Over the years, I have written multiple reviews about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and how much my family enjoys it as part of our Christmas traditions. (You can read our previous visits here, here and here.
When my family and I were invited to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration this year, we set out do and see different attractions than we had for our previous visits. Of course, the rides would always top the list for my jolly little thrill-seeking elves, but I wanted my family to experience some of the shows we’ve missed during our previous visits.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by puppeteers and the stars of O Wondrous Night. The puppeteers demonstrated how to operate the surprisingly heavy puppets used in the light-hearted Christmas performance.
Despite sounding pretty simple and straightforward, puppetry requires quite a bit of skill and coordination. For example, a puppet’s mouth should open and close in the same rhythm and time as you speak. It’s also important to keep the puppet’s gaze on an actor or another puppet. As you can imagine, I made an ass of myself.
After my puppeteer crash course, my family and I met the animal stars of O Wondrous Night. To keep the camel and alpaca happy, the animals and their trainers only had a few minutes to spare before their next performance.
While the animals and the cast prepared for their performance, my family and I boarded The Polar Express Experience for a quick visit with Santa. During the holidays, the Wild Arctic transforms into a wintery, watery wonderland stationed at the North Pole.
The wonder and magic of this motion simulator train ride and meeting with Santa is always our favorite attraction at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
After The Polar Express Experience, we made our way to the Nautilus Theater to watch our puppet and animal friends light up the stage in O Wondrous Night.
O Wondrous Night tells the greatest story never told, with more than 30 carols, based upon The Christmas Story and told through the eyes of a variety of live animals. Everyone will be entertained by this touching, light-hearted and glorious celebration featuring a host of angels, animals and the true glory of Christmas.
The 30-minute show features puppetry and dance against the backdrop of traditional Christmas music that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life. Guests will experience a true living nativity including camels, goats, sheep, an alpaca, a zebu and a flock of white doves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAWfe5w_2H8
As much as we loved O Wondrous Night, my children thoroughly enjoyed The Longshoremen Comedic Street Performers. This silly Three Stooges-style slapstick comedy routine had my kids in stitches.
Liam gives the Longshoremen a high five.
Our evening ended with SeaWorld’s Holiday Reflections – A Fireworks and Fountain Finale. Just before the park closes, SeaWorld celebrates the season with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. We watched with wide-eyed wonder, as the fireworks and the Sea of Trees lit up the dark night sky with the most spectacular holiday light show.
Now until the end of the month (December 31) starting at 6 p.m., guests can view O Wondrous Night and Holiday Reflections each evening of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. View a complete listing of park hours and show schedules here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75TNi7EP38
SeaWorldOrlando.com is the best place to go for the best deals and to learn more about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, such as Two Ways to Get Kids Free at SeaWorld (one free child’s admission with each paid adult by Dec. 31, 2014). As always, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is included with park admission, Annual Pass and Fun Card.
Disclosure: My family and I received one-day admission to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared are my own.
