Aquatica Orlando is lighting up the night this holiday season. Prepare to enter a dazzling festival featuring brilliant lantern displays, dynamic sounds, captivating scents and themed food and beverages. As you journey through five radiant realms, you'll experience shimmering seascapes, playful candy-inspired creations and more as each step reveals something new to explore, taste and share. A breathtaking world of wonder awaits you at this brand-new, separately ticketed, after-hours event. Dive in as we flip the lights on this luminous celebration.
FAQs
- What is Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando? Illuminate is a separately ticketed, after-hours event that transforms Aquatica Orlando into a luminous world of wonder on select nights through Jan. 31, 2026. Prepare to discover dazzling lantern displays, participate in interactive moments, enjoy themed food and drink and so much more at this magical nighttime festival.
- Are the Aquatica Orlando attractions open during Illuminate? Slides, pools and waterways will not be open during this experience.
- What are the operating times for Illuminate? Operating times are 6 to 10 p.m. on event nights through December 2025. January event nights will run from 6 to 9 p.m.
- How long does it take to walk the entire pathway at Illuminate? Plan on a minimum walking time of one hour, but feel free to explore the illuminated realms as many times as you like during your event date. Event re-entry is not permitted.
Illuminate Overview & Tickets
Illuminate Festival event occurs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights through Dec. 31, 2025, and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on select nights from Jan. 1 through 31, 2026. This event features glowing lanterns and illuminated pathways that transform after dark. Slides, pools and waterways are not open during this experience. However, Kiwi Traders and Adaptations gift shops will be open, as well as other retail options, during the event.
Plan on a minimum walking time of one hour, but there's no need to rush! All guests are welcome to stay the duration of the event, regardless of entrance time. You can explore the illuminated realms as many times as you like during your event date. Take your time, revisit your fave spots and capture those perfect holiday pics!
Tickets to Illuminate are available through Aquatica's website, and an entry time slot must be selected. Admission outside of your selected time slot will be based upon availability. Single Night Tickets start at $24.99 and include one admission to Illuminate Lantern Festival for the date selected. You can also purchase a 4-pack of Any Night Tickets for $20 per ticket. These are good for any one event night through Jan. 31, 2026.
Tickets do not include parking, which is $15 per vehicle. If you have purchased parking for day admission, it is valid for the same day event. Additionally, tickets will be confiscated or revoked without restitution for misuse. Admission isn't valid prior to the selected entry time, and once admitted, guests may remain in the park until close. Park hours and content are subject to change without notice.
For a limited time, you can also score a free Any Night Illuminate ticket with the purchase of a new Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass!
Illuminate will hoppen in rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather causing event cancellation, your Illuminate ticket will be covered under Aquatica's Weather-or-Not Assurance policy.
Five Realms of Illuminate
Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando is truly unlike any other after-hours event. Prepare to enter five incandescent realms filled with color, light, magic and wonders beyond your wildest dreams.
AquaLuma
According to legend, five glowing guardians brought light to the waters of Aquatica: Roa the Kiwi, Papa the Spoonbill, Wae Wae the Takahe, Kata the Kookaburra and Ihu the Gecko. Discover their lanterns at this awe-inspiring realm where you'll wander shimmering pathways, enjoy festive bites and party at Midnight at Motu's Bar, where every night feels like New Year's Eve.
Candy Cascade Falls
Satisfy your sweet tooth in this candy-colored dreamland, where giant gummy bears welcome you to a whimsical trail lined with glowing lollipops and sparkling gumdrops. Breathe in sugary scents and pose by large-than-life ice cream cones for the perfect photo op. Don't froget to press the macaron buttons to make the candy trees shimmer and watch the lights dance around you in this irresistibly delicious realm.
Enchanted Lagoon
Born from the pearl that descended from the moon, this mystical lagoon is home to a luminescent mermaid who keeps watch as visitors participate in Wishes by the Water, casting their dreams into her illuminated cove. Beyond her shiny shores, wander past mythical creatures and a tunnel of sparkling lights that capture the wonder of the night.
Myst Wood Waters
Enter a rainforest brimming with light, sound, scent and surprise. This tranquil realm invites you to discover vibrant macaws, dragonflies, toucans and lizards hidden among the towering trees. Fog-filled bubbles dance through the air, phenomenal photo ops await at every turn and calming music sets the scene for an experience that is equal parts playful and serene.
Rivers of Discovery
Gaze upon a glimmering tribute to the animals that inspire and the parks that protect. Create, explore and connect through moments of music and crafts or hitch a ride on the Serengeti Express for a lantern-lit safari. Stroll through passageways illuminated by towering flamingos and dolphins and quench your thirst with a themed beverage at Ke-Re's Spirit of Safari.
