Twinkling Lights, Dinner with Santa and Unique Gift Ideas at Oregon Coast Aquarium

By Cindy Hanson

Newport, OR - The Oregon Coast Aquarium will be decked out for the holidays surrounded by a sea of twinkling lights, offering Dinner with Santa and unique gift ideas. The 17th Annual Sea of Lights is a festive holiday celebration Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm both evenings. A tradition for many families, visitors come from all over the region during the holiday season to visit the Aquarium, shop and spend time together at the beach. The entire Aquarium will be adorned with holiday decorations, a large Christmas tree and thousands of colorful lights. Admission to the Sea of Lights is two items of food for Food Share of Lincoln County, or a new unwrapped toy, or pet food for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter or $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Admission is free to members.

“We put up about three miles of lights,” said Bob Llewellyn, Aquarium Grounds Manager. “We are going to LED’s each time we replace a new string, to slowly replace the old standard minis. LEDs use 8 or 10 times less electricity than the standard minis. We plan to have a big lighted tree in the lobby, lots of lighted small trees and plenty of lights outdoors. “Don't forget, said Llewellyn, “we’ll also have lots of lovely wreaths, swags and garlands!”

At the Sea of Lights, guests will enjoy face painting, holiday music and a visit with Santa while parents snap photos. After visiting with Santa, guests can stroll through a sea of twinkling lights to the sounds of music, the Youth and Adult Handbell Choirs, the Coastalaires, Women of Note and others. The gift shop will be open with holiday displays and gift ideas. Visitors can look at pets that are available for adoption on the “Pet Christmas Tree” from the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. A bake sale will be offered and a children’s craft will take place in the classroom.

“The Aquarium is a wonderful place to get some unique and lasting gift ideas,” said Jennifer Locklear, Aquarium Membership Manager. “Not only will you find gifts that your friends and family will love, you also support the Aquarium and marine conservation.” Locklear said the Aquarium is ideal for those looking for a festive and peaceful shopping experience.

Aquarium Gift Ideas:

Aquarium Memberships Membership is the gift that keeps on giving! Memberships include one full year of free entry to the Aquarium and lots of other great benefits such as newsletter subscription, in-store discounts, and special events tickets.

Adopt an animal Through this animal care program, individuals and groups can sponsor one of 25 different species at the Aquarium. Contributions offset the expense of caring for and feeding the Aquarium's more than 10,000 animals. Contributions range from $25 a year to $1,000.

Dedicate a Brick The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s “Buy a Brick” program helps support the Aquarium and its mission. For donations of $100 or more, supporters can purchase a personalized brick, which is installed in the Aquarium’s entry pathway. You may have your name engraved on a brick, have it inscribed in memory or in honor of another individual or use it as an opportunity to leave a personalized message.

The Aquarium Gift and Book Shop Toys for young and old, books, games, puzzles, videos, nature music CD’s, stuffed toys, clothing, cards, jewelry, beautiful wall art, glass art, environmentally friendly gifts, cards, ornaments and a wealth of educational resources.

Dinner with Santa, Sunday, December 13, from 6 to 8 pm – Santa, buffet dinner, holiday magic, music and fun are the theme of the night. Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to enjoy an enchanted evening with children of all ages. The buffet dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Santa and his two favorite elves will include a private evening to tour the Aquarium’s beautiful lighted grounds and exhibits. $25 per person. Make reservations by calling 541-867-3474 ext. 2312.

The Sea of Lights will afford visitors a last glimpse of Oddwater, an exhibit that showcases strange and wonderful marine life with odd adaptations. The exhibit, a colorful combination of marine biology and glass art inside the displays, will be dismantled in January to make way for the new exhibit, Swampland, opening Memorial Day Weekend 2010.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregon’s unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean conservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. For more information, visit the Aquarium’s Web site at www.aquarium.org or call (541) 867-FISH.

Photo Caption: The 17th Annual Sea of Lights is a festive holiday celebration Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm both evenings. The Oregon Coast Aquarium will be decked out for the holidays surrounded by a sea of twinkling lights, offering Dinner with Santa and unique gift ideas. A tradition for many families, visitors come from all over the region during the holiday season to visit the Aquarium, shop and spend time together at the beach. Photo by Cindy Hanson

To view Oregon Coast Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-9-Oregon_Coast_Aquarium