SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Walkabout Day One 2021

November 27th, 2021
  |  by Mealtrip
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration has been going on for quite a few years now, and one of my favorite things about the festival is (naturally) the food booths... but also the pretty lights and various entertainment packages that have been part of the festival. The weather is generally a little cooler this time of year, and for me... it's the perfect "stroll around and sample food and beverage items" temperature! 

Returning this year are the very popular (and cost saving) Sampler Lanyards. Like everywhere else, the food prices have increased slightly… but it's not been out of line with what I'm seeing elsewhere. In fact, if you purchase food and beverage samples using any of the Sampler Lanyard packages, this really is one of the "best value" festivals around this time of year. 

The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Sampler Lanyard is a great way to save money when purchasing food at the festival.
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Sampler Lanyard is a great way to save money when purchasing food at the festival.


The lanyards have 5 and 10 sample options for this year's Christmas Celebration festival, and annual passholders have the option to purchase a special 12 sample lanyard. The "punch card" on the lanyard entitles you to 5, 10, or 12 food and beverage samples at the various booths, for less than what the "out of pocket" cost for those items would be.

I'll be posting the cost breakdown of each item under the photos, but basically, most savory items are hovering in the $11 range this year. If you purchase a 5 Sampler Lanyard for $37.28 (tax included), each item would break down to $7.46. If you purchase a 10 Sampler Lanyard for $53.25 (tax included), each item would break down to $5.33. At those discounted "lanyard" prices, all of the savory food items are a pretty good deal... especially some of the larger items like the various Mac and Cheese Bowls or Totchos (loaded tater tots).

You can purchase a Sampler Lanyard at any one of the food booths, at the festival's "Welcome" kiosk, or at some of the "Christmas Market" area kiosks (which are only open from 5pm until park close).

The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Welcome Booth (tent) is located on the right hand side. It's also referred to as the "Holiday Cheers" kiosk.
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Welcome Booth (tent) is located on the right hand side. It's also referred to as the "Holiday Cheers" kiosk.


Battle of the Sliders
Well... I just thought that was a cool title — there's not really a battle — but there are two sliders this year, and they're both available at the same booth called "Sliders that Sleigh". So it would seem, a comparison is bound to happen, to figure out which slider is the best!

The Sliders that Sleigh food booth is located just outside the Nautilus Theater.
The Sliders that Sleigh food booth is located just outside the Nautilus Theater.


First up, the looser... shoot... I meant to burry the lead a bit more. This is the "Hot Chicken Slider" which is said to have Crispy Chicken, Apricot & Serrano Glaze, and Pickles.

The Hot Chicken Slider featured Crispy Chicken (yes), a Pretzel Bun (yes), Pickles (yes), and an Apricot and Serrano Glaze???? Not so sure about the last one... if it was on there (and I did see them squirt something liquidy on the slider), then the Apricot and Serrano Glaze is more or less... sweetwater.
The Hot Chicken Slider featured Crispy Chicken (yes), a Pretzel Bun (yes), Pickles (yes), and an Apricot and Serrano Glaze???? Not so sure about the last one... if it was on there (and I did see them squirt something liquidy on the slider), then the Apricot and Serrano Glaze is more or less... sweetwater.


Individual Item Price : $10.99
Five Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $7.46
Ten Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $5.33
AP Twelve Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $4.45

Okay, "looser" is a bit harsh because SeaWorld uses a really great chicken product in their festival items ... and this slider is no exception. This is more or less, a premium "chicken strip" — all white meat, no grizzle or overcooked parts (in the one I got anyway), with a really nice, light, almost buttermilk type of fried coating. It's a great piece of chicken. The bun was also great... a nice little pretzel roll that wasn't too hard or too soft... and the pickles were really good too.

This is the "Hot Chicken Slider" that features Crispy Chicken, Apricot and Serrano Glaze, and Pickles on a Pretzel Roll.
This is the "Hot Chicken Slider" that features Crispy Chicken, Apricot and Serrano Glaze, and Pickles on a Pretzel Roll.


