Aquatica Orlando is about to glow like never before as it unveils ILLUMINATE: A Lantern Festival at Aquatica, a brand-new nighttime holiday event debuting this November. The award-winning water park will transform into a radiant wonderland filled with glowing lanterns, immersive realms, and delicious festive bites.
Running on select nights from November 8, 2025, through January 31, 2026, ILLUMINATE invites guests to explore a dazzling after-dark experience unlike anything ever seen at Aquatica. While the park’s slides and pools take a nighttime pause, guests can wander through glowing walkways, encounter majestic animal lanterns, and discover five imaginative realms of light, each with its own story, interactive surprises, and photo-perfect moments.
“ILLUMINATE is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Aquatica,” said Bradley Gilmour, Park President of Aquatica Orlando. “From glowing mermaids and candy-colored forests to a lantern safari on our Serengeti Express train, this festival will light up the night in a way that’s both completely new and uniquely Aquatica.”
✨ Five Realms of Light
Each area of ILLUMINATE brings a different theme and atmosphere to life:
-
AquaLuma – Follow the glowing footprints of five animal guardians who first brought light to Aquatica’s waters.
-
Candy Cascade Falls – A whimsical, candy-colored forest where gummy bears, lollipops, and peppermint paths sparkle with laughter.
-
Enchanted Lagoon – Meet a luminous mermaid and her sea unicorn companion beneath a glowing crescent moon.
-
Myst Wood Waters – Step beneath the Great Tree of Light and activate a dazzling display of color as dragonflies and macaws fill the air.
-
Rivers of Discovery – Celebrate the spirit of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Discovery Cove with a glowing safari of animal lanterns that honor connection and care.
🎅 Festive Family Fun
Guests can enjoy even more seasonal surprises, including:
-
Kiwi Santa Meet & Greet – Snap photos with Aquatica’s tropical twist on Santa.
-
Kiddie Alley Express – Take a lantern-lit train ride through a safari of glowing animals.
-
Lantern Craft Zone – Make a wish at the “Wishing Tree” and release your lantern into the water.
-
S’mores Stations & Holiday Activities – Write letters to Santa, enjoy sweet treats, and meet festive characters.
🍴 Limited-Time Culinary Delights
The event also serves up an exclusive holiday menu with items like Brisket Mac & Cheese, Apple Cider Churros, Pork Belly Tacos, S’mores Pizza, and seasonal drinks including the Cotton Candy Margarita and Christmas Tree Punch.
🎟️ Tickets & Special Offers
Tickets for ILLUMINATE start at $29.99 during a special introductory offer. Guests can also purchase Lantern Lanyards (available in 5- and 10-punch options) to sample multiple food and drink items throughout the event. Pass Members receive exclusive discounts on admission and lanyards.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83