2023 ‘Sea of Lights’

Looking for this year’s Sea of Lights information? Visit our current Sea of Lights page:

For five magical weekends, the Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) was transformed as guests explored a special after-hours event to celebrate the season while surrounded by an ocean of holiday cheer. Each Friday and Saturday evening throughout December from 5-8 p.m., the Aquarium offered a unique holiday-themed attraction. Aquarium members were able to attend any weekend at no cost, with general admission tickets priced at $10 per person — or free with same-day paid admission. On the second weekend (Dec. 8 and 9), tickets were just $5 for those who bring a canned food donation to benefit the Food Share of Lincoln County.

 Sea of Lights is a much-anticipated annual tradition that has continued glowing and growing each year. Throughout the grounds, larger-than-life neon outlines of rockfish, seahorses, jellies and other sea creatures stand illuminated, guiding visitors toward their living counterparts within the
aquarium’s galleries. OCAq’s colorful Connected Coast gallery will be open, as will Passages of the Deep — the iconic 200-foot-long underwater tunnel. Outdoors, visitors can wander natural paths and glimpse snoozing seals and sleepy otters resting in their habitats.

Santa was also on hand to pose for photos and listen to Christmas wishes before embarking on his round-the-world journey! Live music was enjoyed from the Oregon Coast Recorder Society on Friday, Dec. 8, and from the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble on Saturday, Dec. 16. 

Find more information, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights.

A harbor seal pup rests in a shallow pool

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