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
Holiday Magic Awaits
Discover Seasonal Charm in Every Corner
Celebrate the joy of the season as the Florida Aquarium comes alive with festive experiences for all ages. From hands-on fun to heartwarming holiday moments, every visit brings something new to explore. Yuletides activities are available on weekends starting November 28, and daily from December 26–January 4.
Sustainable Celebration
Celebrate the season sustainably with our dazzling 28-foot upcycled Christmas tree. Brilliantly crafted from recycled materials, our tree includes authentic Gasparilla beads collected from the iconic parade!
Share a Wish with Santa
Meet Santa* at our wintry wharf and share your holiday wishes during a magical, picture-perfect visit!
*Santa will be at the Aquarium weekends from November 28 – December 21 and daily between December 22 – January 1.
Holiday Tree Regatta
See the Aquarium in a new light as you stroll through our Holiday Tree Regatta — a festive trail of holiday trees aglow with twinkling lights, marine-themed ornaments, and decor representing coastal holidays around the world.
Dive Into Festive Fun
Explore a world of holiday thrills and chills by testing your skills in our interactive scavenger hunt or Arctic Zone Blast.
Create & Celebrate
Get crafty with festive ornament-making! Design your own ocean-inspired keepsake using fun, eco-friendly materials. On select days, Mrs. Claus herself leads a special ornament-making class for a little extra holiday magic.
Sing Along with our Coralers
Join our joyful Holiday Coralers as their cheerful tunes fill the aquarium, inviting guests of all ages to sing along and share in the festive spirit!
YuleTides SeaTrek Experience
Make a splash this holiday season with a memorable underwater adventure through our SeaTrek Experience. Join us every weekend in December for a unique way to enjoy the season.
We’re also offering special daily availability from December 20 through January 4, giving you more opportunities to share this immersive experience with visiting family or friends on winter break.*
Celebrate the season beneath the surface and enjoy an experience you will talk about long after the holidays.
*Please note: We will be closed on Christmas Day.
Seasonal Treats That Are Sure to Delight
Celebrate the holidays with limited-time treats swimming into the Florida Aquarium’s Cafe Seventy One
- YuleTides Splash: Refresh your holiday spirit with this merry, mix-your-way beverage— enjoy it alcohol-free or with a spirited twist! Topped off with boba for a burst of fun.
- Santa Sundae: Vanilla soft-serve ice cream topped with peppermint cheesecake crumble, gummy sharks, toasted marshmallow, and a Nutella-filled fish-shaped waffle—finished with vanilla caramel drizzle and festive sprinkles.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Warm up with our build-your-own hot chocolate bar, packed with cozy toppings and seasonal cheer.
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, each gift in our Holiday Gift Guide helps create cherished memories while supporting our shared purpose to save marine wildlife.
More Holiday Surpises Ahead
We’re decking even more halls (and habitats) with festive cheer. For more details about YuleTides experiences, activities, and surprises follow us on social media or join our newsletter to be the first to know what’s making a splash this holiday season.
