Dazzling lights, festive food, and a sea of holiday magic await guests at the Georgia Aquarium this season! This year, the aquarium is hosting a brand new winter wonderland: WinterTide! Keep scrolling to learn all about this magical event.
What is the Georgia Aquarium’s WinterTide?
When: November 13, 2026 – January 2, 2027
*WinterTide is included with general admission!
WinterTide is a festive celebration of all things winter at the Georgia Aquarium. Guests are invited to stroll through a sea of dazzling lights, enjoy yummy seasonal treats and drinks, and check out all the holiday fun at the aquarium.
The shimmering winter ~waterland~ is filled with cheerful music, special animal presentations and the whimsical wonder of Santa’s North Pole Village.
And head to the atrium any day at 10am for the daily lighting of the aquarium’s brand new 40-foot LED tree! The aquarium will also host live musicians on weekends, from 11:30am – 4pm.
Santa’s North Pole Village
All new this year, Santa’s North Pole Village is the perfect spot to enjoy some winter fun. In Santa’s North Pole Village, guests can expect:
- playful activities
- giant games
- sweet treats
- holiday fun for all ages
- browse exclusive holiday gifts, including a gingerbread whale shark plush & more
And on select days, Santa will even come to the village for photos and to meet the kiddos!
Scuba Claus
We all know Santa flies his sleigh through the night sky, but did you know he also loves… to scuba dive?
Aquarium quests can catch Mr. Claus himself diving deep with the aquarium’s whale shark and manta rays in one of the world’s largest marine habitats, Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot.
Wake Up with Santa
On select days, enjoy a light breakfast with a view into the aquarium’s largest aquatic exhibit, all while Mrs. Claus and her elves set the stage for a winter wonderland!
Once you’ve woken up with a delicious breakfast, head to Santa’s workshop to snap a picture with the man in red himself! Then, you’re free to explore the entire Aquarium, where you’ll discover WinterTide décor, festive performances, and holiday magic all day long!
Dates:
- December 5th
- December 13th
- December 20th
WinterTide After Hours
And if you’re looking for a little more adult fun this holiday season, you’ve gotta head to WinterTide After Hours, an adults-only experience inspired by the magic of marine animals and the joy of the ocean.
This event includes:
- signature themed cocktails and mocktails
- atmospheric performances
- tons of amazing winter décor & festivities
This event runs on November 20th and December 18th, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out on all the fun, Atlanta! Head to the Georgia Aquarium this winter season for all the festive fun.
You can learn more about WinterTide, snag your tickets & more on the Georgia Aquarium’s website, here!
See ya under the sea, Atlanta!