Georgia Aquarium transforms into a winter wonderland to kick start the holiday season with its annual extravaganza – Festival of the SEAson. This celebration begins Saturday, Nov. 16 and combines a new, spectacular holiday light show and fun-filled holiday events with the return of special guests including Santa, SCUBA Claus and the Weeki Wachee Mermaids.
FantaSEA in Lights
New this year, guests visiting during the Festival of the SEAson celebration will experience this spectacular light show throughout the Aquarium’s Atrium once an hour with lights dancing from the ceiling to the walls and floor, all choreographed to holiday classics.
Wake Up Santa
This brand new event gives guests an opportunity to try to Wake Up Santa by any means possible after his long journey from the North Pole to Atlanta. There will be a member’s only event at 9 a.m. featuring a special treat of milk and cookies with Santa after he wakes up and a public event at 11:30 a.m. Each event is limited to the first 250 guests who pre-register on the Aquarium’s website. When purchasing admission, simply add on “Wake Up Santa” to the order, it’s complimentary with Total Ticket admission. More details can be found here.
Nov. 27 – Dec. 4: Underwater Menorah
See the amazing underwater menorah in the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager built by the Home Depot. In celebration of Hanukkah and in accordance with tradition, another candle will magically be lit underwater each evening of the holiday. Dates and times can be found here.
Begins Nov. 29: SCUBA Claus
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit from our very own underwater Santa – SCUBA Claus. Visitors will have the chance to come face-to-face with Santa as he dons his SCUBA Claus wetsuit plunging into the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager. SCUBA Claus is checking out which animals have been naughty and nice from 30-feet deep among whale sharks, manta rays and more. He will be talking live to guests from the Ocean Voyager theater the day after Thanksgiving through the weekend, then on Thursdays – Sundays during dive show times. SCUBA Claus’ appearance schedule is available here.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 23: Visit with Santa
Georgia Aquarium offers families an exciting alternative to the mundane mall Santa with a seaside St. Nick. Guests can explore 10 million gallons of water and amazing animals instead of overcrowded stores while meeting Santa Claus. The memories made will last a lifetime. Dates and times can be found here.
Throughout Dec.: Weeki Wachee Mermaid Performances & Photos
Mermaids are real. Well, at least they are at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida, where generations of fans have watched them perform underwater shows since 1947. And this winter, Atlantans will enjoy a return holiday engagement by the Weeki Wachee Mermaids at Georgia Aquarium. This season, the mermaids will be performing prior to each showing of the live spectacular show, AT&T Dolphin Tales, offering an extra treat to an already exciting show. This year guests will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with the mermaids. Photos with a Weeki Wachee Mermaid are available for purchase each day of Weeki Wachee Mermaid performances for 90 minutes after each AT&T Dolphin Tales show in the Dolphin Gallery. Dates and details can be found here.
Dec. 7, 14 & 21: Mermaid Meet & Greets
Guests can enjoy the exclusive chance to interact with a real Weeki Wachee Mermaid. During the meet & greets, there will be a members-only event at 8 a.m. and a public event at 10 a.m. Each event is limited to the first 250 guests who pre-register on the Aquarium’s website. When purchasing admission, simply add on the “Meet and Greet” of your choice to your order, it’s complimentary with admission. More details on the events can be found here.
Great Gift Ideas for all in our online Holiday Gift Guide
With the holidays fast approaching, Georgia Aquarium has something for everyone on their list. Adventure seekers, conservation enthusiasts and animal lovers alike all have a gifts waiting for them at Georgia Aquarium. Guests interested in perfect stocking stuffers are encouraged to check out the Aquarium’s new online gift store where they will find several unique gifts and even make a wish list for those must have items.
For more information regarding the dates for the Festival of the SEAson celebration visit georgiaaquarium.org or call 404-581-4000.
