This holiday season, there are more reasons than ever to join the merriment of The Florida Aquarium’s holiday celebration. The Aquarium is o-FISH-ally ready for the SEAson and we have your holidays planned out with many activities and events to get you in the spirit of the SEAson.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your thousandth time, start a new tradition with your loved ones and attend one of our holiday-themed events or stop by for a visit. Come experience one of Tampa’s most magical traditions from November 30th through December 30th.
Guests of all ages can get their fix of holiday fun with festive events, and joyful entertainment inspired by the holiday SEAson as they create a holiday tradition together.
Whether you want to meet Santa and his elves and their favorite Aquarium animals, or play with snow in Florida, the fun at the Aquarium is limitless. Whale be waiting for you to make holiday memories with friends and family during the merriest time of the year.
Check out our holiday events and join us in spreading holiday cheer at The Florida Aquarium this year:
*Saturdays with Santa – November 30, December 7, 14, & 21 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Guests of all ages can share Holiday wishes and take pictures with Santa Claus during this special holiday adventure. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the holidays at The Florida Aquarium. Santa will be at the Aquarium for photos* starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Santa’s elves will also be diving in the Aquarium’s Coral Reef habitat during its regularly scheduled dive presentation times. *Pictures are available for purchase.
*Penguins, Pancakes and Santa – December 7 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Santa and his elves are coming to The Florida Aquarium and he knows who has been Nauti or Nice! The Florida Aquarium and Santa Claus cordially invite you to enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast. It’s one of the most unique breakfasts in Tampa—Pancakes, Penguins and Santa lets families have breakfast together while spending the morning with live penguins!
*Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – Saturday, Dec 21 | 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join us for this SEA of lights event. What better way to celebrate the holidays than joining us aboard our 72-foot Bay Spirit II catamaran for a festive celebration. We will be playing the season’s favorite new and classic holiday songs while you sip on complimentary hot cocoa and nibble on cookies. Witness the annual light show extravaganza with hundreds of brightly lit and decorated boats and yachts as they cruise along Tampa Bay while enjoying this popular family-friendly Holiday event.
*Snow Days – Dec 26-30 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Returning for another year of flurry fun, continue the holiday celebration at the Aquarium in a real snow play area for kids. After you’re done, head inside for an Aquarium experience including animal encounters, diving elves and more! Access to our snow play area is included with general admission.
*Sensory Snow Day – Saturday, December 28 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Children with sensory differences and their families can enjoy all of the Snow Days fun in a low-stress environment! The event will also feature a special appearance by the 501st Legion Star Wars Stormtroopers. Sensory headphones are available at Guest Services upon request.
*Holiday Member Nights – Dec 26 & 27 | 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Special after-hours events just for our Members featuring a real snow lay area for kids, animal encounters, diving elves and more! Please RSVP by December 22nd. Additional guests are $10 at the ticket window.
Visit the aquarium’s website for additional details on all of the holiday events.
For the latest on The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and theme parks, attractions and more across the region, be sure to follow Touring Central Florida on twitter @androckb, @JacobTouringCe1, @TourCentralFL, and give our facebook page a like.