But... if you're going have "Apricot Serrano Glaze" on the menu board — I ether need to see it or taste it (preferably both) on the slider. Clearly, I don't see it on there. What I did see, is a very clear water-like fluid being squeezed on the slider as it was being made... which might have been the "Apricot & Serrano Glaze"?  From a flavor standpoint... it was basically nonexistent and even endangered the "Crispy" adjective in the description.

There was a little bit of the "glaze" pooling up on the chicken's right hand side, so I used my finger to try and get a taste of just the "glaze". What I ended up tasting was basically a weak simple syrup with a hint of bell pepper… not exactly the most exciting of flavor combinations, and not really strong enough to be tasted with the chicken and pickles.

I would loooooove to see a proper Apricot and Serrano Glaze on there... or better yet, an Apricot and Serrano Sauce... so I could taste the sweet and the heat on what would then be an amazing "Hot Chicken Slider". As it stands (especially at $11), I'd have to say this is my first "pass" of this year's festival. It's an okay chicken sandwich, that doesn't quite live up to what's posted on the menu board.

Which brings us to the winner of the "Battle of the Sliders" — the "Pork Belly Slider" featuring Roasted and Seared Pork Belly, Sauerkraut, and Mustard Aioli.

And the winner of my little "Battle of the Sliders" is this Pork Belly Slider featuring Roasted and Seared Pork Belly, Sauerkraut, and Mustard Aioli.
And the winner of my little "Battle of the Sliders" is this Pork Belly Slider featuring Roasted and Seared Pork Belly, Sauerkraut, and Mustard Aioli.


Individual Item Price : $10.99
Five Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $7.46
Ten Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $5.33
AP Twelve Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $4.45

So this little slider end up being like a "thick cut bacon sandwich", and I mean... unless you're a vegetarian — the flavor combos here are a tried and true match.

There were two or three "Pork Belly" pieces placed on the slider, and the pieces I got were all cooked perfectly. On Pork Belly (and this is probably just me personally) I'd rather not have tooooo much pillow fat, just a little bit for flavor. These little pork slices were well seared an "bacon like" on the outside edges, with some roasted beige meat on the inside… perfect!

At $11, the Pork Belly Slider is a little pricey for what it is... but if you're using a 10 Sampler Lanyard, the price breaks down to being $5.33, which is about right for this tasty little slider.
At $11, the Pork Belly Slider is a little pricey for what it is... but if you're using a 10 Sampler Lanyard, the price breaks down to being $5.33, which is about right for this tasty little slider.


The amounts of Sauerkraut and Mustard Aioli placed on the slider with the Pork Belly balanced well with the pretzel bun. I'd totally get this one again. Maybe not at $11, but with the 10 or 12 Sampler Lanyard, the price is inline with what you get.

Sounds of the Season Performance Series
The Sliders that Sleigh food booth itself is right in front of the Nautilus Theater, which provides me with a nice segue to one of the new offerings at SeaWorld this year… the "Sounds of the Season Performance Series".

The new "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" takes place inside the Nautilus Theater once or twice per festival day. Please check the schedule to see more info about show times and who's performing.
The new "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" takes place inside the Nautilus Theater once or twice per festival day. Please check the schedule to see more info about show times and who's performing.


In recent years past, the Nautilus Theater played host to a Christmas show called "O Wondrous Night" which featured live animals, the Nativity, and plenty of music to re-tell to story of Christmas. The new offering ... "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" … features a mix of nationally known recording artists and local bands performing holiday and Christian based music.

The first show of the series featured Darlene Love ("Christmas, Baby Please Come Home" & "He's a Rebel") and other performers have included Britt Nicole, Steven Curtis Chapman, and the local O-Town Motown cover band.

