Skip to Content
The Florida Aquarium - 30 Years

Santa’s Post-Christmas Getaway: Relaxing in Style at The Florida Aquarium

Vacation santa in front of The Florida Aquarium

December 26, 2024

Share Story

Share

Tampa, FL (December 25, 2024) – After a magical holiday season of delivering presents around the globe, Santa Claus has chosen The Florida Aquarium as his ultimate post-Christmas retreat. Having enjoyed his time at YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium so much during his pre-holiday stop, Santa decided it’s the perfect place for a much-needed vacation to recharge before heading back to the North Pole.

>>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEOS
AND PHOTOS OF SANTA ON VACATION + YULETIDES AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM <<
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

 

From December 26 through January 1, Santa will trade his unique, YuleTides blue suit for a laid-back tropical look, complete with a festive shirt, comfy shorts, and his signature Christmas hat. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, guests of all ages are invited to snap photos at Santa’s Wharf with a relaxed and cheerful Saint Nick as he enjoys Florida’s sunshine and the Aquarium’s breathtaking marine life.

“We’re excited to welcome Santa back to The Florida Aquarium for his well-deserved vacation,” said Corey Romberg, Director of Guest Engagement at The Florida Aquarium. “We believe in creating memorable experiences for families, and what better way to continue the holiday cheer than by giving guests the chance to meet Santa in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season, while enjoying all that the Aquarium has to offer.”

Santa’s return visit to the brand-new YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium extends the holiday magic for families looking to celebrate the season in a unique and festive way. This one-of-a-kind event immerses guests in coastal holiday traditions from around the world with enchanting seaside décor, fun activities including beach games and crafts, live entertainment, and animal encounters to celebrate the SEAson. Along with meeting Santa, visitors can explore the Aquarium’s immersive exhibits, marvel at marine wildlife, and create lasting memories.

YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium runs daily with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 26 through January 5, 2025, except New Year’s Eve (closes at 4:30 p.m.). The event is included in general admission. For more information, to purchase tickets, and make advance reservations, click here.

|

The Latest from The Florida Aquarium

November 24, 2025

The Tide Pool Exhibit at The Florida Aquarium Nominated as One of the Best New Attractions in the Country

The Florida Aquarium is once again in the running for national recognition, this time as one of the top new attractions in country, following its nomination in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. With the community’s support, the Aquarium has the chance to secure a spot in the prestigious Top 10—shining a spotlight on its…

Read More
Roger Germann, Kristin Greco, and John Couris at the EOY Board Meeting at the Florida Aquarium

November 21, 2025

The Florida Aquarium Celebrates 30 Years with New Board Leadership

As The Florida Aquarium celebrates its 30th anniversary, the nonprofit is welcoming two new members to its board of directors and announcing Kristin Greco, CEO of PAR, Inc., as its new board chair. Greco has served in multiple Board leadership roles with the Aquarium and brings deep organizational leadership experience to this new position. John…

Read More
Coral team from the Florida Aquarium preparing to go outplant newly grown corals.

November 13, 2025

Volunteers and Biologists Dive In to Restore Hope for Florida’s Coral Reefs

Volunteers and coral scientists from The Florida Aquarium and I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education) came together in the Florida Keys this past week for a powerful purpose: restoring life to one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. On Friday, the team outplanted more than 90 brain corals—born and grown at The Florida Aquarium’s Coral…

Read More

Stay Up to Date

Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.