Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration (select dates, Nov. 18-Jan. 6). Meet Rudolph and Friends, drink some hot cocoa while enjoying festive shows, and delight in a dazzling display of holiday lights. 

At the same time, discover fascinating marine life throughout the park. SeaWorld’s family of killer whales are ambassadors of the sea and can be seen in a whole different light at the brand-new Orca Encounter, an unprecedented experience that is one-of-a-kind. Come experience a new way to connect with the ocean’s most powerful predator. Witness their natural behaviors up close as an expansive infinity screen brings the killer whales' story to life in dynamic, immersive detail.

Also new at SeaWorld San Diego is Ocean Explorer, a family-friendly attraction with multiple aquariums, enjoyable rides and digital technologies to offer a one-of-a-kind experience centered on exploration and adventure.

In the island-inspired Dolphin Days show, guests are immersed in the world of marine mammals. Dolphin Days combines spectacular dolphin and pilot whale behaviors with a close-up look at the animals and the special relationship they have with their trainers.

For thrill seekers, there's Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids and of course Manta, SeaWorld's double-launch, multi-media roller coaster. For a relaxing, serene experience, there's Turtle Reef, where guests can see dozens of sea turtles swimming in their 280,000-gallon habitat. And for laughter and silly fun, California sea lions Clyde and Seamore show off with their trainers in Sea Lions LIVE.

For those who want to get even closer to some of the ocean's most interesting creatures, SeaWorld's animal encounters can be a dream come true: Dolphin Interactions allows guests to feed, touch and play with bottlenose dolphins; Beluga Interactions offer a unique chance to enter the water with beluga whales, gentle giants known as "sea canaries" for their bird-like vocalizations.

With all the fun happening inside SeaWorld, guests may not know what goes on behind the scenes, where zoological team members care for rescued animals that were found ill, injured or stranded on beaches along the San Diego coastline. Over the last 50 years, SeaWorld San Diego's Rescue Team has taken in and cared for more than 17,000 animals. The goal of the rescue program is to rescue, rehabilitate and return animals to the wild, giving them a second chance at life.