This holiday season, Shreveport Aquarium is bringing Christmas magic beneath the waves with the return of its seventh annual Believe! Lights the Night, an interactive holiday experience where families can bring Christmas trees to life, unlock magical surprises and explore an underwater winter wonderland.
Taking place on select evenings December 5–22, Believe! Lights the Night transforms the aquarium into a sparkling holiday destination filled with festive lights, falling snow, Christmas characters and hands-on magic. This year, the aquarium is making the experience even more affordable for families, with lower children’s ticket prices starting at just $16.
At the heart of the experience is a special motion-activated magic wand that puts Christmas magic in guests’ hands. Children can use their wands to illuminate Christmas trees, activate magical displays, discover whether they’ve been naughty or nice and trigger other surprises throughout the aquarium. Best of all, the wands are theirs to keep.
Along the way, guests can meet Santa Claus and his mischievous elves, visit Glacielle the Snow Mermaid from the Arctic Ocean, experience falling snow and enjoy festive activities surrounded by sharks, stingrays and other fascinating aquatic animals.
Visitors can also stroll through Christmas Tree Lane, featuring decorated trees from local nonprofits. Guests can vote for their favorites, helping participating organizations compete for cash prizes to support their missions.
Families are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas, festive sweaters and holiday attire while enjoying this one-of-a-kind underwater Christmas adventure.
Believe! Lights the Night – Dates and Tickets
Regular event nights: December 5, 12 and 19–22, 2026
Time: 4:30–8:30 p.m.
- Adults and teens (13+): $30
- Children ages 6–12: $20
- Young children ages 2–6: $16
- Children under 2: Free (no wand included)
Aquarium members receive $10 off each ticket.
Exclusive VIP Nights Add Even More Holiday Magic
For families looking for an extra-special experience, Shreveport Aquarium is also offering two limited-capacity Believe VIP Nights on December 11 and 18.
In addition to everything included with regular admission, VIP guests will enjoy an underwater elf diver, festive face painting, cookie and candy decorating, stocking decorating and special activities. Each child will also receive a personalized gift from Santa, including a plush toy selected in advance.
VIP tickets are $35 for adults and $65 for children, with aquarium members receiving $10 off each ticket. Both VIP nights sold out last year, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Breakfast with Santa Offers More Holiday Family Fun
The aquarium’s holiday celebrations continue with Breakfast with Santa, offered Saturday mornings on December 5, 12 and 19, with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Families can enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers, complete with story time, holiday crafts, games and opportunities to take memorable photos with their own cameras.
The breakfast buffet includes housemade warm cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, fresh fruit, coffee and juice.
As an added bonus, Breakfast with Santa tickets include free aquarium admission following breakfast, giving families the opportunity to explore the aquarium’s exhibits and enjoy the interactive holiday magic wand experience. Children receive a motion-activated wand to use throughout the aquarium and take home as a keepsake. The included aquarium admission and wand represent a $22.95 value.
Breakfast with Santa tickets are $35 per person for nonmembers and $25 for members. Children under 2 are admitted free without a wand. Advance reservations are required.
Plan Your Holiday Visit
With its unique combination of marine life, interactive Christmas magic and festive family activities, Shreveport Aquarium offers a holiday experience unlike any other in the region.
Tickets for Believe! Lights the Night and Breakfast with Santa are available online. Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as popular dates and time slots may sell out.
For tickets and additional information, visit:
Believe! Lights the Night:
https://www.
Breakfast with Santa:
https://www.
About Shreveport Aquarium
Located on the downtown Shreveport riverfront, Shreveport Aquarium offers an immersive journey into the underwater world, featuring sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, fascinating freshwater species and interactive exhibits. Recognized as the 2025 Louisiana Travel Association Attraction of the Year, the aquarium connects visitors of all ages with aquatic life through hands-on experiences, education and conservation.