Georgia Aquarium is rolling out its holiday transformation this year, with a brand-new 40-foot LED tree anchoring a season-long celebration called WinterTide. The program folds in dazzling lights, festive food and drinks, music, animal presentations and a Santa's Village, and it's all included with the price of regular admission.
According to Georgia Aquarium, visitors can “stroll through a sea of dazzling lights, festive food and beverages, and holiday magic” throughout WinterTide. The aquarium notes that the new LED tree will be lit each day at 10 a.m. in the atrium, with staff describing a scene where “cheerful elves welcome guests” for the lighting. As Secret Atlanta reported, live musicians will also perform on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the run.
Santa's Village and a Gingerbread Whale Shark
Santa's North Pole Village is set up as a winter wonderland filled with playful activities, giant games, sweet treats and holiday fun for all ages, the aquarium says. Kids can meet Santa Claus on select days for photos, and the village includes a gingerbread whale shark plush among its offerings, per the aquarium's own event listing.
For families wanting a bigger production, the aquarium's Wake Up With Santa experience includes a light breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a view into the aquarium's largest exhibit, followed by a photo with Santa and full access to the aquarium for the day. Secret Atlanta reports those breakfast dates are scheduled for December 5, December 13 and December 20.
Scuba Claus Takes the Plunge
The signature holiday spectacle remains Scuba Claus, who dives among the aquarium's whale sharks and manta rays in Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot, which the aquarium describes as one of the world's largest marine habitats. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that visitors can catch Scuba Claus on select days in December, when he and an elf visit with a green sea turtle inside the tank.
The AJC also describes manta rays gliding past as underwater “reindeer” during the dive, adding a wink of holiday theater to the massive exhibit. Every day of WinterTide will also bring holiday-themed animal presentations, the aquarium says, giving guests a reason to time their visit around feeding or training sessions.
Music, Cocktails and an Adults-Only Night
Beyond the tree lighting and Santa appearances, WinterTide features performances from the Atlanta Boy Choir, Alma Mexicana, Harptones, Atlanta Women's Choir and local musician Carey Durham, according to the aquarium's event page. For grown-ups looking for a holiday night out without the kids in tow, Secret Atlanta reports the aquarium is hosting WinterTide After Hours, an adults-only experience set for November 20 and December 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., featuring themed cocktails and mocktails, performances and winter décor.
On the admission front, a ticket listing on the aquarium's site showed a price of $54.99 for November 20. WinterTide itself is included with general admission, so there's no separate surcharge to see the tree, the animal presentations or Santa's Village once you're through the doors.
