Get Festive At The Clearwater Marine Aquarium This Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again! Some of you may be confused as to what time I’m talking about though. whenI understand we haven’t even gotten into our Thanksgiving leftovers yet, but somehow, the holiday spirit has already hit you like a sugarplum fairy on a double shot of espresso. I mean, who needs to wait until after turkey day to start decking the halls, right? Suddenly, you’re very interested in Christmas lights, belting out Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (yes, at full volume), and pretending you’re not already making a list of presents you definitely won’t buy until December 24th. Sure, we’re still a few days away from Black Friday chaos, but in your heart, it’s already holiday season. Which is why I am excited to
Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 16, you can step into a world of wonder and light at Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This captivating after-hours event promises to be a dazzling display of creativity and color featuring the sounds of the Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus performing a mix of timeless songs throughout the night.
Imagine this. from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Aquarium transforms into a magical underwater world where glowing whales, dolphins, jellyfish, sharks, and even penguins (yep, penguins!) light up the night. Some of these lantern sculptures are so tall they’ll make you feel like a shrimp, standing at up to 13 feet tall. It’s a chance to wander through a sea of sparkle, snapping photos and pretending you’re the star of your own holiday special.
But wait, there’s more! The Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus will be serenading you with everything from ancient chants to Disney classics, with a little Broadway magic thrown in for good measure. They’ll perform three times throughout the evening—6:00-6:15 p.m., 7:00-7:15 p.m., and 8:00-8:15 p.m.—so you can have a little musical magic sprinkled throughout your stroll.
As visitors stroll through the glowing marine landscape, they’ll not only enjoy the lanterns but also encounter real animals within the aquarium, blending art and nature in an immersive experience. Special holiday-themed lighted cocktails will also be available for guests to enjoy as they explore this magical world.
Tickets are $55, with CMA members receiving a 10% discount. This event is perfect for families and guests of all ages looking to celebrate the season in a truly unique setting. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Aqua Lanterns page. Just remember, Aqua Lanterns will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, with select dates throughout the holiday season through the end of December. So make sure you plan ahead.
