Central Florida is officially in holiday mode and the best place to celebrate is at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. From sparkling lights to tropical splashes to a brand-new lantern festival lighting up the night, here are 10 standout reasons families should make both parks part of their holiday traditions this year.

Reason #1: Millions of Lights Across 120+ Acres at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration surrounds guests with millions of shimmering lights, the iconic Sea of Trees, snowfall along the Waterfront, and beloved holiday characters like Rudolph & Friends. Even better — it’s all included with park admission.

Reason #2: Beloved Holiday Shows Return at SeaWorld Orlando
A lineup of new and returning favorites fills every corner of the park, including:

  • NEW: Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas – a laugh-out-loud sea lion adventure filled with holiday mischief
  • Winter Wonderland on Ice – breathtaking choreography on a glistening frozen stage
  • O Wondrous Night – the Nativity told through the eyes of the animals
  • Elmo’s Christmas Wish – festive fun for younger guests

Plus, roving toy soldiers, stilt walkers, musicians, and pre-shows bring surprise moments of cheer throughout the park.

Reason #3: Festive Food, Sips & Seasonal Dining Experiences at SeaWorld Orlando

A full menu of holiday flavors awaits, including:

  • Dinner with Santa (through Dec. 24)
  • Sesame Christmas Breakfast (Saturdays through Dec. 20)
  • Culinary Christmas Huts open daily at 4 p.m.
  • Cookies, Cocoa & Milk Fireworks Viewing presented by Undeniably Dairy

From cozy cocoa to gourmet dishes, SeaWorld’s holiday food lineup offers something for every taste.

Reason #4: Holiday Reflections: Fireworks That Light Up the Season at SeaWorld Orlando

As evening arrives, the park shines even brighter. Holiday Reflections — the nightly fireworks finale — combines dazzling lights, sweeping holiday music, and festive energy to close out a perfect holiday visit.

ILLUMINATE at Aquatica Orlando

Reason #5: Sunshine, Slides & Heated Waterways at Aquatica Orlando

With heated waterways, Aquatica delivers warm, comfortable fun all day long — a unique Florida holiday perk that keeps families smiling from morning to evening.

Reason #6: Thrills for the Whole Family at Aquatica Orlando

Whether racing down high-speed slides like Reef Plunge, floating through winding rivers, or relaxing on sandy beaches, Aquatica offers something for guests of every age.

Reason #7: A Brand-New Lantern Festival Lights Up Nights at Aquatica Orlando

ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica is a separately ticketed nighttime event featuring towering, glowing lanterns, vibrant creatures, and immersive light-filled installations — a completely new holiday experience for Orlando.

Reason #8: Five Distinct Realms Filled with Light & Color at ILLUMINATE
ILLUMINATE invites guests to explore:

  • AquaLuma – glowing pathways guided by mythical animal guardians
  • Candy Cascade Falls – a candy-colored dreamscape of giant sweets
  • Enchanted Lagoon – a moonlit cove with a mermaid, unicorns, and illuminated wishes
  • Myst Wood Waters – color-shifting chameleons and lantern birds fill a technicolor forest
  • Rivers of Discovery – a lantern safari honoring iconic wildlife from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens & Discovery Cove

Reason #9: Interactive Holiday Fun & Limited-Time Eats at ILLUMINATE
Guests can meet Kiwi Santa, hop aboard the Mini Serengeti Express Train, write letters to Santa, and discover whimsical photo moments throughout the park. Festival-exclusive treats include Brisket Mac & Cheese, Pork Belly Tacos, Apple Cider Churros, S’mores Pizza, and signature cocktails and mocktails.

Reason #10: Unbeatable Savings at both Parks
Guests can save up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes during the Holiday Sale, plus enjoy savings on ILLUMINATE tickets starting at just $24.99, with additional Pass Member discounts available.

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 42,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.

About Aquatica

A vibrant aquatic landscape, splashed with South Seas spirit and dotted with towering, colorful slides, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind water park, voted the #1 outdoor water park in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Poll, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 50 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica isn’t all about dashing and splashing though. This lush, laid-back playground is perfect for going with the flow. Wade into lazy rivers and wave pools without waiting in line and watch cares float away. Or grab a cozy lounge chair on one of Orlando’s loveliest beaches and sip a refreshing cocktail. Two large play areas just for kids make Aquatica the perfect spot for family fun. Aquatica offers exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures.