Illustration of a couple and children walking through a tunnel of twinkling white lights in the snow (Holidays at Georgia Aquarium)

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.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

georgiaaquarium.org

When

Tickets

WinterTide is included with general admission. Santa’s Photo Emporium costs an additional fee.

Hours

Holiday Tree Lighting: daily, 10 AM; live music: Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 AM-4 PM.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Atlanta

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.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Georgia Aquarium · 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and immersive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

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.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

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.

View More FAQs

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