It's Darlene Love, in concert, at SeaWorld! If Darlene looks familiar, it might be because she performed the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on the David Letterman show once a year, for a total of 27 years, right around Christmas time — from 1986 to 2014, which is when the show went off the air. (In 2007, there was a writers strike, so a rerun of Darlene's performance was shown instead.)
It's Darlene Love, in concert, at SeaWorld! If Darlene looks familiar, it might be because she performed the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on the David Letterman show once a year, for a total of 27 years, right around Christmas time — from 1986 to 2014, which is when the show went off the air. (In 2007, there was a writers strike, so a rerun of Darlene's performance was shown instead.)

The song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" was on the holiday compilation album, "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector".
The song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" was on the holiday compilation album, "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector".


That's not to say though... that "O Wondrous Night" has been completely canceled. Last year (due to social distancing guidelines), there was a highly modified version of  "O Wondrous Night" performed, and SeaWorld has been very careful to state that the new "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" is not just bands. It's entirely possible some of the music, props, and story lines from "O Wondrous Night" could make a brief appearance later in the festival... but I could be totally wrong about that too. Only time will tell.

Darlene Love has performed backing vocals on many of the biggest hits of the 1960s including "Be My Baby", "Johny Angel", "Monster Mash", and even Frank Sinatra's "That's Life".
Darlene Love has performed backing vocals on many of the biggest hits of the 1960s including "Be My Baby", "Johny Angel", "Monster Mash", and even Frank Sinatra's "That's Life".


While the new Performance Series is not overtly rooted in the Christian Nativity story, it is going to be more widely accepted (I would imagine) by all faiths, or those just wanting to listen to a little holiday pop music.

The Sounds of the Season Performance Series included a full band and background vocalist... and I gotta say, it really was "national leve". This was a great show!
The Sounds of the Season Performance Series included a full band and background vocalist... and I gotta say, it really was "national leve". This was a great show!

The Sounds of the Season Performance Series was around a hour long and while it did feature mostly holiday music, a few of Darlene's songs (like "He's a Rebel") made it into the set as well.
The Sounds of the Season Performance Series was around a hour long and while it did feature mostly holiday music, a few of Darlene's songs (like "He's a Rebel") made it into the set as well.


National level performance artists and band are not something that any of the other parks are offing this year, so for me... it's a nice addition to the mix of holiday things to do here in Central Florida.

Darlene Love is on of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers... and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Darlene Love is on of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers... and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

I hope I get to see a couple more of the new "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" shows this year at SeaWorld.
I hope I get to see a couple more of the new "Sounds of the Season Performance Series" shows this year at SeaWorld.


Mac & Cheese Please
Next up on my foodie crawl, I stopped by the "Christmas Comforts" booth and got a nice hot bowl of "Braised Short Ribs & Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese". And just like the menu states, it's topped with Braised Short Rib meat and Smoked Gouda Cheese!

The "Braised Short Ribs And Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese" from the "Christmas Comforts" booths gets a solid recommendation from me.
The "Braised Short Ribs And Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese" from the "Christmas Comforts" booths gets a solid recommendation from me.


Individual Item Price : $10.99
Five Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $7.46
Ten Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $5.33
AP Twelve Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $4.45

Honestly, any of the Mac & Cheese bowls would get a recommendation from me, even at the out of pocket price — but definitely at any of the reduced "Sampler Lanyard" prices. These are decent sized bowls of Mac and Cheese with enough toppings to mix and match some different flavor profiles all in one bowl.

The Christmas Comforts booth has several Mac & Cheese bowls. Pictured here is the Braised Short Ribs & Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Bowl.
The Christmas Comforts booth has several Mac & Cheese bowls. Pictured here is the Braised Short Ribs & Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Bowl.


SeaWorld's smoked meats are usually really great (thanks to the nearby Voyager's Smokehouse, no doubt), together with the Smoked Gouda and some crunchy fresh green onion (or chives)... this was a great bowl that's almost "meal sized" when compared to some of the offerings you'll find at the counter service restaurants.

