New & Notable at SeaWorld’s 2026 Christmas Celebration

Discover four new experiences at SeaWorld San Diego's 2026 Christmas Celebration: a Baby Shark adventure, a reimagined dolphin show, a new parade and North Pole storytime. From Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, enjoy these additions alongside returning festive favorites, more than 1 million lights and nightly snowfall.

Four additions headline SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration in 2026. The lineup includes interactive entertainment for young children, a reimagined dolphin presentation, a parkwide parade and an audience-assisted Christmas story.

Baby Shark’s Christmas Adventure

Join Baby Shark and friends on an interactive musical journey to the North Pole. Familiar songs, dancing and a special holiday mission invite families to participate while exploring themes of teamwork and giving.

Dolphin Island Christmas

This returning presentation has been reimagined for 2026 with new music, costumes and performances inspired by the holiday traditions and cultures of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Along with island-inspired holiday songs, the show shares facts about SeaWorld’s dolphins, including Solstice, who will celebrate her first Christmas at the park.

Rock the Holiday Christmas Parade

Mrs. Claus leads elves, chefs, bakers, toy makers and other North Pole characters through the park. Festive floats, dancing and upbeat Christmas music turn the procession into one of the celebration’s biggest new additions.

North Pole Storytime

The North Pole’s head librarian shares a Christmas story with help from elves and audience volunteers. It offers families a quieter, interactive experience between the park’s larger shows and attractions. 

Beyond the new entertainment, many of SeaWorld San Diego’s best-known holiday traditions return in 2026. Plan to stay after sunset, when holiday lights, illuminated trees, festive displays and nightly snowfall transform the Mission Bay park.

• More than 1 million holiday lights: Lights and marine-inspired displays fill the park after dark. The 320-foot SkyTower becomes a towering tree of lights, while a 30-foot tree at Wild Arctic Plaza comes to life with synchronized lights and Christmas music. Looking for more lights? Check out all of San Diego's Luminous spots.
• Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special: Sea lions Clyde and Seamore join their trainers for an afternoon and evening show filled with holiday comedy and playful mishaps.
• A Stocking Full of Soul: Live music, singing and dancing bring soulful arrangements of seasonal classics to Nautilus Amphitheater.
• Toymaker Trouble: Mrs. Claus and three elves help head toy maker Sparky rediscover the Christmas spirit before Santa’s sleigh departs.
• Santa and his reindeer: Stop at SkyTower Lawn to share Christmas wishes and take a photo with Santa. You can also see real reindeer and learn more about the animals during your visit.
• Nightly snowfall: Find falling “snow” at SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic for a Southern California version of a white Christmas.
• Rudolph’s Christmastown: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends return for character encounters and seasonal photo opportunities.
• Snowflake Seekers: A Christmas Quest: Search the park for colorful snowflakes and complete a family-friendly holiday quest to receive a special gift.
• Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show: A canopy of colorful lasers moves to a festive soundtrack near the park entrance. 

Seasonal food, festive drinks and special dining experiences round out SeaWorld’s 2026 Christmas Celebration. You can enjoy traditional holiday activities between shows or use the park’s sampling option to try several limited-time menu items.

Seasonal food and drinks

Look for holiday desserts, hot chocolate with candy toppings and seasonal food throughout the park. Adults ages 21 and older can also choose from beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

The Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard includes up to 10 food, drink or dessert samples.

Dine with Orcas and Santa

Dine with Orcas and Santa combines a holiday meal with views of the park’s orcas, a chance to meet Santa and information from SeaWorld’s animal specialists. Because this is a premium experience, check availability, pricing and reservation requirements when planning your day.

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa

Beginning Dec. 1, SeaWorld plans to recognize Hanukkah with a menorah lighting, holiday decorations and music. A Kwanzaa display will include a kinara, Unity cup and crops.

New Year’s Eve

The season continues through New Year’s Eve with a countdown and fireworks. The supplied announcement also lists A Christmas Wish Fireworks for Dec. 12 and Dec. 31. Check SeaWorld’s event calendar before visiting because operating hours, fireworks, showtimes and entertainment schedules can change.