Annual events make Mystic Aquarium merry AND bright this holiday season

MYSTIC, CT - An array of decorated trees, carolers, live music and a visit with Santa, all against a backdrop of fascinating marine animals…it can only be the holidays at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration! Get some decoration inspiration during the annual Holiday Sea of Trees, then enjoy holiday festivities to benefit area food banks and educational programs for at-risk youth during the Festival of Lights annual fundraising evening open house.

Holiday Sea of Trees
‘Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly – and more than 20 Christmas trees! Everything is illuminated during the annual Holiday Sea of Trees, featuring a variety of uniquely themed trees decorated by local organizations. The magic takes place from November 27 to January 4 on the main exhibit floor, where the trees’ lights reflecting off the exhibits’ glass create a bright and festive atmosphere.

WHEN: November 27 to January 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last aquarium admission at
4 p.m.)

WHERE: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355

COST: Free with aquarium admission: Adults $26, seniors $23, children (ages 3 to 17) $19, free for children 2 and under.

Festival of Lights
Discover the true spirit of the season during the Festival of Lights on December 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Friends of Mystic Aquarium (FOMA), this festive event benefits area food banks, as well as Sea Research Foundation’s Immersion Learning division, which provides education programs for at-risk youth across the nation.

The enchanted evening includes carolers, holiday music, photos with the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy, face painters and a visit from Santa on the main exhibit floor and throughout the outdoor animal exhibits.

Across the street, Olde Mistick Village will provide complimentary refreshments and holiday music amidst hundreds of luminarias, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Festival of Lights is made possible by FOMA and Mystic Transportation Company.

WHEN: Friday, December 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355

COST: Adults $5, children (3 to 17) $2 to benefit Sea Research Foundation’s programs for at-risk youth, plus one canned food item donation per person for area food banks.

For more information on either event, call (860) 572-5955 or e-mail marketinginfo@mysticaquarium.org.

Tags: Christmas Events, Holiday Events, Mystic, Mystic Aquarium, New London County

Category: Upcoming Events