Visit the San Diego Zoo During the Holidays

This winter, San Diego will welcome thousands of holiday travelers looking for a vacation from the cold.  The city’s version of a winter wonderland features temperate days and palm trees lit with twinkle lights instead of blizzards and snowdrifts, but the difference in climate doesn’t mean there is any less holiday spirit. Visitors will be happy to know that they can still enjoy the regions big theme parks and zoos without having to sacrifice a moment of holiday fun. Here is what the big three- Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld- have planned for the holidays.

Legoland: This year, the flip on the world’s largest Lego Christmas tree was switched by world famous skateboarder, Tony Hawk and the holiday celebrations began in a way that only Legoland can offer.  The Lego tree is made of over 245,000 brick and adorned with hundreds of Lego ornaments, including 50 new skateboard ornaments.  Posing by the snowman made of 37,000 bricks and a life-size Santa accompanied by two reindeer and his sleigh made of 51,000 bricks makes for a great photo op. Visitors can build snowmen complete with Lego carrots and throw snowballs at Lego-themed targets and then top the day off watching the nightly fireworks show.  If you are looking for more holiday fun, be sure to head next door to Sealife Aquarium where they have Christmas tree worms and a holiday dive show featuring A Fishmas Carol.

San Diego Zoo: The Jungle Bells celebration begins December 9th and features extended hours into the evening as well as holiday fun all over the zoo. The miniature train out front transforms into the North Pole Elf Express and bell ringers welcome nighttime visitors to the zoo.  The Skyfari ride becomes the Rudolph’s Ride to the Polar Rim.  At the children’s zoo Dr. Zoolittle puts on an animal filled ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas show while the Jumpin,’ Jammin’ Elves perform their acrobatics in front of Sydney’s Grill.  A ride aboard the Tinseltown Trolley will take you on a tour featuring several of the animal shaped light sculptures around the park. Be sure to take time to see the Elephant Odyssey Edible Christmas Tree and share your holiday wishes with Santa in his workshop.

SeaWorld: SeaWorld has featured a special Christmas celebration for the year but this year, SeaWorld becomes Snow World with 6,500 square feet of fresh snow covering Arctic Plaza daily, perfect for creating snowmen and snowballs.  Visits from the park’s arctic foxes and make this snowy celebration extra special. The park will be offering Christmas themed Shamu, sea lion, and pet shows as well as Polar Express in 4-D. Kids will love the opportunity to get pictures taken with Santa at his cottage and visiting with real reindeer in the holiday corral.

Photo: Kingdom Animalia