Aquatica Orlando to Debut first ever Nighttime Lantern Festival, ILLUMINATE this weekend!

A luminous new holiday event opens Nov. 8 with larger-than-life lanterns, immersive realms, festive bites and Black Friday savings with tickets starting at $24.99.

This weekend, Aquatica Orlando will shine brighter than ever as ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica opens to guests on Saturday, Nov. 8. This all- new nighttime experience will transform the award-winning water park into a radiant realm of light and imagination, running select nights through Jan. 31.

Guests can stroll through glowing walkways, discover majestic animal lanterns, and explore five

immersive realms of light from 6 to 10 p.m. Each realm features vibrant storytelling, interactive

surprises, themed bites, and photo-ready moments. During this nighttime event, pools and

water slides will pause operations so guests can fully enjoy the immersive lantern experience.

“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 brought to life on our Serengeti Express train, this festival will light up the night in a way

that is both completely new and uniquely Aquatica. We can’t wait for families to create glowing

holiday memories in a setting that feels worlds away, yet right here in Orlando.”

ILLUMINATE is an experience crafted to engage all five senses. From the glow of towering lanterns and the soundscapes woven into each realm to the scent of cotton candy drifting through Candy Cascade Falls and the warm campfire aroma in S’mores Alley, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to immerse guests fully.

Check out our 2025 Guide to all magical fun this Holiday Season in Orlando. From the theme parks, to the attractions, shopping malls and resorts, you'll be dazzled with holiday options throughout Central Florida.

Five Realms of Light

ILLUMINATE invites guests to wander through five all-new glowing environments, each with its

own story, atmosphere, and lantern creations. Here’s a Breakdown of the Brilliance:

AquaLuma – Legend tells of five animal guardians who first brought light to the waters: Roa the

Kiwi, Papa the Spoonbill, Wae Wae the Takahe, Kata the Kookaburra, and Ihu the Gecko. Their

glowing footprints, laughter, and starlight guide explorers through arches of shimmer and

radiant wildlife that still shine today.

Candy Cascade Falls – A sugary dreamscape where giant gummy bear guardians awaken the

forest of sweets, sparking lollipops to sprout and peppermint paths to glow. Every laugh makes

the candy sparkle, every step makes the falls flow sweeter, creating a world where joy itself

lights the way.

Enchanted Lagoon – Said to be born of a pearl that fell from the moon, this mystical cove is

home to a luminous mermaid who keeps watch over the dreams and wishes cast into her

waters. Guests can take part in “Wishes by the Water,” a glowing new lantern activity where

families can release their own illuminated wishes across the lagoon.

Myst Wood Waters – Deep in a forest where dragonflies taught the light to dance and macaws

painted the skies, a Great Tree of Light pulses with energy. Visitors can feel its heartbeat glow

as they step on an interactive mat beneath the tree, activating a dazzling light display while

lantern birds, bubbles, and color-shifting chameleons bring the forest alive.

Rivers of Discovery – A glowing tribute to the animals that inspire and the parks that protect

like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Discovery Cove — this lantern-lit safari

celebrates connection, care, and curiosity. From dolphins and flamingos to giraffes and lions,

each lantern tells a story of wonder and discovery, a journey illuminated by those who care.

Festive Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to the glowing realms, ILLUMINATE will feature:

Kiwi Santa Meet & Greet – A whimsical summer-styled Santa inspired by New Zealand

traditions, perfect for festive family photos.

Kiddie Alley Express – The Mini Serengeti Express train invites the young and young at heart to

ride through a lantern safari of lions, zebras, and giraffes.Wishes by the Water – Families can take part in a magical “wishing tree” experience. Guests

will write a wish on a scroll, seal it in a decorative vial, and receive a small lantern to “release

their wish” into the water.

S’more Stations & More Holiday Fun – Bring cozy holiday vibes to life by taking part in meet-

and-greets with Kiwi (tropical) Santa and his merry elves or writing a letter to Santa at the craft

station (included with admission). Don’t forget classic s’mores are available for purchase or can

be redeemed with event lanyards.

Limited-Time Food & Beverage Offerings

Culinary creativity meets holiday cheer with exclusive menu items available only during

ILLUMINATE. Guests can indulge in limited-time in treats such as Brisket Mac & Cheese, Apple

Cider Churros, Pork Belly Tacos, S’mores Pizza, and festive sips like the Cotton Candy Margarita

or a non-alcoholic Christmas Tree Punch.

Light Up the Night with Sweet Savings

ILLUMINATE tickets are now on sale starting at just $24.99 during the Black Friday Presale!

Foodies can take their experience to the next level with a Lantern Lanyard (available in five- or

ten-punch options), giving them the flexibility to taste their way through the festival.

Pass Members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on admission and food lanyards. Standard Pass Member parking rules apply.

For more info and to book tickets: https://aquatica.com/orlando/events/illuminate/

Looking for more fun events and things to do in Central Florida? Check out our Events Guide. We also publish weekly and monthly event guides with the can’t-miss happenings throughout Central Florida.

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