About a week before Christmas we visited Seaworld on the last afternoon of our holiday. We had previously bought a one day pass and this was a free second day entry. It was a weekend night and before we went I had checked the opening hours on line expecting the Park to be closing about 7. 00pm and was delighted to find it was staying open until 11. 00pm. As soon as we got to the Park we got a map that also contains the days schedule for the shows. I think but am not sure that there is late night opening and extra festivities at Seaworld at weekends from around Thanksgiving until the beginning of January.
On our previous visit we had had to leave just as the Dancing Trees were starting as we had to meet friends so this time we were determined to see them before we left Seaworld. We were not disappointed to watch at least sixty trees all lit up dancing to Christmas music on the lake on either side of the bridge it was so magical.
As we were leaving the Trees we went to the Waterfront and waited for the snow flurries which were accompanied by more Christmas Music before we went towards the exit. Whilst at the Trees we had noticed quite a lot of people watching in good vantage points form the other side and had presumed it must be some kind of pre-booked hospitality. However as we went towards the exit we saw a sign saying Christmas Market and pointing towards the Bayside Stadium which features the ice show. We looked at our map and realised it was a Market for all visitors to go to and was fairly crowded for the Dancing Trees as it had such good vantage points for seeing them. The viewing areas all had tables you could stand at and that particular night there were heaters at each one that were very welcome as it was cold.
As we entered to the sound of Christmas carols we were first greeted by a snow scene with illuminated models of polar bears then we went onto the illuminated Penguin display which was surrounded by admiring young children.
There were beautiful small trees all along the pathways and lots of small booths where you could buy unusual Christmas gifts, tree decorations and the busiest stall was one selling Christmas hats and stockings that for a few dollars you could have printed with your child’s name. The Christmas hats were as usual red and white but had a whale’s tail instead of a bobble!
After strolling around and buying a few gifts we came upon a stall selling hot toddies hot chocolate and other hot drinks. These were very welcome and a great end to a lovely visit to the Market. If you are there at Christmas do visit it but check your map first to see where it is because it was not very obvious.
On our previous visit we had had to leave just as the Dancing Trees were starting as we had to meet friends so this time we were determined to see them before we left Seaworld. We were not disappointed to watch at least sixty trees all lit up dancing to Christmas music on the lake on either side of the bridge it was so magical.
As we were leaving the Trees we went to the Waterfront and waited for the snow flurries which were accompanied by more Christmas Music before we went towards the exit. Whilst at the Trees we had noticed quite a lot of people watching in good vantage points form the other side and had presumed it must be some kind of pre-booked hospitality. However as we went towards the exit we saw a sign saying Christmas Market and pointing towards the Bayside Stadium which features the ice show. We looked at our map and realised it was a Market for all visitors to go to and was fairly crowded for the Dancing Trees as it had such good vantage points for seeing them. The viewing areas all had tables you could stand at and that particular night there were heaters at each one that were very welcome as it was cold.
As we entered to the sound of Christmas carols we were first greeted by a snow scene with illuminated models of polar bears then we went onto the illuminated Penguin display which was surrounded by admiring young children.
There were beautiful small trees all along the pathways and lots of small booths where you could buy unusual Christmas gifts, tree decorations and the busiest stall was one selling Christmas hats and stockings that for a few dollars you could have printed with your child’s name. The Christmas hats were as usual red and white but had a whale’s tail instead of a bobble!
After strolling around and buying a few gifts we came upon a stall selling hot toddies hot chocolate and other hot drinks. These were very welcome and a great end to a lovely visit to the Market. If you are there at Christmas do visit it but check your map first to see where it is because it was not very obvious.