Joy to the (Sea) World

The holidays splash into Sea World San Antonio with parades, parties, puppets, and more

In total, Sea World will feature 12 uniquely themed holiday areas for this 42-day Yuletide extravaganza.

Courtesy of Sea World

In Texas, we like to claim that everything is bigger here. We also like to compete for biggest of the big, which rings true for Sea World's self-ascribed "biggest Christmas event in Texas," kicking off this week.

Starting Thursday, November 10, the marine life park transforms into a holiday wonderland for 42 full days of sparkling lights, holiday festivities, and, of course, tasty seasonal treats. This year also marks the premiere of a new live-action musical, O Wondrous Night, as well as a new Christmas party zone, Snowman Jam. In the former, the Nativity story comes to life through the eyes of the animals who experienced it, thanks to puppetry, carols, and special effects. Meanwhile, Snowman Jam invites park visitors to enjoy festive flurries and specialty cocktails from the Frozen Fusion Bar while bopping to the sounds of a DJ.

Returning favorites include the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, Christmas Market, meet-and-greets with Santa and Rudolph, and the "largest light display in the state" – according to the release. In total, the park will feature 12 uniquely themed holiday areas, from a 1950s-inspired Christmas cove; a whimsical Snowman village with life-sized snowman; and the country-themed Christmas Market, which houses a Christmas tree made entirely of cowboy boots.

Other highlights include:

Holiday shows and festive animal presentations, from Merry Mariachis to a festive beluga whale and pacific white-sided dolphin presentation.
An immersive Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer experience: Hear the story of the world's most famous reindeer when strolling past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale before meeting the beloved characters including Rudolph himself.
The Sesame Street Christmas Parade: Festive floats feature live performances and celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Sesame Street friends, including Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and more.
Coca-Cola presents Fireside S’mores and a holiday scavenger hunt: Families and friends can create memories while cozied up around the fire roasting marshmallows for delicious holiday s'mores. Afterwards, guests can participate in a photo scavenger hunt for Coca-Cola-themed festive prize and the chance to be featured on billboards around San Antonio.

Don't forget the festive food and drinks, either: The park will offer no lack of seasonal candies, baked goods, hot cocoa, and more. Winter cocktails include a new Santa-Gria and melon liqueur-based Grinch cocktail. For a traditional holiday meal, guests can enjoy dinner with Santa or Rudolph (reservations required).

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs from 1 pm until 9 pm on select days between November 10 and January 2, 2023. Head to SeaWorld.com to plan your visit or learn more about 2023 Season Passes, which includes free Christmas ornaments, a free ticket for a friend to join in the Christmas festivities, and more benefits.

This week's hot headlines

Freetail scales back in this week's 5 most-read San Antonio stories

Freetail Brewing Co.

Freetail Brewing Co. will cease distribution of its beer to stores and bars at the end of 2024.

Editor's note: A longtime San Antonio brewery is sadly scaling back, but the Michelin awards revved up the city's dining scene. These were the most-read stories of the week. Catch up, and then head here for the best things to do this weekend.

1. What’s brewing in San Antonio: Freetail scales back operations. San Antonio’s beer-brewing community has suffered many challenges in 2024, with a handful of local brewery closures. Now, a longtime local brewery is rolling back its operations just to make ends meet. Leaders of Freetail Brewing Co. announced in early November said they will no longer distribute their beer to stores, bars, and restaurants by the end of the year.

2. Mambo Seafood shimmies into grand opening at new San Antonio location. The third San Antonio location of Mambo Seafood has been open for about a month, but it's making it official on November 16 with a party to get some wind in its sails.

3. Michelin Guide plates up first Texas picks, with 13 in San Antonio. The first ever Michelin Guide in Texas has finally made its picks known. At a black-tie event in Houston on November 11, the guide has announced that 13 San Antonio restaurants have won recognition. Earlier on the day of the ceremony, CultureMap told readers ...

4. How to watch live as restaurants get the first Michelin stars in Texas. The event would be streamed live on YouTube beginning at 7 pm.

5. Healthy-casual Dallas restaurant makes San Antonio debut on Broadway. A fast-casual restaurant from Dallas called Bellagreen has sprouted in San Antonio, as of Tuesday, November 12. The mini-chain's first San Antonio location is at 1900 Broadway St., Ste. 112.

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