We all know what time it is- Christmas time! While looking for fun things to do over her visit with us, my Aunt heard about SeaWorld’s Christmas celebration, and decided we were all going to go. The next day, my aunt, cousin, uncle, and I all donned our coats and hats and braved the world of crazed kids and frustrated parents, commonly known as SeaWorld. They had a number of things going on for their celebration, one being named The Polar Express: A 4D Experience. In this endeavor, they take certain parts of the movie The Polar Express and combine it with the 4D effects, such as when the train rattles things in the movie, your seat vibrates, and at the end of the show, fake snow drifted from the ceiling of the building and was spread around by big fans. It’s a good place to go during your time at the park to warm up inside the building, and is also a very family-friendly activity for those with little ones tagging along.
Next, we went to see Shamu: Christmas Miracles, which was a blend of traditional Shamu the whale shows and Christmas elements. While watching the spectacle, they have a video presentation playing on the screens above the water. In the video, you hear different children’s ideas of miracles and a story about Shamu. The presentation by the actual whales and trainers was wonderful; Although, I’ll admit, sitting in the splash zone in November probably wasn’t the best idea we had.
Afterwards, we went to see the sea lion show, Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, a cute show with the theme of doing good deeds brings Santa Clause around. In the show, the trainers and the sea lions have to do a number of things on a list that they receive from an elf who is hoping for retirement. They also incorporate the skills of a cute little otter named Louis, who gets to deliver a letter to the trainers by way of walking on a beach ball. It was a sweet experience all around, and my six year old cousin Ben loved it. Afterwards, he even asked his mom for an otter for Christmas, which of course she replied with No way.
Finally, it was time to go home after our 9 hour day of sea fun. At the main arches at closing time, they have a presentation by Santa and his elves, and afterwards you can stand in line to get a picture with Santa.
These are only a few of the special events that SeaWorld has for their Christmas Celebration, but if you’re wondering what else they have to offer, go check out their website, or even better- go pay the park a visit. It’s a great experience all around; I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
SeaWorld’s San Antonio Christmas Celebration <– link to the event website
The park is open on the individual dates of Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, and then afterwards from the 17 to the Jan. 1, excluding Christmas Day, of course.
The hours are from 12 P.M. to 9 P.M. every day the park is open, according to the website (times are subject to change.)
