Ava McDonnell
This winter, Aquatica Orlando is transforming from sun-soaked slides to shimmering lights with the debut of ILLUMINATE: A Lantern Festival at Aquatica. The brand-new nighttime holiday event will run select evenings from November 8, 2025, through January 31, 2026, inviting guests to explore five glowing realms filled with massive lanterns, festive bites, and family-friendly entertainment.
“ILLUMINATE is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Aquatica,” said Bradley Gilmour, Park President of Aquatica Orlando. “From glowing mermaids and candy-colored 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.”
Families can look forward to a magical mix of art, light, and storytelling as they stroll through five immersive realms, each bursting with color, music, and interactive features. From candy-colored forests to a lantern safari, ILLUMINATE promises a multi-sensory holiday experience unlike anything the park has offered before.
Five Realms of Light to Explore
Each of ILLUMINATE’s themed realms invites guests to discover glowing wildlife, whimsical creatures, and hands-on surprises:
AquaLuma: Step into a mythic world guided by the glowing footprints of five animal guardians who brought light to Aquatica’s waters.
Candy Cascade Falls: A sweet, sparkling forest where giant gummy bears and peppermint paths light up with laughter.
Enchanted Lagoon: A moonlit cove watched over by a glowing mermaid and her sea unicorn companion.
Myst Wood Waters: A forest alive with lantern birds and color-shifting chameleons, centered around an interactive Great Tree of Light.
Rivers of Discovery: A glowing safari paying tribute to the animals and parks that inspire conservation, including SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Festive Food & Family Fun
Beyond the lights, guests can take part in cozy and creative activities. Families can make a wish and set it afloat in the Lantern Craft Zone, while little ones can hop aboard the Kiddie Alley Express train for a lantern-lit safari. Visitors can also meet Kiwi Santa, a tropical twist on the classic Saint Nick.
Of course, the food shines just as bright. Limited-time bites and drinks include Brisket Mac & Cheese, Apple Cider Churros, Pork Belly Tacos, S’mores Pizza, and festive sips like the Cotton Candy Margarita or Christmas Tree Punch.
Tickets and Details
ILLUMINATE tickets start at $29.99, with Lantern Lanyards available for guests who want to sample multiple food items at a discount. Pass Members receive additional savings on both tickets and lanyards.
During the event, Aquatica’s water attractions will pause operations, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the glowing displays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more details and tickets, visit here.
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