Illustration of fireworks bursting over a harbour at midnight as a crowd holds sparklers on the waterfront (New Year's Eve at Aquarium Aglow)

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.

Map It Details Official site

Advertisement

Plan Your Visit

When

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.

Hours

5:30–9:30 p.m.; scheduled entry times, with no early access.

Food & Drink

Food and beverages are available for purchase, including alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older with valid photo ID.

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.

Going?

Location

South Carolina Aquarium · 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families celebrating new year's eve with children

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Low

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.

Links & 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 website.

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.

Browse Christmas in Charleston

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: