Southern California: Snow (and Treats) Expected

by Noella Noelophile®

Small boy examines snowflakes next to costumed "sea skate" character in the Blue Cavern

(Photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific, and used with permission.)

Happy December first!  And, uh-oh, it’s going to snow.

At least, it is this weekend, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach.

From tomorrow, Saturday, December 2 through Christmas Eve, the Aquarium’s hosting its weekend “Aquarium Holidays” celebration.  They’ll have both Christmas and Hanukkah-themed festivities–with a “sea-sonal” flavor, of course!

Sea skate character and small boy make snow angels in the snow play area

(Photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific, and used wiht permission.)

Snow will fall in the Aquarium’s Great Hall, and they’ll have a “snow play” area for kids (and maybe even us tall kids) to make a snow angel or two.

Visitors will get to watch the Aquarium’s 10 am Penguin Walk, take photos with Santa and various costumed Aquarium characters, and see the Aquarium’s display of gingerbread houses.

Santa will also be arriving, Aquarium-style.

Santa Diver in tank at Aquarium of the Pacific

(Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific, and used with permission.)

Each weekend, from now till Christmas Eve, “Santa Diver” will make an appearance with “fishmas” gifts for the animals.

Sea lion eats a green Christmas-tree-shaped ice treat in his habitat

(Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific, and used with permission.)

And this weekend, good little otters, penguins, sea lions and other animals get gifts, as well, during the Aquarium’s annual  “Holiday Treats for the Animals” event!

Otter enjoys a Christmas treat next to a snoawman

(Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific, and used with permission.)

There will be a real snowman in the otter area, which will offer “Sea’son’s Greetings” to its residents with candy-cane-shaped lobster treats.  Other animals in the Aquarium will receive special treats, as well.Lorikeet tree at Aquarium of hte PacificStorytelling is also a beloved part of any holiday, and the Aquarium has that covered.   Guests will get to hear Hanukkah stories, and get an opportunity to play dreidel, this weekend through the weekend of December 17th.  For Christmas, there will also be showings of the original Dr. Seuss Christmas classic cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Christmas carolers singing at the Aquarium of the Pacific

(Photo courtesy of the Aquarium of hte Pacific, and used with permission.)

In addition, there will be crafts for the kids, a special menu at Cafe Scuba and a chance to shop for special gifts in the nonprofit Aquarium’s Gift Shop.  And please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy with you, as the Aquarium supports the Long Beach Fire Department’s “Spark of Love Toy Drive”, now through Christmas Eve.

A very Merry December to you!  May you and your family be healthy, happy and enjoy the season.

The Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates “Aquarium Holidays”, weekends from Saturday, December 2 through Sunday. December 24th.  Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Aquarium, located at 100 Aquarium Way, southwest of West Shoreline Drive and near Golden Shore, in Long Beach.  Here’s the link for more information.
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