Aquatica Illuminates the Season!

Just when you think you have seen every kind of Christmas event and seasonal highlight in Orlando, along comes something new that adds even more to this special time of year when all the attractions go into festive overdrive to attract your attention.

We have long been big fans of SeaWorld’s annual Christmas Celebration (which runs from November 7 to January 4 this year), but we had never seen their Aquatica water park venture into the Yuletide frenzy before. Now that is about to change with the introduction of an evening programme after regular park closing that includes a summer Santa!

This holiday season, Aquatica will shine brighter than ever with the debut of ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica, a brand-new nighttime experience transforming the award-winning water park into a radiant realm of light and imagination. Expanding upon beloved nighttime traditions like AquaGlow, their summer night splash party, this all-new limited-time event introduces entirely original realms, interactive elements and sensory surprises that set it apart from anything seen before at this South Seas-themed park.

Beginning on November 8 and running on select nights through January 31, 2026, guests are invited to stroll through glowing walkways, discover majestic animal lanterns and explore five immersive realms of light from 6 to 10pm. Each realm will feature vibrant storytelling, interactive surprises, festive bites and photo-ready moments. During this nighttime event, pools and water slides will pause operations so guests can fully enjoy the immersive lantern experience.

ILLUMINATE Outlined

Bradley Gilmour, Park President of Aquatica Orlando, explained: “ILLUMINATE is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Aquatica. From glowing mermaids and candy-coloured forests to a lantern safari brought to life on our Serengeti Express train, this festival will light up the night in a way that is both completely new and uniquely Aquatica. We can’t wait for families to create glowing holiday memories in a setting that feels worlds away, yet right here in Orlando.”

ILLUMINATE also plans to be more than just a feast for the eyes; it should also be an experience crafted to engage all five senses. From the glow of towering lanterns and the soundscapes woven into each realm to the scent of cotton candy drifting through Candy Cascade Falls and the warm campfire aroma in S’mores Alley, every detail has been designed to fully immerse guests in the laid-back vibe.

Aquatica’s entertainment, design and technical teams have been charged with going above and beyond to blend artistry with innovation, ensuring each realm feels alive with wonder, connection and holiday spirit. In essence, ILLUMINATE will invite guests to wander through five creative glowing environments, each with its own story, atmosphere and lantern creations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store:

AquaLuma: Legend tells of five animal guardians who first brought light to the waters: Roa the Kiwi, Papa the Spoonbill, Wae Wae the Takahe, Kata the Kookaburra and Ihu the Gecko. Their glowing footprints, laughter and starlight will guide explorers through arches that shimmer and shine with radiant wildlife.

Candy Cascade Falls: A sugary dreamscape where giant gummy bear guardians awaken the forest of sweets, causing sparking lollipops to sprout and peppermint paths to glow. Every laugh makes the candy sparkle, every step makes the falls flow sweeter, creating a world where joy itself lights the way.

Enchanted Lagoon: Said to be born of a pearl that fell from the moon, this mystical cove is home to a luminous mermaid, who keeps watch over the dreams and wishes cast into her waters. Guests may even catch a glimpse of her sea unicorn companion under a crescent moon.

Myst Wood Waters: Deep in a forest where dragonflies taught the light to dance and macaws painted the skies, a Great Tree of Light pulses with energy. Visitors will be able to feel its heartbeat glow as they step on an interactive mat beneath the tree, activating a dazzling light display while lantern birds, bubbles and colour-shifting chameleons bring the forest alive.

Rivers of Discovery: A glowing tribute to the animals that inspire and the parks that protect wildlife worldwide (like Florida’s SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove), this lantern-lit safari celebrates connection, care and curiosity. From dolphins and flamingos to giraffes and lions, each lantern tells a story of wonder and discovery, a journey illuminated by those who care.

Festive fun for the whole family

In addition to the glowing realms, ILLUMINATE will also feature a series of specially themed encounters, experiences – including a chance to meet with The Chief Elf himself – and some suitably seasonal tastes. This quartet adds even more to the overall experience.

Kiwi Santa Meet & Greet: A whimsical summer-styled Santa inspired by New Zealand traditions, perfect for festive family photos. Kiddie Alley Express: The Mini Serengeti Express train invites the young and young at heart to ride through a lantern safari of lions, zebras and giraffes. Lantern Craft Zone: Families can take part in a magical “wishing tree” experience where guests will write a wish on a scroll, seal it in a decorative vial and receive a small lantern to “release their wish” into the water. S’more Stations & More Holiday Fun: Bring cozy holiday vibes to life by taking part in meet-and-greets with Kiwi (tropical) Santa and his merry elves or by writing a letter to Santa at the craft station (included with admission). At the same time, classic s’mores will be available for purchase or can be redeemed with event lanyards.

Limited-Time Food & Beverage Offerings

Of course, no celebration or extra event is complete without its own array of food and drinks, and ILLUMINATE will be no exception. Here in Aquatica, culinary creativity will meet holiday cheer with exclusive menu items available only during the event, and guests will be able to indulge in treats such as Brisket Mac & Cheese, Apple Cider Churros, Pork Belly Tacos, S’mores Pizza and festive sips like the Cotton Candy Margarita or a non-alcoholic Christmas Tree Punch.

And, for a limited time, guests can snag ILLUMINATE tickets for as low as $29.99 during this special introductory offer. Foodies can take their experience to the next level with a Lantern Lanyard (available in five or 10-punch options), giving them the flexibility to taste their way across the event while enjoying big savings, while Pass Members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on admission and food lanyards. Please note, the park’s rides and slides will NOT be open during the evening event. For more information, visit https://aquatica.com/orlando/events/illuminate/.

Have you visited SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park? Tell us about it on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.