Is it just us, or does it not quite feel like the holidays until you’ve seen thousands of twinkling lights?

Enter: Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium, opening this Friday, Nov. 21, and running through Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Mark your holiday calendar and get excited to:

Explore the aquarium after dark.
Enjoy festive photo ops and sweet treats.
Be captivated by immersive installations.
Meet Scuba Claus (more on him in a minute).
Sip and snack on festive fare, including bevs for the 21+ crowd.

Did we have you at “Scuba Claus”?

That’s right — Santa’s traded in his sleigh for a dive mask and fins to explore the warmer waters of the Carolinas. You can catch him nightly in the Great Ocean Tank, so be sure to wave.

Almost as stunning as the lights themselves? The views from the Harbor Deck. | Photo provided by the South Carolina Aquarium

Ticket info

Aquarium Aglow tickets can be purchased in advance. A few pro tips:

Snag yours early, as prices increase by $3 day-of.
When you buy your ticket, you get to choose your entry time — the event runs from 5:30-9 p.m.
Check your tickets to make sure you arrive on time, and have them ready on your phone or printed for quick access.
Feel good, because proceeds from every ticket sale support animal care, education, conservation, and sea turtle rehabilitation.
Read on to learn how to save by becoming a member.

Tickets, FAQs, and more details