Event Details
YuleTides
Immerse yourself in a coastal holiday celebration where ocean life sparkles under twinkling lights, Santa makes seaside visits, and every corner of The Florida Aquarium glows with festive joy.
The excitement of YuleTides presented by GEICO returns to The Florida Aquarium, bringing holiday cheer to Tampa Bay! Experience coastal holiday traditions from around the world while celebrating the beauty of our oceans and the incredible marine life that calls them home.
This holiday season, unwrap the gift of unforgettable memories at YuleTides.
Event Details
Discover Seasonal Charm in Every Corner*
- Explore & enjoy serene habitats and stunning exhibits dressed in their holiday best
- Meet Santa at our wintry wharf and share your holiday wishes
- Decorate ornaments with Mrs. Claus and create holiday & winter themed arts & crafts to take home
- Embark on an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium
- Stroll through a trail alive with twinkling lights and festive music
- Sing along to holiday tunes with our “Coralers”
- Dine at Café Seventy One for festive flavors and seasonal treats.
This holiday season, unwrap the gift of unforgettable memories at YuleTides.
*Interactive experiences will be available weekends from November 28 – December 21 and every day between December 26 and January 4.
** Santa will be at the Aquarium weekends from November 28 – December 21 and every day between December 26 and January 1 (come see him when he’s on a well-earned vacation after Christmas!)
November 28 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Member Night
Be the first to experience the magic of YuleTides before it opens to the public! Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with sparkling lights, festive coastal charm, and holiday cheer as you explore The Florida Aquarium in this special members-only preview event.
December 7 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Sensory-Friendly YuleTides
Join us after hours for an exclusive time to enjoy the magic of the holiday season after the Aquarium closes. During this carefully curated event, lights and sounds will be adapted accordingly for individuals with sensory differences and their families.
December 12 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Member Night
Bring your family for a festive evening of YuleTides magic, where sparkling lights, holiday cheer, and coastal wonder fill The Florida Aquarium. Enjoy this special members-only night of ocean-inspired celebration and create unforgettable holiday memories together!
Plan Your Visit
Celebrate the season surrounded by the beauty of one of Tampa Bay’s most unique winter wonderlands.
YuleTides is included in general admission.
2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Give a gift that outlasts the season. From symbolic animal adoptions to unforgettable experiences, every gift in our Holiday Gift Guide helps create cherished memories while supporting The Florida Aquarium’s shared purpose to save marine wildlife.
More Holiday Surpises Ahead
We’re decking even more halls (and habitats) with festive fun. Stay tuned for more details about YuleTides experiences, activities, and surprises — coming soon!
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