‘Tis the season for some holiday fun – is your calendar full yet this month? If not, we have the perfect activity for you! Head for the coast, where you can hang out with sea lions, seals, and adorable little otters, all while enjoying a winter wonderland of sparkling lights and lots of holiday entertainment. Make plans now to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
We love to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium all year long, but the winter months are an especially nice time to be there. Tourist season is long over, so on a winter weekday, you’ll almost have the place to yourself!
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
Things do get hopping during the holidays in December, when the aquarium hosts its annual Sea of Lights Celebration. It takes place every Friday and Saturday throughout the month.
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
The celebration kicks off on December 6th and 7th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., then the party continues on the 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
Wander through the grounds of the aquarium to see nearly a half million glittering lights and displays.
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
The twinkling lights are beautiful, and we’ve heard that they’ve added even more this season, so be prepared to be surrounded by the spirit of the holidays!
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
Of course, the sea creatures are the real draw here, and you’ll still want to say hello to your favorites, like Catalina the Sea Lion…
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
…and all the sweet seals. These pinniped cousins recently got a brand new, 90,000-gallon home, which features double the amount of linear viewing feet.
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
We always have a hard time tearing ourselves away from the sea otters. These playful, inquisitive characters just steal our hearts every time we visit!
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
As you wander through the aquarium, keep an eye out for Santa! He loves this place as much as we do, and we’ve heard that he’ll be hanging out here on weekends.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Make sure your kiddos have their wish lists ready - hopefully they’ll be able to tell Santa that they’ve been nice this year, and not naughty 😉
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Other festivities during the Sea of Lights Celebration include live performances by local music groups…
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
…charming gingerbread houses…
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
…and plenty of hot coffee, cocoa, and Christmas snacks.
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
The cost for admission to the Sea of Lights Celebration is just $10, or free with a paid daytime admission on the same day. On kickoff weekend (December 6th and 7th), bring two cans of pet or human food to donate, and get into the celebration for just $2!
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
Get a look at last year’s Sea of Lights in this YouTube video posted by Oregon Coast Aquarium:
Oregon Coast Aquarium/Facebook
Oregon Coast Aquarium/YouTube
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its Sea of Lights Celebration on the aquarium’s website. If you aren’t already following the aquarium’s Facebook page, make sure to do so! It will keep you updated on all the latest events there, and the page’s feed is full of adorable pics of seals, sea lions, otters, and more!
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Address: Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA
