ORLANDO — The new year is all about fresh starts and ILLUMINATE – A Lantern Festival at Aquatica is giving families a brighter way to begin 2026 through January 30. Reimagined for the new year, the limited-time nighttime experience invites guests to kick off their resolutions through immersive lantern displays, interactive wish-casting moments, festive bites, and playful post-holiday fun.
ILLUMINATE invites guests to explore five glowing realms, each telling a unique story through larger-than-life lanterns, immersive scenery and interactive moments. From luminous animal guardians and candy-colored dreamscapes to mystical lagoons, enchanted forests and lantern-lit safaris, every pathway sparks wonder, discovery and imagination for all ages.
Dance Into 2026 with Kiwi Santa
Santa is surfing into the new year and he’s not coming alone. Kiwi Santa hosts a festive “wrap party” celebrating the elves’ hard work, inviting guests to kick off 2026 with music, movement and playful fun. Families can join in on the dance floor, take part in Elf Games, and stop by the 2026 Resolution Area before capturing a reimagined New Year photo with Kiwi Santa, all set against a tropical, lantern-lit backdrop.
Write Your 2026 Resolution
Guests can pause, reflect, and put pen to paper at Aquatica’s interactive craft stations, creating personalized resolution cards! Whether the goal is more adventure, new experiences, or simply more time together, Aquatica invites guests to turn their wishes into meaningful moments.
Cast a Wish for 2026
Along the softly lit waters of Enchanted Lagoon, guests are invited to stop by the Wish Masters station and take part in a symbolic wish-casting ritual, guided by a mystical guardian. Each wish becomes a keepsake, a glowing reminder of hopes and goals for the year ahead.
Indulge in Festive Flavors
Guests can dig into crave-worthy offerings like the “Glow’d-Up” Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and Midnight Street Beef Empanadas, both paired perfectly with specialty sips such as the Candy Cane Kiss Martini. Together, these bold flavors add a festive bite and a celebratory toast to the ILLUMINATE experience.
The scenery of ILLUMINATE’s lantern lights offers guests an immersive interaction experience perfect to start the new year. Cozy s’more stations add a sweet treat to the night, while the Kiddie Alley Express invites young and young-at-heart guests on a whimsical lantern safari featuring lions, zebras and giraffes. ILLUMINATE not only creates a peaceful ambiance but creates the opportunity to capture the memory and hope of the year ahead.
Shine Brighter with Special Savings
For a limited time, guests can experience ILLUMINATE for as low as $20 per ticket with an Any Night Ticket four-Pack. Food-and-beverage lanyards are also available in five- or 10-punch options as ILLUMINATE offers more than 25 festive menu items. Pass Members can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on admission and food lanyards. Standard Pass Member parking rules apply.