Holiday Street Performers
Sprinkled in between the food booths, I've come across all kinds of street performers with different little shows. Somewhere near the "Christmas Comforts" booth there was an Elf that was trying to put a topper on a Christmas Tree. The tree was too high up though, so she precariously stacked quite a few chairs high in the air in order to reach the tree top!

There's all kinds of different street performers here and there during the Christmas Celebration, and they're all so fun. The skits are simple and not usually very long, but it's cool to just stop and watch as you're waling around.
There's all kinds of different street performers here and there during the Christmas Celebration, and they're all so fun. The skits are simple and not usually very long, but it's cool to just stop and watch as you're waling around.

Yay!!! She made it to the top of the tree and placed the "Santa's Hat Finial Dobra" where it belongs!
Yay!!! She made it to the top of the tree and placed the "Santa's Hat Finial Dobra" where it belongs!


Holiday Shops
Many of the shops at SeaWorld have dedicated sections for holiday ornaments, stuffed animals and other holiday themed decor.

Soooooo many cute ornaments in the various shops. I mean, who doesn't love baby penguins wearing scarves?
Soooooo many cute ornaments in the various shops. I mean, who doesn't love baby penguins wearing scarves?

Hey bear-deer.. or deer-bear. I'm sure this little guy has a name, but I'm not sure what it is. He looks a little Canadian to me though. I think I'll call him Arthur... Arthur the deer-bear.
Hey bear-deer.. or deer-bear. I'm sure this little guy has a name, but I'm not sure what it is. He looks a little Canadian to me though. I think I'll call him Arthur... Arthur the deer-bear.


There are themed trees in many of the shops that feature a specific group of ornaments.

I found these trees in the "Shoppes at the Waterfront", one of the main gift stores near the front of the park. They all have a different theme, and all the ornaments on the tree have little UPC code and prices, so I'm assuming you could purchase any of the ornaments, right off the tree!
I found these trees in the "Shoppes at the Waterfront", one of the main gift stores near the front of the park. They all have a different theme, and all the ornaments on the tree have little UPC code and prices, so I'm assuming you could purchase any of the ornaments, right off the tree!


Of special note, are the Rudolph pieces. There's a big tie-in with "Rudolph" here at SeaWorld... not too many other places have Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer ornaments along with some of the other characters from the 1964 stop-motion classic.

It's Rudolph and Clarice! There's quite a few Rudolph themed ornaments at SeaWorld.
It's Rudolph and Clarice! There's quite a few Rudolph themed ornaments at SeaWorld.

Here's two more Rudolph ornaments that feature the Bumble!!!
Here's two more Rudolph ornaments that feature the Bumble!!!

Ahhh... the snowman in Rudolph is not Frosty, but "Sam"...narrated by Burl Ives.
Ahhh... the snowman in Rudolph is not Frosty, but "Sam"...narrated by Burl Ives.

They even have a wood carved Rudolph! He's so cute!!!
They even have a wood carved Rudolph! He's so cute!!!


One of My Top Holiday Food Picks
My last foodie stop for today's Walkabout was over at the "O'Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth. I had to hunt for this one a little bit, because it's actually part of the "Panini Shore Cafe" booth.

The "O'Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth is located in the same space as the Panini Shore Cafe. It's worth the extra effort to find though... especially if you like Scallops.
The "O'Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth is located in the same space as the Panini Shore Cafe. It's worth the extra effort to find though... especially if you like Scallops.

The menu boards at the "O'Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth are well hidden, behind the registers and positioned quite high. If you're just standing a few feet away from the booth, you really can't see them, because the Panini Shore Cafe awnings block the view.
The menu boards at the "O'Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth are well hidden, behind the registers and positioned quite high. If you're just standing a few feet away from the booth, you really can't see them, because the Panini Shore Cafe awnings block the view.


I picked up the Seared Scallops served with Pumpkin Seed and Serrano Pesto and Mushroom Risotto.

