YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium

Celebrate the holiday season with YuleTides at The Florida Aquarium, a new festive tradition. Families can capture magical moments with Santa and his reindeer, marvel at a towering upcycled YuleTides tree, and enjoy unique underwater entertainment featuring costumed divers. It's a whimsical way to experience the magic of the holidays with the wonders of the ocean.

What to Expect

Holiday tradition at an aquarium with festive marine life.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ โ€“ Get tickets
  • Parking: https://www.flaquarium.org/visit/plan-your-visit/directions-parking/
  • Accessibility: https://www.flaquarium.org/visit/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
  • Pets: Service animals welcome

Other Christmas Events Near Tampa

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday celebrations

Vibe

Festive, whimsical, educational

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • New holiday tradition
  • Photos with Santa and reindeer
  • 25 ft. upcycled YuleTides tree
  • Costumed divers

Tags

holiday light displaysSanta visitsfamily friendlyfestive decorationsseasonal activitiesholiday traditionfestive atmosphereholiday cheerinteractive displays

Location

The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL
33602

Event Details

Duration

Varies by visit

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Channelside

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

The Florida Aquarium

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to maximize your time enjoying the holiday festivities and aquarium exhibits.
  • Check the aquarium's daily schedule upon arrival for specific times of character appearances and any special holiday presentations.
  • Consider purchasing tickets in advance online to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak holiday periods.
  • Take advantage of the photo opportunities with Santa, but be prepared for potential queues during busy times.
  • Dress in comfortable layers, as the aquarium environment can vary in temperature, and you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for YuleTides?

YuleTides typically runs from late November through early January, with specific dates announced annually. For 2024-2025, it is scheduled from November 29 to January 5.

Is YuleTides included with general admission?

Yes, YuleTides is a special holiday event that is included with general admission to The Florida Aquarium.

Can I take photos with Santa?

Yes, they offer opportunities for photos with Santa Claus during the YuleTides event. Check the schedule for specific times.

Are there any special holiday performances?

The event features unique underwater entertainment, including divers dressed as holiday characters, adding a festive touch to the aquarium experience.

What are the aquarium's hours during YuleTides?

The aquarium's hours vary by day, generally opening between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and closing between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It's best to check their website for the specific daily schedule.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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