringing back an old holiday favorite this year.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration returns on select dates from Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, through Monday, Jan. 4, 2027, according to SeaWorld Orlando’s website. The headliner is Miracles, an orca show that SeaWorld says is “making its long-awaited return.” There’s also an all-new Christmas Market.
The event is included with park admission, and you don’t need a reservation to attend.
Here’s a full tour of last year’s Christmas Celebration from Midway Mayhem:
When is SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration in 2026?
The event runs on select dates from Nov. 6 to Jan. 4. The exact event nights are on SeaWorld’s park hours calendar, so check it or the SeaWorld app before you go.
Opening night gets a bonus. Park hours on Nov. 6 are extended to 9 p.m., according to SeaWorld’s November Pass Member news post. Pass Members also get an exclusive 5:30 p.m. Miracles showtime at Orca Stadium that night.
A few special celebrations are on the calendar, too:
Hanukkah Celebration, Dec. 4 to 12: nightly menorah lightings and storytelling in Sesame Street Land
Kwanzaa Festivities, Dec. 26 to Jan. 1: nightly kinara lightings
New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: fireworks
Three Kings Celebration, Jan. 3 to 6: themed food, extended lights and special performances
What’s new at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration this year?
Miracles is back at Orca Stadium. SeaWorld’s website tags it “All NEW!” but also calls it a comeback: “A holiday favorite is making its long-awaited return!” The show pairs orcas with lights and holiday music.
The Christmas Market is the other big addition. SeaWorld calls it “all-new,” but it hasn’t said where the market will be or what it’ll sell.
What shows are back for SeaWorld Christmas 2026?
Plenty of favorites are on SeaWorld’s 2026 list, including the Nativity show O Wondrous Night.
Sea of Trees: The lagoon centerpiece “towers 70 feet above the water,” SeaWorld says, and the glowing forest sparkles to music.
O Wondrous Night: The Nativity story told “through the eyes of the animals who witnessed it,” with more than 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals.
Winter Wonderland on Ice: A Broadway-style ice skating show with classic Christmas songs, on select dates.
Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas: The sea lion and otter show at Sea Lion & Otter Stadium, which debuted in 2025, WFTV reported.
Rudolph’s Christmas Town: Life-size storybook scenes along the Pipeline Pathway, with Rudolph and Bumble meet-and-greets.
Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen: A comedy cookie-baking show.
Holiday Reflections: The fireworks finale over the lagoon at park close.
What is there for kids in Sesame Street Land?
Sesame Street Land gets its own holiday lineup:
The Sesame Street Christmas Parade, with Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends
Elmo’s Christmas Wish at Seaport Theater, with Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Zoe
Big Bird’s Christmas Storytime at Big Bird’s nest
Holiday photos with Sesame Street friends
Santa is in the park, too. You can meet him at Waterway Grill, where professional photographers will be on hand.
What costs extra at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration?
The event comes with your ticket, but a few add-ons cost extra. Park admission is required for all of them and isn’t included.
Public ice skating at Bayside Stadium: The fee includes skate rental. Crew-length socks and gloves are required.
Dinner with Santa: An all-you-care-to-eat holiday dinner on select nights, with glazed ham, smoked turkey, a kids menu and a milk and cookie station.
Sesame Street Christmas Breakfast: Select dates from Nov. 7 to Dec. 20 at Seafire Grill, with glazed ham, French toast sticks and more.
Cookies, Cocoa & Milk Featuring a Special Holiday Guest: Select dates from Nov. 7 to Dec. 19 at Lakeside Grill Cantina. It starts at 9 p.m. and includes a private fireworks viewing area and a small gift for kids.
Christmas Celebration VIP Tour: It starts at 5 p.m. and includes Dinner with Santa, hot chocolate refills, priority Santa and Rudolph photos and reserved show seating.
What food will SeaWorld serve this year?
The holiday food menu isn’t out yet. SeaWorld’s food page just says, “More information coming soon!”
Last year’s lineup included Joyful Chicken & Waffles and Fresh Baked Deep-Dish Cookies, WFTV reported. SeaWorld hasn’t said whether either one is coming back.
SeaWorld also points out that it’s “one of the only places you’ll find restaurants open on Christmas.”
“Come early and stay late,” SeaWorld tells Pass Members. With the fireworks at park close and the Sea of Trees lit up after dark, that’s good advice for everyone.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
SeaWorld Orlando, its Christmas Celebration pages and November 2026 Pass Member news
WFTV (Oct. 21 and Nov. 13, 2025), last year’s food and shows
Midway Mayhem on YouTube, the 2025 tour
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