by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo by Alex Lambert, and used with permission.)
Did you hear that?
It sounded like jingle bells–underwater.
OK, I am just teasing about that.
But not joking, that this weekend at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific is one of my favorite “California Christmas”-style celebrations.
This Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th, the Aquarium kicks off their “Aquarium Holidays” by hosting “Holiday Treats for the Animals”.
A uniquely Southern California-style celebration, this one is a blast.
Aquarium staffers deliver special treats to the otters, seals and sea lions.
Snow falls in the Great Hall.
Hanukkah and Kwanzaa storytellers hold audiences spellbound in the Marine Life Theater.
Creativity will be spotlighted, in a yummy-looking display of gingerbread houses.
A special, Aquarium-themed festive crafts session will be going on, all day, in the Great Hall.
Plus, weather permitting, visitors get to play in real snow!
The festivities go on all day, both Saturday and Sunday, with animal shows, an “Elf Magic” show and two new films.
And one of the highlights of Aquarium Holidays?
Santa Diver.
Look for the “jolly old elf” to make his underwater appearance each afternoon in the Aquarium’s Honda Blue Cavern. And when he’s not diving to deliver treats to the denizens of the large tank, he’ll be available for Santa photos!
Then, the festivities continue for Aquarium Holidays, through Friday, December 23rd. For the weekends of December 10th and December 17th, visitors will get to enjoy a snow play area (weather permitting), as well as photo opportunities with Santa.
Advance reservations are required. For more information, call (562) 590-3100 or visit this link.
And in the “sea-sonal” spirit, be sure you wish my favorites–the sea lions–a very “Merry Fish-mas” for me.
“Holiday Treats for the Animals” runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 100 Aquarium Way. “Aquarium Holidays” continue through Friday, December 23rd.