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Santa by the Sea has brought a bit of the North Pole to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores for a decade, and the tradition continues from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The highlight of the magical daytime event is when children, one-by-one, tell Santa their holiday wishes. Round out the memories with crafts, treats, stories with Mrs. Claus, a reindeer food-mixing station, and cookie decorating.
“It’s so rewarding to be part of this annual holiday event that has been going strong since 2013,” said Kerri Sommer, Aquarium special events coordinator. “From the decorations and photo opportunities to the sweets shop and activities throughout the Aquarium, we enjoy sharing this magical day with our visitors. It’s a special way to bring the holiday spirit to our community.”
This year, the event will have booths featuring community partners providing additional activities, crafts, or treats for participants.
Tickets to the event are in addition to the regular ticket and membership price and can be purchased online in advance. Parents and adults who are not participating in the indoor holiday event but are taking a child to the event need only pay the regular admission fee. Santa by the Sea event bag is $9.95 per participant and includes a photo with Santa, all the holiday games, take-home crafts and ornaments, and special treats. The last ticket for the event will be sold for 4 p.m. to allow those participants enough time to enjoy the activities, which end at 5 p.m.
General admission prices are $12.95 for adults ages 13-61, $11.95 for seniors ages 62 and older, $11.95 for military, $10.95 for children ages 3-12, and for ages 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society Members’ admission is free. North Carolina EBT cardholders can also book online tickets. Taxes are not included in prices.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov