SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration adds Baby Shark, a parade and more this year

SeaWorld San Diego has rolled out its holiday plans, and this year’s Christmas Celebration leans harder into the shows. The park announced four new experiences on Oct. 29, along with the usual million-plus lights, nightly “snowfall” and Santa’s real reindeer.

If you’ve gone before, here’s what’s different. If you haven’t, here’s what to expect.

What’s new this year

Baby Shark’s Christmas Adventure

Baby Shark makes its SeaWorld San Diego holiday debut with an interactive, sing-and-dance musical trip to the North Pole. It’s the one to plan around if you have preschoolers.

Dolphin Island Christmas

The dolphin show has new music and costumes and now celebrates holiday traditions from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. SeaWorld says it also introduces Solstice, a young dolphin having her first Christmas at the park.

Rock the Holiday Christmas Parade

Mrs. Claus and her elves lead a daily parade through the park with floats, music and dancing.

North Pole Storytime

The North Pole’s “head librarian” reads a holiday tale, with help from elves and volunteers pulled from the audience.

The park’s event page also lists a new roaming character, DJ the Elf.

The returning favorites

• Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special, the sea lion comedy show, at Sea Lion Stadium.
• Toymaker Trouble with Mrs. Claus and the Elves, a stage show about a head toymaker elf who needs a reminder of the holiday spirit.
• A Stocking Full of Soul, a holiday music and dance show at Nautilus Amphitheater.
• Santa and his reindeer. Santa’s Cottage is on the SkyTower Lawn, and the reindeer are near the rentals area.
• Rudolph’s Christmastown, where kids can meet Rudolph.
• Nightly snowfall on the SkyTower Lawn and at Wild Arctic.
• Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show, nightly near the front of the park.
• A 30-foot tree lighting nightly in Holiday Plaza.
• The SkyTower Tree of Lights, which turns the 320-foot SkyTower into what SeaWorld calls San Diego’s largest Christmas tree.
• Snowflake Seekers: A Christmas Quest, a scavenger hunt. You have to buy the map.

The big new draws are the shows: Baby Shark, a reworked dolphin show, a daily parade and storytime.

Fireworks and special nights

The “A Christmas Wish” fireworks show is scheduled for only two nights: Saturday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 31. SeaWorld says it will also mark Hanukkah with a menorah lighting and Kwanzaa, and ring in the new year on Dec. 31 with entertainment and fireworks.

Food and drinks

Expect seasonal entrées and desserts, hot chocolate with candy toppings, holiday cocktails and craft beer. The Twinkle Tree Café is adding new cocktails and mocktails this year (you need to be 21 or older for the cocktails). Pass members get discounts on food and drinks, and on merchandise at The Christmas Shoppe.

Before you go

• It’s included with admission, according to SeaWorld. There’s no separate holiday ticket, but daily ticket prices vary, so compare dates.
• Some extras cost more. SeaWorld says some experiences need a reservation or an extra fee, and that dates and showtimes vary. Check the park app or event page for the day you’re going.
• Go late. The lights, snowfall, laser show and tree lighting are nighttime events, so plan to stay after dark.
• Check hours first. The Christmas Celebration runs during regular park hours, which change by day.

More things to do around town: Roller skating on the bay at Seaport Village · 5 things to do in San Diego this weekend · Día de los Muertos in Old Town San Diego