Florida families can look forward to a festive kickoff this week as SeaWorld and Busch Gardens roll out their 2026 holiday programs. The parks, part of the United Parks family, are adding new shows, parades and ice‑skating events to their traditional Christmas celebrations.
Orlando kicks off the season
SeaWorld Orlando opens its holiday festivities on Friday, Nov. 6. Guests will enjoy classic productions such as the “Miracles” and “O Wondrous Night” stage shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, and ice skating at Bayside Stadium. Admission includes all of these experiences.
Tampa adds dazzling new spectacles
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay follows a week later, beginning its Christmas Town celebration on Nov. 13. In addition to the returning “Christmas on Ice” skating show and “Elmo’s Christmas Wish,” the park introduces two brand‑new productions. “Lights of Wonder” is a nighttime drone display set to classic holiday music, while “A Very Merry Cirque” promises a jaw‑dropping acrobatic spectacle.
San Diego expands its lineup
SeaWorld San Diego also starts its holiday program on Nov. 13, featuring four new offerings. The park debuts three stage shows: “Baby Shark’s Christmas Adventure,” a refreshed “Dolphin Island Christmas,” and “North Pole Storytime,” narrated by the park’s fictional North Pole head librarian. A brand‑new parade called “Rock the Holiday” will wind through the park, adding a lively musical element.
San Antonio and Williamsburg keep traditions alive
SeaWorld San Antonio returns fan‑favorite productions “Miracles” and “O Wondrous Night,” and adds a new aquatic show titled “A Joyful Splash,” which highlights beluga whales and Pacific white‑sided dolphins in a festive presentation.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg continues its holiday tradition with the “‘Twas That Night” ice‑skating show and the “Scrooge No More” musical. New for 2026 is “Queens of Christmas,” a holiday concert featuring classics such as “This Christmas” and “Santa Baby.”
All events are included with regular admission
Visitors do not need to purchase separate tickets for any of the holiday shows or parades. The celebrations run through Jan. 3 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and SeaWorld San Diego, and until Jan. 4 at the Tampa, Orlando, and San Antonio locations.
Plan your visit
Families looking for a wholesome, faith‑friendly way to celebrate the season can enjoy the new and returning attractions at any of the United Parks locations. Check each park’s official website for detailed schedules, showtimes and any health‑safety guidelines before you go.
Original reporting: Orlando Rising — read the source article.
