The holiday season is in full swing at Central Florida’s theme parks, and today we’re taking a very merry look at the food and festivities at SeaWorld Orlando’s 2021 Christmas Celebration.
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a full year since we brought you the Unofficial Guide to SeaWorld Orlando’s 2020 Christmas Celebration, and this year we were again invited to a press event previewing some of the additions to the experience. Many of the traditional favorites from past years have returned (with a few notable exceptions), but there are new entertainment and edible offerings stepping into their place for SeaWorld Orlando’s 2021 Christmas Celebration, which is included in regular park admission now through January 2.
For starters, we got to sample several of the new and returning menu items offered from booths arrayed around the park’s large central lagoon.
The best of the featured entrées was the lamb chop, which was tender and served atop a delicious sweet potato mash.
Another tasty option is the dipping booth, which will dunk sweet strawberries, salty pretzels, or savory thick-cut bacon in molten chocolate.
Other top picks if you’re feeling peckish are the breaded shrimp with spicy dynamite sauce or a supersize chicken slider on a pretzel bun.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas celebration at SeaWorld without hot chocolate, still served in a souvenir mug. Does anyone else has a cabinet full of these at home?
As always, inquire about a sampler card, which provides substantial discounts if you plan on sampling several food or drink items.
In terms of seasonal entertainment, the Holiday Reflections Fireworks and Fountains Finale has expanded to every night at park closing, while a new concert series called Sounds of the Season is bringing performers like Darlene Love to the Nautilus Theater.
Also keep an eye out for reindeer musicians, acrobatic toy soldiers, and other live street entertainers around the park.
Another new show is Elmo’s Christmas Wish, featuring Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe performing seasonal songs and dances.
Muppet fans also won’t want to miss the returning Sesame Street Christmas Parade, which is a colorful highlight of SeaWorld Orlando’s 2021 Christmas Celebration.
Winter Wonderland On Ice, a long-running ice-skating extravaganza, is returning to the Bayliner Stadium, which is also open for public skating (at an additional fee).
Finally, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s ChristmasTown is back, featuring meet and greets with Rudolph and Bumble.
Sadly, the traditional Oh Holy Night nativity play, featuring a parade of live animals, did not return in 2021; neither did the comedic It’s a Wonderful Night, which debuted last year.
Even if you don’t observe Christmas, SeaWorld has a celebration for you. From November 28 through December 6, SeaWorld holds a nightly lighting of the Hanukkah menorah in Sesame Street Land. Kwanzaa Festivities take place December 26 through January 1, with the nightly lighting of the kinara in Sesame Street Land. And everyone can enjoy SeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show at midnight on December 31.
For all there is to see and do in the Orlando area, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2020, and The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