Signature Experiences at Illuminate
Memorable experiences galore await you inside Illuminate's spellbinding realms. Unlock your imagination and creativity and celebrate the holiday season with these sensational signature experiences.
Meet Kiwi Santa at Jolly Wave
Kowabunga to all and to all, a good night. Santa's swapped his sleigh for a surfboard and has road the waves to Aquatica Orlando. Kiwi elves will welcome you to Saint Nick's Jolly Wave workshop, where you'll be able to write your own letter to him and drop it into the North Pole Express mailbox. Then, pose for a photo with the big man in red before indulging in fun holiday drinks — including nonalcoholic eggnog — at Trader Turi's Tinsel Bar, a watering hole bursting with over-the-top Christmas decor.
Meeting Santa is included with event admission, as well as the Letters to Santa activity. Photographs and souvenirs will be available for purchase.
S'mores by the Shore
Gather 'round the crackling campfire and inhale the scent of toasted marshmallows as you craft your own s'mores by the warmth of a glowing ski lodge. Pass the graham crackers, please!
Serengeti Express Train Ride
All aboard! Hop on the Serengeti Express Train Ride for a magical journey through glowing safari scenes, featuring illuminated lantern animals, such as lions, giraffes, zebras and more. This add-on experience is perfect for any and all aspiring explorers.
Riders must be at least 36 inches tall to ride without a supervising companion. Riders below 36 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion, age 14 years or older.
Wishes by the Water
On the moonlit shores of the Enchanted Lagoon, dreams and light coalesce in a magical moment you have to see to believe. Let Lumel, the lagoon's mystical guardian, guide you through an unfrogettable experience that transforms heartfelt wishes into glowing reflections across the shimmering water. With the mermaid watching over each dazzling light, you'll leave with a complimentary keepsake to carry the magic (and your wish) home ... and memories to last a lifetime.
Creative Corners
All around the park, you'll find complimentary, hands-on experiences for guests of all ages that spark your creativity. Write a heartfelt letter to Santa, create your own festive keepsake or make music with playful instruments at these glowing imagination stations.
Face Painting
Located on the shores of the Enchanted Lagoon, this colorful add-on experience invites guests of all ages to add a touch of festive fantasy to their night with magical, dreamlike designs.
Illuminate Food & Drinks
Purchase an Illuminate Sip and Savor Sampler to try the more than 25 festive menu items for a delicious value! Enjoy any combination of specialty food and beverage items, including the S'mores by the Shore experience. A 10 Sample Lanyard is $65 each and a 5 Sample Lanyard is $35 each.
Waterstone Grill
- Golden Glaze Tenders: Teriyaki chicken tenders, citrus teriyaki sauce and green onions
- Seas the Night: Conch fritters, caper lemon aioli and lemon garnish
- Spinach & Feta Crisps: Spinach and feta phyllo with green goddess sauce
Kiwi Market
- Spicy Sugared Churro: Spiced and sugared churro with mole sauce
- All Grown Up Grilled Cheese: Gouda grilled cheese with tomato dipping sauce
- Midnight Street Empanadas: Beef and cheese empanada with cilantro crema
Mango Market
- Deck the Halls: Meatballs with cranberry sauce
- Home for the Holidays: Turkey with cornbread stuffing and gravy
Papa's Pizza
- Chicken Parm Glow-Up: Open-face chicken parm sandwich
- Pizza Pocket: Your choice of pepperoni, cheese or veggie
Walkabout Pizza
- Lantern's Glow Pizzas: Cheese or pepperoni
- S'mores Pizza
S'mores by the Shore
- S'mores Kit: Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and skewers for two s'mores
Midnight at Motu's
- Cranberry Countdown: Cranberry juice, thyme syrup, champagne and cranberries
- 24K Bellini: Pear syrup, rose and glitter
- The After Party: Bourbon, pure maple syrup, lemon juice, garnished with smoked bacon
- Midnight Mocktail: Apple cider, cranberry juice, pear syrup and ginger ale
Trader Turi's Tinsel Bar
- Candy Cane Kiss Martini: White chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, peppermint syrup
- Holiday Harvest Martini: Whiskey, pumpkin liquor, Irish cream and cinnamon
- Jingle Juice: Midori, rum, Sprite and cherry
- Noggy & Nice: Eggnog topped with whipped cream and cinnamon
Ke-Re's Spirit of Safari
- Jungle Bird: Gold rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice and agave
- African Sunset: Grenadine, spiced rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice and orange juice
- Blue Lagoon: Vodka, blue curacao, lemonade
- Virgin Painkiller: Pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut milk, lime juice, dusted nutmeg
What are you most frogcited to experience at Illuminate at Aquatica Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Aquatica Orlando
Keep hopping!
