If there’s one thing I love about the holidays, it’s the food. And if there’s one thing I love about SeaWorld San Diego… it’s also the food. So when they combine the two? I’m in full holiday heaven.
SeaWorld’s Festive Food & Seasonal Sips celebration is happening alongside their Christmas Celebration (November 14 – January 4), and it’s a foodie’s holiday dream come true.
We’re talking churros, hot chocolate, festive cocktails, savory bites, and the cutest holiday desserts you can imagine – all while surrounded by a million twinkling lights.
Here’s what you need to know (and what you’ll definitely want to eat).
Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard
If you want to try everything (which, trust me, you’ll want to), grab the Festive Food & Seasonal Sips Sampling Lanyard.
You can choose either 5 or 10 samples, and it works at food and drink booths all around the park. It’s valid during the entire Christmas Celebration (Nov. 14 – Jan. 4), so you can sip and snack your way through the season.
Pricing: Starts at $45
The 10-sample lanyard is the best deal – and yes, you can mix food, drinks, and desserts.
Must-Try Holiday Food Booths
SeaWorld goes all out with themed food booths, each offering festive snacks, sweets, and cozy drinks. Here are some favorites you’ll want to track down:
Churro Bar (near SkyTower Lawn)
Try new holiday flavors like:
- Gingerbread Churro – Ginger-cinnamon sugar, icing, and M&Ms
- Peppermint Mocha Churro – Mocha frosting with crushed peppermint pieces
- Abuelita Churro – A fan-favorite Mexican chocolate version with mousse
And of course, grab a Classic or Peppermint Hot Chocolate – perfect for walking through the lights.
Grilled Cheese & Soup (Wild Arctic Holiday Square)
If you want something cozy and warm, this is your spot.
- Patty Melt Grilled Cheese (new!)
- Classic Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque (a must)
- Brie & Spiced Cranberry Grilled Cheese – sweet, savory, and perfect for holiday vibes
French Toast & Beignets (across from Nautilus Pavilion)
If you’ve got a sweet tooth:
- Cranberry French Toast – Sweet cream cheese + cranberry compote
- Nutella Strawberry French Toast
- Beignets – A returning favorite that you cannot skip.
Mrs. Claus’ Sweet & Savory Treats (Holiday Plaza)
This area is such a fun area!
- Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Snowball Chocolate Cake
- Sweet Waffles & Cookies
- Four kinds of Mac & Cheese! (Classic, Holiday, Street Corn, and Truffle)
Grab a hot chocolate or something stronger from the Holiday Bar nearby.
La Posada (near Underwater Cantina)
For a little holiday spice, this booth is incredible.
- Loaded Birria Tamale (new!)
- Loaded Cheese Tamale with Salsa Verde
- Red or Green Pozole – Classic, comforting, and full of flavor
Festive Flavors (near Underwater Cantina)
If cozy comfort food is your thing, head here.
- Turkey Pot Pie – A returning favorite
- Southern Collard Greens Potato Stew with Cornbread (new!)
- Warm Apple or Peach Pie
Santa’s Sweet & Savory Treats (Wild Arctic Square)
- Sticky Buns, Cinnamon Rolls, and all the hot chocolate
- Try the Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate
Arctic Bar & Holiday Drinks
SeaWorld always does drinks right. You’ll find themed cocktails across the park, but these are some standouts:
- Cranberry Apple Mule
- Naughty or Nice (pineapple jalapeño tequila!)
- Stole Christmas – tropical and fun
- Arctic Breeze – pomegranate, cranberry, and orange juice served in a light-up souvenir cup
And if you prefer beer, wine, or mimosas – there are bars all around the park, including a Craft Beer Bar, Michelada Bar, and Mimosa Bar with festive twists like the Mistletoe Margarita and Holiday Mojito.
Funnel Cakes & Hot Chocolate Bar
Because it’s not the holidays without funnel cake, right?
- White Peppermint Bark Funnel Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Funnel Cake
- Strawberries & Cream Funnel Cake
And at the Hot Chocolate Bar, you can build your dream cocoa — add Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps, or Frangelico. New flavors include Caramel Apple Butter and Gingerbread Apple Butter Hot Chocolate.
Dine with Orcas & Santa
This one’s a total bucket list experience. You can enjoy a chef-crafted holiday meal poolside with the orcas, plus a visit from Santa himself.
It’s such a cool mix of festive dining and SeaWorld’s signature animal experiences.
Adults: $54.99 | Kids: $34.99
Reservations are recommended – this one fills up fast.
Holiday Shopping & Souvenirs
Between food stops, take a stroll through the holiday markets:
- Holly Jolly Marketplace – Full of Rudolph-themed gifts, plushies, and holiday keepsakes.
- The Christmas Shoppe – Beautiful ornaments, décor, and apparel.
- Photo Packages – Don’t forget your Santa photo (and yes, you can meet Rudolph too!).
Holiday Treats at SeaWorld San Diego
The SeaWorld San Diego Holiday Food Festival is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas Celebration – because let’s be real, festive food just hits different.
From gingerbread churros to peppermint hot chocolate, birria tamales to holiday cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re going for a date night, a family day, or just to treat yourself – it’s pure holiday magic (and sugar).
The event runs November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026, and all food booths are included with park admission.
Grab your sampling lanyard, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your way through the holidays – SeaWorld style.
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- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration 2025
- Grind House Coffee Chula Vista
- Rooftop Bars & Restaurants Oceanside, San Diego
About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of SeaWorld and beyond!
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