SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

Light up this year’s holiday season at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration.  It’s where guests can experience the joys of Christmas with all-new festivities sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Friday through Sunday nights, Nov. 26-Dec. 12, 2010 and nightly Dec. 17, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011.

All-New Holiday Festivities

New to this year’s Christmas Celebration is the Sea of Trees.  Guests will discover 74 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake.

Also new this year is The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway.  Here guests can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and dine on scrumptious holiday delights.

“Our guests will be immersed in the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of a joyous holiday experience,” said Michael Fletcher, vice president of Entertainment for SeaWorld Orlando. “The Sea of Trees is going to transform our holiday nights with a stunning symphony of lights and music on the water.  Guests can even do their Christmas shopping in the Christmas Market while they feast on delicious holiday favorites.  We want SeaWorld to become a joyous holiday tradition for our guests, so this year we’re truly bringing the sea to the season!”

Returning Holiday Favorites

Returning to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are family favorites.  At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests can jump aboard and take an unforgettable train ride to the North Pole.  Classic scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience that immerses passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. When they arrive at the North Pole, guests discover a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Families and friends can once again enjoy the spirit of Christmas during four of SeaWorld’s holiday-themed shows:

• Winter Wonderland on Ice, is a spectacular show where Christmas comes to life with towering water fountains, magnificent fireworks and some of the most talented ice skaters in the world.
• Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, is a Christmas comedy with everyone’s favorite sea lions Clyde and Seamore and a few mischievous otters and a jolly walrus or two, just for good measure.
• A Sesame Street Christmas is a festive and fun musical celebration where guests can celebrate the holidays with friends from Sesame Street.  The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about … she’s never heard of Christmas! Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends gather to share the true spirit of the holiday with her.
• Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season.  It’s the magnificent holiday show, Shamu Christmas … Miracles.

For those looking for unique holiday cuisine with SeaWorld’s special touch, the Makahiki Christmas Luau is a South Seas-style festive celebration of the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands.  Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance.  For more details on holiday dining options, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

’Tis the season of giving and what better way to do so than to give back to wildlife, something SeaWorld has been doing for more than 50 years.  With each adult admission purchased online through Dec. 31, 2010, a child ages 3-12 receive admission to SeaWorld for only $5, all of which is donated to non-profit organizations supporting wildlife conservation projects.   It’s the perfect place to give back and connect with wildlife but also to share in the holiday spirit together with family and friends at SeaWorld.