Aquarium Holidays

Experience special holiday decorations throughout the Aquarium, photos with Santa, snow on the front lawn, and the Holiday Treats for the Animals festival.
Get into the holiday spirit December 1 through 23, 2018, at the Aquarium during the month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration. Aquarium Holidays features special holiday décor, daily penguin parades at 10 a.m., shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, daily screenings of the original cartoon Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a special holiday menu in Café Scuba, and daily appearances by Santa Diver and the Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. A display of gingerbread houses will start December 8. On weekends the Aquarium will have a snow play area, children’s crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa. Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel will be presented on December 1, 2, 8, and 9.

December 8-9 is Holiday Treats for the Animals festival. Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its animals, including penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish.

A toy drive runs daily December 1 through 23 and supports the Long Beach Fire Department Spark of Love Toy Drive. Aquarium guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy – at a $15 value or more – will receive a coupon valid for $10 off adult/$3 off child, up to 4 total admissions. Aquarium members will receive a complimentary Aquarium admission ticket for each toy donated (max of 6).

Holiday Ugly Sweater weekend is December 22-23. Wear an ugly holiday sweater and get $5 off all ages upon request.

Aquarium Holidays Schedule
December 1-23, 2018

VISIT WITH SANTA
In between his dive shows, Santa will appear in his traditional attire for photo opportunities.

Weekends: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SNOW PLAY AREA ON THE PLAZA IN FRONT OF THE AQUARIUM (WEATHER DEPENDENT).
Play in real snow! Just get a hand stamp at the exit in order to re-enter the Aquarium.

Weekends 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

SANTA DIVER
See Santa dive with the fishes.

Weekends: 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Weekdays: 1:30 p.m.

HANUKKAH STORYTELLING AND DREIDEL ACTIVITY IN MARINE LIFE THEATER
December 1-2 at 12:30 p.m.
December 8-9 at 4:00 p.m.

HOLIDAY TREATS FOR THE ANIMALS FESTIVAL
Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its animals, including penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish.

December 8-9 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

MEET AN AQUARIUM HOLIDAY CHARACTER
Take photos with our ray, polar bear, penguin, otter, and octopus costume characters in their holiday attire.

Weekends 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Weekdays 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

“SNOW”
Watch as snow falls in the Great Hall.

Weekends 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Weekdays 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

FREE HOLIDAY FILM
Original cartoon Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Ocean Theater.

Weekends 11:00 a.m., 2:40 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Weekdays 11:00 a.m., 2:40 p.m.

PENGUIN PARADE
10:00 a.m. – 2nd Floor Northern Pacific Gallery, in front of Sea Otter Habitat

HOLIDAY CRAFTS
Weekends 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DISPLAY
December 8-23: See a special ocean-themed gingerbread house display created by Aquarium staff.
All program locations in Aquarium Great Hall area unless otherwise noted. All programs subject to change and weather dependent.