If you’re searching for a holiday experience that goes beyond the usual lights and gingerbread, Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey delivers something truly unforgettable. Each year, the aquarium transforms into a dazzling Winter Waterland for its beloved Christmas Underwater celebration, bringing festive cheer to thousands of visitors from the Philadelphia region and beyond.
A Holiday Experience Like No Other
From now through December 24, Adventure Aquarium immerses guests in a seasonal celebration filled with twinkling lights, indoor snow flurries, themed photo ops, and plenty of underwater magic. Kids and adults alike can spot the one and only Scuba Santa, who makes daily dives into the exhibits to greet visitors through the glass.
Meet the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree
The star of the show is the aquarium’s signature holiday installation: the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree. Standing at an impressive 18 feet, this coral-covered tree is installed inside the massive 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit, home to the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.
Expert divers assembled the entire display underwater, carefully attaching custom-sculpted corals to create a vibrant and colorful holiday centerpiece. Watching sharks glide past a glowing Christmas tree is a sight you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s become a must-see tradition for families in the region.
More Than Just Holiday Magic
Beyond the seasonal attractions, Adventure Aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, penguins, tropical fish, and even two Nile hippos. Guests can explore walk-through tunnels, touch exhibits, daily shows, and interactive experiences that make the aquarium a favorite year-round destination.
Planning Your Visit
Christmas Underwater runs through December 24, and it’s one of the aquarium’s most popular annual events. If you’re visiting on a weekend or close to the holiday, it’s smart to reserve tickets early.
Here’s what you need to know:
Location: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Event Dates: Through December 24
Tickets & Info: adventureaquarium.com
Whether you’re going for Scuba Santa, the underwater Christmas tree, or simply to explore the incredible marine life, Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater celebration offers a festive experience unlike anything else in the region. It’s immersive, memorable, and a perfect way to dive into the holiday spirit.
