San Diego between Christmas and New Years?

[michelleh1]

Can anyone tell me what San Diego will be like between Christmas and New Years? I'm wondering what crowds will be like at Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Also, will Sea World have regular hours and shows, or lots of closures since it's winter? thanks!!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I haven't been to SeaWorld during that time period, but I have been to the zoo on New Year's Eve. It was crowded, but it was also a weekend, and wasn't nearly the most crowded I've seen it.

I think you may encounter some crowds, especially if there is good weather and the locals come out, but nothing like you would see at Disneyland.

SeaWorld's hours will probably be 10am-5 or 6pm during the week. Not sure about weekend and holiday hours. You may have some closures - the Cirque de la Mer show isn't shown outside of spring and summer, but the Believe killer whale show, some kind of dolphin show, and Pets Rule show will still be on (IME anyway).

Personally I think winter is a GREAT time to go to those parks because of the lower crowds and cooler weather.

 

[michelleh1]

thanks for the info, Alison!

 

[JaxsonsMom]

I don't agree with Alison all the way, from a week before Christmas to a week after New Year's I stay away from all that. We went to the zoo last year on the tuesday following Christmas and could barely move! The line for the bus was well over 1.5 hours and people were going nuts!

Sea World is big, with all the shows going on during the day it is easier to miss the crowds, just stay clear of the show are appx. 30 mins. after they start.

All in all it is a very "tourist" time to be here, if you accept that, you can't beat the weather that time of year!

Hope you have fun!

Terese