Florida Aquarium Christmas Tidings runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3
Holiday décor, Santa photos and underwater characters are included with admission; a sensory-friendly hour is Dec. 13.
TAMPA - The Florida Aquarium will stage Christmas Tidings from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, the Aquarium said in a Nov. 6 release. The program is included with general admission, according to the Aquarium's Christmas Tidings event page.
Visitors can expect twinkling trees, a glowing lighthouse, an upcycled holiday tree and snow flurries in the Queue Garden, plus photos with Santa, Sparkle and Shine Decorators, costumed divers, recycled holiday crafts, letters-to-Santa stations, Café Seventy One seasonal treats and daily animal ambassador experiences, the Aquarium said.
A Day of Discovery Christmas Tidings hour is set for Dec. 13 from 8 to 9 a.m. for guests with sensory differences and their families, with adjusted lighting and sound. Katherine Hardwick, the Aquarium's vice president of marketing and communications, said the Aquarium wants Christmas Tidings to be "a place where families can experience the magic of the season." Member Nights are listed Nov. 27 and Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Aquarium's tickets page, checked Saturday, listed hours this week as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and uses Plan-Ahead Pricing, with ticket prices that vary by day of visit rather than a single posted rate.
Source: The Florida Aquarium, Christmas Tidings release, Christmas Tidings event page and tickets page, opened Nov. 7, 2026.