Santa's Village is back in 2025!
Whether you've been naughty or nice, get ready to meet the big guy, share your Christmas list, and take some festive holiday photos.
Santas Cottage with Sleigh at Seaworld Christmas Celebration
Take Pictures with Santa & Rudolph
A photo package with Santa will be available for purchase with digital and printed photo options.
And after your photo with Santa Claus, stop by the Holly Jolly Marketplace for your photo with Rudolph at Rudolph's Christmastown! Prices vary depending on the photo package you choose.
Santas Reindeer Exhibit at Seaworld Christmas Celebration
Santa's Reindeer are in Town!
That's right, Santa's reindeer have flown from the North Pole as a special treat for guests!
You and your family can see live reindeer up close near the Rentals area, fresh from the journey, ready to say hi. I think this experience could be perfect for families with younger kids.
Snowflake Seeker's: A Christmas Quest!
If your kids like a good scavenger hunt as much as mine do then you won't want to miss this merry quest.
You can purchase a Scavenger Hunt Map at The Christmas Shoppe and start looking for colorful winter snowflakes. When you complete the map, you can bring it back to The Christmas Shoppe for a holiday prize!
Seaworld is All Lit up at Seaworld Christmas Celebration
Festive Decor
The park will be filled with holiday lights, magic, and festive spirit sure to dazzle us all.
From the 30-foot Christmas tree to the Christmas Wish Fireworks Show, and so much more, SeaWorld's grounds will feel like a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Seaworld Christmas Celebration
Holiday Lights & Magic
Even if you do nothing more than stroll across the park, you'll get to enjoy the decor and marvel at palm trees lit like candy canes, the 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights, and San Diego's tallest Christmas tree. And I can say that there is nothing wrong with this approach!
SeaWorld's 30-foot Christmas tree will be adorned with twinkling lights that dance to holiday tunes in a dazzling display.
The tree lighting ceremony is usually held at 5:00pm daily, but it can change as the sun sets earlier in the season. Check the official theme park website or park times just ahead of your visit for up-to-date information.
SeaWorld Fireworks on Mission Bay
Christmas Wish Fireworks Show
The skies above SeaWorld will come alive with an amazing pyrotechnics show that I'm hoping to catch this year. The holiday fireworks show will only take place twice this season - on December 13th and New Year's Eve.
So, if this is on your list, you'll want to visit on one of those days.
Seasonal Entrees, Desserts & Hot Chocolate!
If seasonal flavors and holiday treats are your style, then you're going to love what SeaWorld San Diego has to offer during the Christmas Celebration in 2025!
One of my favorites, the Churro Bar located near Sky Tower Lawn, has new and returning menu items. My favorite from 2024 was the Classic Hot Chocolate and in 2025 I'm looking forward to trying the Gingerbread Churro!
There will also be an assortment of grilled cheese/soup combos located in Wild Arctic Holiday Square and a turkey pot pie located at Festive Flavors near Underwater Cantina that has my mouth watering.
Of course, the Hot Chocolate Bar may just be the star of the show! I can say that from the Classic Hot Chocolate to the Peppermint Hot Chocolate and the Baileys Bliss Bite, it'll be hard to pick just one!
Holiday Cocktails & Craft Beer
The only thing I can think that can give the cocoa bar a run for its money is the Michelada Bar and Beer Trailer.
Adults can raise a glass of Merry and Bright Paloma, Mistletoe Margarita, or Holiday Mojito in celebration of the holiday season. There are also new cocktails and mocktails at the Twinkle Tree Café.
Dining Packages
If you'd like a unique holiday culinary experience, I'd recommend the Dine With Orcas & Santa package which starts at $54.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids. Taking place until December 23rd, you'll have a poolside chef make your meal next to SeaWorld's world-famous Orca Whales. And the best part for families is that Santa will stop by to wish you a Merry Christmas!
If your goal is to eat and drink your way around the park, the Festive Food and Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard is another great investment.
The lanyards, which will cost you $45 for 5 samples and $75 for 10 samples, will entitle you to any combination of food, drink, or dessert samples. The sampling lanyards are available daily from now until January 4th, 2026.
Shopping Time!
SeaWorld's Christmas Market will once again offer countless holiday treats, Christmas Edition souvenirs, and family gift-friendly ideas.
And be sure to make a little time to stop by the Coca-Cola Market for a photo op, sparkling lights, music, and holiday themed treats and drinks.
The Holly Jolly Marketplace and Christmas Shoppe are the perfect places to find any last-minute gifts. These seasonal boutiques will offer exclusive merchandise, everything from ornaments and keepsakes to décor and apparel.
Does SeaWorld Celebrate Hanukkah & Kwanzaa?
Yes, while not officially part of SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration 2025, the park wants to make sure that everyone feels included, educating us all about other cultures and traditions.
A Hanukkah Celebration
Starting on Sunday, December 14th and lasting until Monday, December 22nd, 2025, guests can celebrate Hanukkah at SeaWorld San Diego with the lighting of the menorah, Hanukkah music, and picture opportunities with the holiday decor.
There'll be plenty of holiday cheer, the traditional blue colored sparkling lights, and more in this lovely Hanukkah celebration.
Kwanzaa Festivities
A tribute to African heritage and culture, the park will celebrate Kwanzaa from Friday, December 26th, 2025 until Thursday, January 1st, 2026.
Guests will get to see the illumination of the kinara, as well as experience the spirit of unity and reflection in this one-of-a-kind festive atmosphere.