Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays at SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando This Year

Orlando is officially twinkling, glowing, splashing, and sparkling, and SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando are going all in on holiday magic this season. From millions of Christmas lights to a brand-new lantern festival, these two parks are serving up festive fun that stretches from classic traditions to totally new nighttime experiences. If you are deciding where to spend your holiday park days, here are ten reasons SeaWorld and Aquatica deserve a spot on your must-do list.

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SeaWorld Orlando kicks things off in a big way with millions of lights spread across more than 120 acres, transforming the park into a glowing winter wonderland. Guests can stroll past the iconic Sea of Trees, catch snowfall along the Waterfront, and visit holiday favorites like Rudolph and friends, all included with regular park admission.

Holiday entertainment is everywhere you turn, with a full lineup of returning classics and new shows. Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas brings sea lion laughs and holiday chaos, Winter Wonderland on Ice delivers graceful skating on a frozen stage, O Wondrous Night retells the Nativity through the eyes of the animals, and Elmo’s Christmas Wish keeps younger guests smiling. Add in roaming toy soldiers, musicians, and stilt walkers, and the park feels alive with surprise moments of cheer.

Foodies will want to come hungry, because SeaWorld’s holiday menu is stacked. Special dining experiences include Dinner with Santa through December 24 and Sesame Christmas Breakfast on Saturdays through December 20. Culinary Christmas Huts open daily at 4 p.m., and the Cookies, Cocoa and Milk Fireworks Viewing offers a cozy way to enjoy the night’s finale.

Speaking of finales, Holiday Reflections lights up the night sky with a festive fireworks show that blends music, lights, and holiday spirit into a perfect ending for a SeaWorld evening.

Over at Aquatica Orlando, the holidays come with a Florida twist. Heated waterways keep the park comfortable all day long, making it possible to enjoy slides, rivers, and beaches even during the winter season.

Thrill seekers and chill seekers alike will find their happy place at Aquatica, whether that means racing down Reef Plunge, floating through winding rivers, or soaking up the sun on sandy shores.

This year also brings something entirely new with ILLUMINATE, a separately ticketed lantern festival that takes over Aquatica at night. Towering glowing lanterns, vibrant creatures, and immersive light displays turn the park into a walk through wonderland unlike anything else in Orlando.

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ILLUMINATE is divided into five distinct realms, each with its own look and vibe. AquaLuma features glowing pathways guided by mythical animal guardians, Candy Cascade Falls is a sugary dream of giant sweets, Enchanted Lagoon shines with mermaids, unicorns, and moonlit wishes, Myst Wood Waters bursts with color shifting chameleons and lantern birds, and Rivers of Discovery honors wildlife from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove in lantern form.

Interactive fun is everywhere at ILLUMINATE, from meeting Kiwi Santa to riding the Mini Serengeti Express Train and writing letters to Santa. Limited time festival eats add even more flavor, with options like Brisket Mac and Cheese, Pork Belly Tacos, Apple Cider Churros, S’mores Pizza, and festive cocktails and mocktails.

Rounding it all out are some seriously strong holiday deals. Guests can save up to 55 percent on tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes during the Holiday Sale, while ILLUMINATE tickets start at just $24.99, with extra discounts available for Pass Members.

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