Spectacular New Childrens Movies and Santa Claus at Virginia Aquarium

By Joan Barns

Virginia Beach, VA - This holiday season the Virginia Aquarium not only has its new Restless Planet exhibit to offer guests beginning November 21, but two holiday movies and Santa visits as well.

Opening nationwide and at the Virginia Aquarium 3D IMAX® Theater this Friday, November 6, is Disney’s A Christmas Carol. Through the all-encompassing power of IMAX 3D, movie-goers will reach for the falling snowflakes, feel the rumble of the horse-drawn carriages over the cobblestone streets and soar with Scrooge high above the London night sky. With crystal clear images, laser-aligned digital sound and maximized field of view, this remake of Charles Dickens’ classic tale puts you IN the movie. Although the Aquarium closes at 5 p.m. daily, the IMAX 3D theater will offer two evening showings.

The Aquarium will also offer an alternative holiday movie for younger audiences, The Light Before Christmas. This 35-minute movie will run in the Marsh Pavilion’s Interactive Theater beginning Wednesday, November 25. The Light Before Christmas is a stunning Stop-Motion Animated film with lavish detailed sets and characters inspired by the fascinating designs of renowned artist James C. Christensen. Its musical score hearkens back to many beloved Christmas classics.

For both movies visit VirginiaAquarium.com or call (757) 385-FISH for current showtimes. Other holiday happenings include:

Sailing with Santa

Public Trips: Saturday, November 28, & Saturday, December 19, at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Take a 45-minute cruise on Owls Creek with Santa and his crew. Enjoy refreshments, games and activities while Santa greets his guests for a unique photo opportunity. Fees: $17 per person; members $14 (infants 12 months and under free). Call (757) 385-0300 for reservations.

Scuba Santa

Saturdays and Sundays from November 28 - December 20

Santa descends into the depths of the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium to feed the fishes at 11 a.m.

Free with Aquarium admission.

Sundays with Santa

Sundays from November 29 - December 20

Join Santa and his elves for activities and education programs from noon to 3 p.m. in the Marsh Pavilion. Free with Aquarium admission.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

Thursday, December 31

And to bring in the New Year, children and adults can join Radio Disney for a Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Thursday, December 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for games, activities and sparkling non-alcoholic beverages in the Aquarium’s Promenade Room. Free with Aquarium admission.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums whose mission is conservation through education. The Aquarium is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. For more information on exhibits, movies, boat rides and special events call (757) 385-FISH (3474), (TDD 385-4305) or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com .

To view Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-136-Virginia_Aquarium_and_Marine_Science_Center