Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando’s water park, is introducing an after-hours holiday event called Illuminate, a walk-through lantern festival.
After Dark Activities will be held on 42 selected nights, mainly on weekends from November 8th to January 31st.
“From sparkling mermaids and candy-colored forests to a lantern safari brought to life on the Serengeti Express, this festival will light up the night in entirely new and uniquely Aquatica ways,” Aquatica Park President Bradley Gilmore said in a news release.
The event includes Aquarma (the legend of the five animal guardians), Candy Cascade Falls (glowing lollipops, peppermint trails), Enchanted Lagoon (potential sightings of mermaids, sea unicorns), Mist Wood Waters (dragonflies, chameleons, giant trees of light), and Rivers of Discovery (a lantern-lit safari with lions, flamingos, and more). We will feature two glowing environments.
Illuminate will also include a s’mores station, craft zone, mini Serengeti Express train and a Kiwi Santa welcome party inspired by New Zealand tradition.
Event hours are 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The park’s slides, pools, and waterways are closed during the illumination period.
Disney announces three expansion plans, unveils tropical American model
Ticket prices range from $29.99 to $31.99, depending on date.
To purchase and learn more, visit aquatica.com/orlando.
Universal Holidays: Parade, Hogwarts Show, Grinchmas, Whoville Tree Lot
Email us at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Blue Sky: @Theme Park Database. Thread account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to Theme Park Ranger Newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
First published: October 16, 2025 11:56 AM EDT