Here's the Seared Scallops served with Pumpkin Seed and Serrano Pesto and Mushroom Risotto from the "O' Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth.
Here's the Seared Scallops served with Pumpkin Seed and Serrano Pesto and Mushroom Risotto from the "O' Christmas Sea... Food Delights" booth.


Individual Item Price : $10.99
Five Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $7.46
Ten Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $5.33
AP Twelve Sample Lanyard Price Breakdown : $4.45

The photo doesn't really do these Seared Scallops justice — from a foodie standpoint, these were amazing! It had a perfect balance of flavors and the Mushroom Risotto was just off-the-charts delicious. This one (obviously) gets a recommendation from me.

Unless you really dislike scallops, give this one a try. This really was a sit-down, table-service quality item. At $11 out of pocket... it's maybe priced a little high, but at the Five Sample Lanyard price of $7.46, it's priced about right. The AP 12 Sample Lanyard breakdown price of $4.45 for this dish is a really good deal.
Unless you really dislike scallops, give this one a try. This really was a sit-down, table-service quality item. At $11 out of pocket... it's maybe priced a little high, but at the Five Sample Lanyard price of $7.46, it's priced about right. The AP 12 Sample Lanyard breakdown price of $4.45 for this dish is a really good deal.


The dish doesn't stray too far from the "Pan Seared Scallops with Creamy Mushroom Risotto" that's currently on the nearby Sharks Underwater Grill menu... so it's sit-down, table-service quality food. The $11 price might seem high for two scallops but when compared to the Sharks full entree price, it's a fair breakdown. If you're buying these with a 10 or 12 Sampler Lanyard though — it's really great deal (and I don't say that often about festival food)!

Sadly, I haven't quite gotten used to the "darker earlier" time change yet and it started getting too dark for more "walkabout food photos" — but that's fine, I'm really looking forward to coming back another day and using some more of my "punches" on my AP Sampler Lanyard.

Pretty Trees
As the sun goes down around SeaWorld, the holiday lights come on, and the Sea of Trees is defiantly something you'll want to stop and watch for a few minutes. There's a big show with fireworks and stuff toward the end of the night — but several times after the sun goes down, the trees on the main lagoon light up and twinkle to various holiday tunes.

Dusk at SeaWorld can be so pretty, especially when they turn on all those trees on the lagoon!
Dusk at SeaWorld can be so pretty, especially when they turn on all those trees on the lagoon!


If you're anywhere near the main body of water, you can pretty much see a grouping of trees, so you don't really need to be in a particular "spot".

The Sea of Trees can be seen from just about any location that's near the water. The centerpiece is a 40 foot tree that has a few more lighting effects than the other, smaller trees around the lagoon.
The Sea of Trees can be seen from just about any location that's near the water. The centerpiece is a 40 foot tree that has a few more lighting effects than the other, smaller trees around the lagoon.


In fact, I quite like seeing the show from as many different spots as possible. Each view makes it a little different. There's also a tall 40 foot tree in the center of the lagoon that's the main focal point of the "fireworks" based show at the end of the night... and here again, I think if you can see the big tree and up into the air a little bit, you're probably in a good spot.

The large tree in the center has many different "looks" and is synced to holiday music that plays every now and again.
The large tree in the center has many different "looks" and is synced to holiday music that plays every now and again.


I'll be back in a week or so with my next "Walkabout Day Two" article from SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration 2021 — where I'll sample some more food and take a look at some more of the special holiday shows and sights!

Near the entrance of the park, there's a large tree that's perfect for taking photos with! If you get there before the posted park close time... you stand a pretty good chance of getting a photo with just your party in it!
Near the entrance of the park, there's a large tree that's perfect for taking photos with! If you get there before the posted park close time... you stand a pretty good chance of getting a photo with just your party in it!


If you want to read more general info about the Christmas Celebration event at SeaWorld, click here and check out the SeaWorld, Orlando Christmas Celebration page!