New Year's Eve at Aquarium Aglow
Guests explore the aquarium illuminated by hundreds of thousands of festive lights while roaming entertainers and a live DJ provide entertainment. Families can enjoy face painting, watch Scuba Claus dive in the Great Ocean Tank, and celebrate an early countdown with a special pufferfish ball drop. Refreshments and adult beverages are available for purchase throughout the evening.
What to Expect
Family New Year's celebration featuring a pufferfish ball drop and Scuba Claus.
Event Details
Food & Drink
Food and beverages are available for purchase, including alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older with valid photo ID.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families celebrating new year's eve with children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult (13+): $39.95; Child (3–12): $34.95; Toddler (0–2): Free. Aquarium members get 20% off listed prices after signing in. Face painting is included with the ticket, while supplies last. Food and beverages are available for purchase; only guests 21 and over with valid photo ID may purchase alcoholic beverages. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:30–9:30 p.m.; scheduled entry times, with no early access.
- Parking: The page recommends the city-operated pay-to-park Aquarium Garage at 24 Calhoun Street.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair rentals are available, and free KultureCity sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and strobe glasses can be checked out at Admissions or the Info Desk.
Tips & Advice
- Choose a scheduled entry slot and do not arrive early, as early access is not allowed.
- Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed to expedite entry.
- Use the city-operated Aquarium Garage on Calhoun Street for the recommended parking option.
- Ask for a free sensory bag at Admissions or the Info Desk if noise-reducing headphones or communication cards would help.
- Use caution in dim areas and on outdoor exhibits, where flooring may be damp; some areas have flickering lights.
Special Events & Promotions
- Early-bird pricing is available.
- Toddlers aged 0–2 enter free.
- Aquarium members receive a discount after signing in.
- The pufferfish ball drop takes place three times during the evening.
- Scuba Claus appears for a dive in the Great Ocean Tank.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can families do during the event?
Explore the aquarium’s holiday lights, enjoy roaming entertainers and DJ music, get face painting while supplies last, and watch Scuba Claus dive in the Great Ocean Tank.
How does entry work, and can I arrive early?
Entry is scheduled, and early access is not allowed. Guests can stay until the event ends.
What food and drinks are available?
Food and beverages are available to buy, and refreshments may contain or contact common allergens. Guests aged 21 and over with valid photo ID may purchase alcoholic drinks.
Where can I park?
The recommended parking is the city-operated pay-to-park Aquarium Garage on Calhoun Street.
What should visitors know about accessibility and sensory needs?
Accessibility resources include transportation information and wheelchair rental. Free sensory bags with items such as noise-reducing headphones and communication cards are available at Admissions and the Info Desk; some areas have flickering lights, low lighting or damp flooring.
More Christmas Events near Charleston
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