Ring In the Holiday Season at the Aquarium During the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 29, 2018

Preview the Aquarium Holidays during the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium will be decorated for the season, and guests can see the tree in the Great Hall come to life as the lights go on. Watch snow fall in front of the Honda Blue Cavern as costumed characters mingle with guests. Press are also invited to get a preview of the Aquarium’s Holiday Treats for the Animals festival as the otters receive early holiday treats and presents at 10:45 a.m. and at 11:15 a.m. for the sea lions and seals, including the baby seal’s first holidays. Kaya the harbor seal was born at the Aquarium in April. There will be a special penguin photo opportunity for press at 10:20 a.m. in celebration of the Penguin Parade, which will take place during Aquarium Holidays from December 1 through December 23.

WHEN: Tree lighting ceremony/holiday preview for press: Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. check in and continental breakfast)

WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/aquarium_holidays/

PUBLIC COST: Included with general admission–$29.95 adult (12+), $26.95 senior (62+), $17.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.

AQUARIUM HOLIDAYS: Get into the holiday spirit December 1 through 23, 2018, at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium Holidays features a snow play area and photo opportunities with Santa on weekends. Every day from December 1 to 23 Aquarium guests can see Santa Diver giving “fishmas” gifts to the animals, watch the 10:00 a.m. Penguin Parade, take photos at the holiday selfie station, witness snow fall in the Great Hall, and explore the gift stores. Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel is on December 1, 2, 8, and 9. The festivities also include the annual Holiday Treats for the Animals event on December 8-9. During this event, the sea otter exhibit will be decked out for the “sea”son with decorations, and visitors can watch the otters savor candy cane-shaped lobster treats. Aquarium staff will also give gift delicacies to penguins, sea lions, and other animals. Children can enjoy holiday crafts and appearances by Santa Diver, photo opportunities with Santa and holiday characters, and all the Aquarium holiday festivities. Aquarium Holidays and Holiday Treats for the Animals are included with general admission and are free to Aquarium members.