Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
Guests stroll through dazzling holiday lights and gather in the atrium around a 40-foot LED tree. Festive animal presentations showcase bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, while Scuba Claus dives alongside manta rays and whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager habitat. Visitors can also explore Santa's North Pole Village to enjoy giant games, seasonal treats, and live performances by local choirs and musicians.
What to Expect
Holiday lights, themed animal presentations, and Scuba Claus at Georgia Aquarium.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Atlanta
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Georgia Aquarium
Food & Drink
Mrs. Claus serves seasonal treats in the village, WinterTide features festive food and beverages, Wake Up with Santa includes a light breakfast, and adults-only After Hours offers themed cocktails and mocktails.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: WinterTide is included with general admission. Santa’s Photo Emporium costs an additional fee. – Get tickets
- Hours: Holiday Tree Lighting: daily, 10 AM; live music: Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 AM-4 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Start your visit at the daily tree lighting in the atrium, where the elves welcome guests and light the new 40-foot LED tree.
- Reserve your dolphin or sea lion presentation on the day of your visit, since those holiday-themed shows need a reservation.
- Plan a Saturday or Sunday visit if you want to hear the live music from local choirs and groups like the Atlanta Boy Choir and Tinseltones.
- Santa only comes on select days and his photo schedule is still to be posted, so check it before promising the kids a Santa photo.
- Aqua Pass holders need a reservation to visit, so book your slot before heading down to see WinterTide.
Special Events & Promotions
- Wake Up with Santa on December 5, 13 and 20 (separate ticket): light breakfast overlooking the largest exhibit, a visit and photo with Santa, then the whole Aquarium.
- WinterTide After Hours for adults 18+ on November 20 and December 18 (separate ticket), with themed cocktails, mocktails and performances.
- Santa's Photo Emporium for an additional fee, with Santa on select days and Domino the whale shark mascot on other days.
- New this year: the all-new Santa's North Pole Village with giant games, a play area and treats from Mrs. Claus.
- New this year: a 40-foot LED tree in the atrium, lit by the elves each morning.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's in Santa's North Pole Village?
Playful activities, giant games, a play area and seasonal treats from Mrs. Claus. There's also a shop with exclusive holiday gifts, including a gingerbread whale shark plush. It's holiday fun for all ages.
Will Santa be there every day?
No, Santa visits on select days. When he isn't there, Domino the whale shark mascot greets guests and poses for photos. Photos with Santa at Santa's Photo Emporium cost extra, and the photo schedule is coming soon.
Is there live music?
Yes, on Saturdays and Sundays. Performers include the Atlanta Boy Choir, Alma Mexicana, Harptones, the Atlanta Women's Choir, Carey Durham, the Georgia State School of Music and the a cappella group Tinseltones.
Are there holiday animal presentations?
Yes. Holiday-themed presentations featuring bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions run every day during WinterTide. You need to reserve the dolphin and sea lion presentations on the day of your visit.
Is there anything just for adults?
Yes. WinterTide After Hours is an adults-only (18+) holiday night with themed cocktails and mocktails, atmospheric performances and décor throughout the Aquarium. It needs its own ticket.
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