Aquatica Orlando has officially joined the holiday lineup, and it’s bringing something totally new to the season. ILLUMINATE at Aquatica transforms the water park into a glowing nighttime experience filled with themed zones, dazzling lights, and cozy treats. And, it's all without the usual soundtrack of nonstop jingle bells. It’s immersive, spacious, and surprisingly romantic, making it a standout pick for couples and friend groups looking for something different this season.
Here are five things at ILLUMINATE Aquatica that make it worth adding to your to-do list for Christmas in Orlando. Plus, you'll find the map of all the event's activities, plus important pricing information.
What to Know About ILLUMINATE Aquatica
1. It’s an All-New Holiday Experience
This isn’t a repurposed light trail or zoo path; it’s a completely reimagined way to explore Aquatica after dark. Each section of the park becomes its own illuminated world, connected by open walkways that feel calm.
You can take your time wandering from one zone to the next, discovering glowing sculptures, interactive elements, plus a few activities along the way. My husband and I visited during a hosted media preview and I loved how each zone is encapsulated.
We enjoyed the decor, the sights, the sounds, and (in some zones) the smells of each realm. Then we would take a moment to grab a drink or a snack before heading into the next realm. There are three themed bars and yummy treats spread in between each zone (more on that later).
2. Each Realm Has Its Own Personality
Unlike other holiday displays where the lights blend together, ILLUMINATE is designed as a sequence of moods. You’ll step from the vibrant pulse of AquaLuma, into the next realm of your choice.
We turned right after being in AquaLuma, heading toward the surf shack where lots of guests waited to meet Tropical Kiwi Santa. After some time in S'mores Shore, we headed into the storybook glow of Mystic Wood Waters.
Rivers of Discovery became the next realm on our path, and I feel this is the most romantic and prettiest area of ILLUMINATE. It houses lanterns of animals best known in SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and even Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It feels like the heart of ILLUMINATE, a home base.
Every area is near its own drink or treat station, a great excuse to pause and savor the moment before moving on to the next.
3. S’mores by the Shore Is Pure Holiday Magic
If you visit one spot, make it S’mores by the Shore and do it EARLY in your visit. This cozy corner feels like stepping into a seaside Christmas postcard. Individual fire pits invite you to roast your own marshmallows while sipping rich s’mores hot chocolate. The rustic décor, string lights, and classic Christmas music make it the most traditional — and most romantic — part of the event.
It’s also ideal for small groups or families who want to linger and relax.
We made this the first stop for our ILLUMINATE Aquatica date night, and we remarked how it was the smart thing to do. As we sat at our cozy fire pit with sticky marshmallow fingers, we noticed the line to purchase the s'mores kit got longer and longer. The team members worked quickly to keep things efficient so everyone could have their moment to enjoy this lovely spot.
[SIDE NOTE] For anyone who misses the walkway and festive village from the days of SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration before the arrival of the Pipeline Coaster, this area gives me some of those vibes.
4. Themed Drinks and Mocktails Add a Grown-Up Twist
Every bar has its own creative menu, from candy-inspired cocktails to frosty mocktails perfect for a festive night out. It’s easy to turn this into a “sip and stroll” evening — trying something different at each stop as you move through the zones.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple or with friends, the specialty drinks make great conversation starters and colorful photo moments.
ILLUMINATE Aquatica Themed Bars
- Midnight at Motu’s: The new year is already here at this NYE-themed beach bar full of sparkle.
- Trader Turi’s Tinsel Bar: Playful and sweet with full holiday flair, this one wins the best decorations award if we had one such award to give.
- Ke-Re’s Spirit of Safari: Tropical-themed jungle bar, smallest of the three.
These festive bars are fun enough to add to our list of Christmas bars in Orlando!
5. It’s Festive Without Feeling Overwhelming
ILLUMINATE offers the magic of the holidays without the chaos. There’s no blaring Christmas soundtrack, no shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. It's a festive evening of glowing lights, lanterns, the sound of water, and moments of pause and reverence. It’s the kind of event that invites you to slow down, take in the view, and enjoy the company you’re with.
For couples who’ve done every tree trail and light show in town, this one feels refreshingly different.
Plan Your Visit
ILLUMINATE at Aquatica Orlando runs select nights Nov. 8 – January 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with last entry at 9:15 p.m. This is a separately ticketed event, not included with daytime park admission. Parking is $15, though Pass Member parking rules will apply.
Slides, pools, and water attractions remain closed during ILLUMINATE, so the entire experience is a dry, walk-through light festival. The event is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs.
Review the event map before you go so you can plan ahead and be familiar with the pathways.
What a fun new way to enjoy the holidays!
