AquaRio launches a Christmas program with themed décor, diving Santa, educational workshops and the polar animals exhibit through December.
Festive atmosphere in an immersive marine setting
AquaRio, Brazil’s largest marine aquarium, is celebrating Christmas with a special schedule that combines themed décor, educational activities and conservation actions. Holiday decorations now appear across the exhibition route, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Even the iconic whale skeleton at the entrance is wearing a Santa hat.
Highlights include Santa Claus appearances on December 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Another favorite attraction is Santa’s dive in the Giant Ocean Tank, taking place on December 22, 23 and 24 at 10 a.m., and on December 25 at 2 p.m. On Christmas Day, AquaRio will open exceptionally from noon, and visitors will also see the Christmas tree lowered into the main tank.
Environmental enrichment and polar animals exhibit
To reinforce its commitment to animal welfare, AquaRio has scheduled environmental enrichment activities on December 17, starting at 10 a.m. These actions, designed to stimulate natural behaviors, will also be shared on the aquarium’s social media channels.
Throughout December, visitors can explore the Polar Animals exhibit, which presents species native to polar regions and their adaptations to extreme cold. The exhibition deepens the educational content and encourages reflection on climate change and conservation.
Hands-on educational activities for December
The Education for Conservation team has prepared a rich calendar for December. On the 12th, guests can join the Paper Toy Whale activity, with workshops in the morning and afternoon. Starting December 13, two ongoing experiences – Christmas at the Poles and Tree of Solidarity – run until early January.
On December 19, visitors can take part in a PET bottle cap reuse workshop and the Alma Colorida educational session, offered in four time slots with 25 places each. The activity focuses on botanical colors and ocean culture, and participants receive a sustainable watercolor kit as a gift. On December 26, AquaRio again combines Paper Toy Whale with the reuse workshop, closing the month’s programming.
Marine life, culture and interactivity in one visit
Beyond Christmas events, visitors can discover areas such as the Axolotl Kingdom on the 3rd floor and walk through a route covering 26,000 square meters and 4.5 million liters of water, home to around 10,000 animals from 350 species. The Giant Ocean Tank offers an immersive view of marine biodiversity for children and adults alike.
The circuit also includes the Wax Museum, the Sea of Mirrors—the largest mirror installation in Latin America—and the Globo Experience (GEX), an interactive TV Globo park that reveals sets and behind-the-scenes stories from popular shows. Together, these attractions ensure a year-end program that blends learning, fun and Christmas spirit.
Christmas schedule at AquaRio
Santa Claus appearances
December 18 — 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
December 20, 21, 22 and 23 — 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Santa’s dive
December 22, 23 and 24 — 10 a.m.
December 25 — 2 p.m.
Environmental enrichment
December 17 — from 10 a.m.
Educational activities
Paper Toy Whale | December 12 — 9:30–11 a.m. / 1–4 p.m.
Christmas at the Poles | from December 13 – until early January
Tree of Solidarity | from December 13 – until early January
PET Cap Reuse Workshop | December 19 — 9:30–11 a.m. / 1–4 p.m.
Alma Colorida (sustainable watercolor workshop) | December 19 — 10–10:40 a.m.; 11:20 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2–2:40 p.m.; 3:30–4:10 p.m.
Paper Toy Whale + Reuse Workshop | December 26 — 9:30–11 a.m. / 1–4 p.m.
Exhibition
Polar Animals | Throughout December
Service
Address: Praça Muhammad Ali, Gamboa – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil
Tickets: Official AquaRio website
Parking available on-site
Regular days: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.)
Holiday eves (Dec. 24 and 31): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (stay until 4 p.m.)
Holidays (Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2026): noon to 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.)
