Aquarium Lantern Festival
Visitors wander outdoor plaza pathways filled with illuminated, larger-than-life lanterns inspired by nature. Guests can also head inside to explore aquarium galleries and observe animal habitats. Concessions and café dining are available for food and warm drinks throughout the evening.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Adult, teen, and child tickets are offered; children 2 and under are free. Students, seniors, and military are eligible for discounts at checkout. Aquarium members get 15% off every ticket with member login required at checkout. A group ticket section advertises $2 off each ticket with a minimum order of 20, but the FAQ says group ticket discounts are not offered at this time and all guests, including groups, must purchase individual tickets. SNAP, EBT, and WIC are not accepted; Museums-for-All does not apply to this event.
Hours
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Aquarium indoor access is 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Food and drinks are available for purchase at the indoor café until 9 p.m. and at plaza concessions until the event closes; outside food is prohibited, but empty water bottles are allowed for refilling.
Accessibility
All Aquarium buildings and Lantern Festival spaces are wheelchair-accessible.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Arrive after the 5:30 p.m. opening rush if possible; visitors may enter anytime during the event, and lines are typically longest at opening.
- Dress for current winter weather because all lantern displays are outdoors; use caution on plaza paths and ramps if conditions are icy.
- Allow about two hours, or at least an hour and a half, to see lanterns, explore galleries, and take photos.
- Buy a separate Lantern Festival ticket; daytime ticket holders must exit by 5 p.m. and re-enter at 5:30 p.m.
- Bring an empty refillable water bottle, since outside food is prohibited but bottles can be refilled at event stations.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children 2 and under enter free.
- Students, seniors, and military are eligible for discounts.
- Aquarium members get a discount on every ticket; member login is required at checkout.
- The festival is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
- A separate Lantern Festival ticket is required; daytime ticket holders must exit and re-enter for the festival.
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 contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see and do at the festival?
Walk the outdoor plaza paths to see large, nature-inspired lanterns, then explore the Aquarium galleries during festival indoor access. Some animals may be asleep, and Tuki’s Island is closed during festival hours.
How long should I allow for a visit?
The experience usually takes about two hours; allow at least an hour and a half, and more time if you are visiting with a larger group.
Can I get food or bring my own?
Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Aquarium Café and plaza concessions. Outside food is not permitted, but you may bring an empty water bottle to refill.
What should I wear, and what if the weather is poor?
The lantern displays are outdoors, so dress for the weather. The festival runs rain or shine; if severe weather causes a cancellation, tickets will be transferable.
Are the festival spaces wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Aquarium buildings and festival spaces are wheelchair-accessible. Paths and ramps are maintained, but use caution in icy conditions.
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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.