Jack-o-lanterns haven’t rotted yet, but we have the latest information on holiday events at three Central Florida theme parks. Visitors may be able to see a revived sea lion show at SeaWorld Orlando, a 360,000-brick Christmas tree at Florida Legoland, and the “Coco” character at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, the park is preparing for the return of “Clyde & Seymour’s Countdown to Christmas.” The comic sea lion duo was last seen in a show at the park’s holiday event in 2019. In the past, the production has featured cameos from walruses and mimes, as well as a bit of mean attitude. stay tuned.
The park will offer a reimagined version of Mrs. Claus’ Magic Kitchen, a new Santa experience, and a refreshed photo op.
Other shows returning this season include “O Wondrous Night,” “Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show,” “Winter Wonderland on Ice,” “Sesame Street Christmas Parade,” and “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale.”
Other activities include a sea of trees display in the park’s lagoon, a meet-and-greet with the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” character and “Sesame Street” folk decked out in holiday attire, a miniature train display and, for an additional fee, ice skating on the Bayside Stadium stage.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration takes place on select dates from November 7th to January 5th. The park also incorporates short-term celebrations during this time, including Hanukkah (December 14-21), Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1), and Three Kings (January 2-6). The event is included in regular SeaWorld admission.
For more information, visit seaworld.com/orlando.
Legoland Florida in Winter Haven will be closed on Saturdays in December and from December 24th to 30th. The park will focus on Lego-themed decorations and characters for the holiday season, with a three-story brick tree in front flanked by a life-sized Lego sleigh with reindeer and a giant Lego wreath.
Lego characters will be placed throughout the park, but you’ll be easy to spot the Lego Snowmen dancing and singing along at the Festival of Flurries, or the Lego Reindeer Girls at the Holly Hype Dance Party. Other activities include sled-building competitions and a treasure hunt, a holiday tradition in the Duplo Valley section of the park.
Holiday details extend to Miniland USA, which undergoes seasonal makeovers.
The festival is included in the regular admission price on the day of the event. For more information, visit legoland.com/florida.
Disney’s Jollywood Nights, an after-hours/extra-ticket event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, returns with 13 event nights from November 8th to December 22nd.
New elements include a character appearance by Miguel (“Coco”) at the Holiday Fiesta en la Carré, held in the Coaster courtyard. Jollywood also features rarely seen Disney characters such as Stitch from Santa Mode, Max Gouff from Powerline, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, and Bing Bong from Inside Head. According to Disney, two additional figures will debut: Chewbacca, who will be “celebrating Life Day,” and Partiesaurus Rex, which will be placed in Toy Story Land.
Two non-holiday shows that debuted at the park this year, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” will be available to watch during Jollywood Nights. The event will also feature re-screenings of productions such as “Disney’s Holiday in Hollywood” (starring Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog), “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along,” “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bum” projections, Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club and other musical performances. “Glitter!” Skate shows are held four times each night near the Chinese Theater.
In addition to the holiday menu coming to Backlot Express, holiday items will also be available at new locations including Tune-in Lounge, KRNR Rock Station, and Pretzel Palooza.
Ticket prices vary by date and range from $159 to $199 per night. Official event times are 7:30pm to 12:30am, but ticket holders can enter the theme park from 5:30pm on the day of the event.
For more information, visit disneyworld.com/holidays.
new things and snacks
• Some Halloween events do not turn into pumpkins even after midnight. Here are some activities (and end dates) that will last through the weekend. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (November 1), Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld (November 2), Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios (November 2), and Brick or Treat at Legoland Florida (November 2).
• Universal Orlando is selling a 2026 ticket package that includes multiple days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as the right to jump into the Epic Universe. Available in 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day combinations only. The resort had not yet revealed its annual pass plans and add-ons, including Epic, which opened in late May. More information: universalorlando.com
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is selling unlimited tickets every day through Dec. 31. Comeback 2025 tickets are available for purchase until November 16th and cost $91. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or through the call center at 855-433-4210. (Note: This attraction remains open during the U.S. government shutdown.) More information: kennedyspacecenter.com
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