by Noella Noelophile®
The otters have been on their best behavior. The sharks’ manners have been exemplary. And the lorikeets have been very kind.
In other words, none of the residents of Aquarium of the Pacific will be receiving a lump of coal during “Holiday Treats for the Animals” this weekend.
Every Christmas season, Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its unique “Holiday Treats for the Animals” program. They’re just about to do that again, this Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th. And you’re invited!
Before I tell you more, though–the Aquarium requires advance reservations, in the interest of safety. Here is the link for information. And don’t forget your (possibly Christmas-, Hanukkah- or Kwanza-themed) mask!
Now–the program.
A highlight of “Holiday Treats for the Animals”, for us, was watching the otters receive their treats.
Aquarium staff shape fish-flavored snacks into what amounts to festive “ice pops”. When we were there in 2018, those otters didn’t leave a bite!
Seals, sea lions and lorikeets aren’t forgotten on Santa’s list, either. Here is a link to the Aquarium’s website, which will feature Saturday and Sunday’s scheduled events during “Holiday Treats for the Animals”.
And you’ll get some photo ops with “sea creatures”: look for the festive cutouts, where you can get a unique, fun photo!
When you come into the Great Hall, you’ll notice that this is an event for everyone. A Hanukkah menorah stands near the Christmas tree and the Kwanzaa altar.
Activities will include Hanukkah and Kwanzaa storytelling, in addition to the “Elf Magic” and “Animal Ambassador” shows throughout both Saturday and Sunday.
As with most of Aquarium of the Pacific’s special events, “Holiday Treats for the Animals” features some hands-on activities. There will be crafts workshops, as well as a dreidel activity.
And, you can get your picture taken with Santa!
“Holiday Treats for the Animals” also kicks off “Aquarium Holidays”, which will continue through December 23rd.
And look for “Santa Diver” in a starring role for both “Holiday Treats” and “Aquarium Holidays”, as he appears in a red suit to deliver some underwater cheer to residents of the Aquarium’s Great Hall.
And don’t miss the gingerbread houses, on display in the Great Hall through December 23rd! During our previous visits, we were enchanted with the imaginative Aquarium-themed creations on display.
Can’t make “Holiday Treats for the Animals” this weekend, but you’d still like to visit the Aquarium this Christmas sea-son? Then consider putting on your Santa hat–at least figuratively. (Though a literal one might be fun!) Through December 23rd, Long Beach Fire Department conducts their annual “Spark of Love” Toy Drive. Donate a new, unwrapped toy worth $15 or more, and you receive a gift: a coupon worth $7 off Aquarium admission. And a maximum of four of these discounts are permitted, per family.
And if you have an “ugly sweater” in your closet, you may want to find it now. On Saturday and Sunday, December 17th and 18th, the Aquarium celebrates “Ugly Sweater Weekend”. Wear your most garish festive sweater, and they’ll give you $7 off your Aquarium admission, upon request.
Finally–“Santa” has brought the Aquarium a new sandbar shark for Christmas! You’ll get to learn all about “Ginger” during your visit.
“Holiday Treats for the Animals” runs Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th, from 9 am to 5 pm, Pacific time, at Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way. “Aquarium Holidays” continue through Thursday, December 23rd. Advanced online reservations are required; here’s the link for information.