Immerse in a Seas 'n' Greetings Winter Wonderland at Birch Aquarium at Scripps (Save up to 31%)

"Seas 'n' Greetings" by Birch Aquarium - San Diego
4.5
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Nancy
125 days ago
Loved the Seahorses, had no idea there were so many

Experience the magic of the holidays at Birch Aquarium's Seas 'n' Greetings event, where a festive ocean wonderland awaits with themed exhibits, interactive fun, and unique marine life encounters perfect for creating cherished family memories.

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Highlights

  • Enjoy the aquarium transformed into a festive winter wonderland with stunning holiday decor and music.

  • Features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography through interactive exhibits, featuring the all‑new Living Seas.

  • Engage in an interactive scavenger hunt with prizes for the kids, plus themed animal encounters.

  • Capture holiday card-worthy ocean views and festive photo opportunities throughout the aquarium.

  • Discover the mesmerizing new jelly experience and touch juvenile sharks on the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza.

  • Hands‑on learning experiences connect 500,000+ guests and 40,000+ students annually to ocean protection

  • Give the gift of discovery and wonder with an experience that connects understanding to protecting our ocean planet.

What To Expect

Voted Best Attraction in La Jolla for three years running, Birch Aquarium invites you to explore the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists through incredible animals, interactive exhibits, and stunning ocean views. Discover the brand‑new Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, and immerse yourself in Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base—a multi‑sensory art and science installation that reimagines the world’s only undersea research habitat as a serene meditation space inspired by life beneath the waves.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Seahorses

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

There is more! This December, step into a magical holiday world as Birch Aquarium transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Seas 'n' Greetings event. From sparkling decorations and joyful holiday music to interactive scavenger hunts with prizes, themed animal encounters, and photo‑perfect backdrops overlooking the ocean, every moment is designed to delight. Experience the mesmerizing new jelly exhibit in the Tode Hall of Fishes, get hands‑on with juvenile sharks and intertidal animals at the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, and celebrate more than a century of ocean discovery with exhibits and programs created in partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Plan Your Visit

  • Operating HoursOpen daily from 9 AM - 5 PM. Last entry is one hour prior to closing. Please note the aquarium is typically closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Always check the daily schedule on the merchant's website for exact confirmation.
  • ParkingFree 3-hour parking on-site with dedicated accessible parking spaces available. Large vehicle parking available along La Jolla Shores Drive, west of Birch Aquarium.
  • AccessibilityThe aquarium is wheelchair accessible with an option to borrow wheelchairs on first-come, first-served basis.
  • Location2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Ticket Options

General Admission - Adult (Ages 13+) & Children (Ages 3-12)

Gives you access to explore the aquarium during the operational hours.

Coastal Explorer Membership

Get unlimited aquarium admission for one adult for one year. Enjoy 10% discount at the Blue Wave Bistro and Gift Shop. Receive special member news, insider tips, and access to unique member opportunities.

What's Happening at the Aquarium

Scuba Santa Appearances

Watch Scuba Santa (and his elf assistant) in the two-story Giant Kelp Forest, as they chat with guests and feed marine life during two daily dive shows.

Elf Dive Shows

From December 26-31, enjoy daily dive shows in the Giant Kelp Forest featuring Santa's elf assistants, continuing the festive marine life encounters.

Music & Art

On Saturdays and Sundays, the atmosphere is enhanced with live music and coloring stations.

December Fun

Throughout the month, the event includes themed animal encounters, a fun scavenger hunt, and festive photo opportunities.

Beyond Christmas

From December 26 through December 31, the daily dive shows continue, featuring the elves instead of Santa.

How It Works

1. Grab the Deal

Buy your Groupon first!

2. No reservation needed!

Just show up whenever you’re ready.

3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

Scan your Groupon upon arrival.

4. Enjoy the Experience!

FAQs

What is "Seas 'n' Greetings"?

"Seas 'n' Greetings" is Birch Aquarium's annual holiday event, transforming the aquarium into a festive winter wonderland with holiday music, decorations, themed animal encounters, and more, running from December 1-31. The event is designed to bring the community together to share in the magic of the holiday season and the natural world.

What special activities are available during the event?

Guests can enjoy an interactive scavenger hunt with prizes, festive photo opportunities, themed animal encounters, a new jelly experience, and touch juvenile sharks and intertidal animals on the Preuss Tide Pool Plaza.

Are there any special character appearances?

Yes, Scuba Santa and his elf assistant make appearances on select Saturdays and Sundays in the Giant Kelp Forest dive shows. From December 26-31, the elves continue the daily dive shows.

What are the operating hours during Seas 'n' Greetings?

The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the event, but please note it is typically closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Always check the official schedule for precise details.

Is there a gift shop for holiday shopping?

Yes, Birch Aquarium’s Gift Shop offers a unique collection of ocean-themed gifts, including toys, apparel, home decor, and branded items, perfect for holiday shopping. They also have an online store for the first time this season.

Need To Know Info

Expiration varies.
  • Admission tickets are redeemable until expiration date.
  • Children 2 and under are free.
  • Ticket has no value after expiration date passes.
  • Valid only for option purchased.
All sales final. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About "Seas 'n' Greetings" by Birch Aquarium - San Diego

Customer Reviews

4.5
based on Groupon 1,147 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Nancy
2 ratings|2 reviews
Loved the Seahorses, had no idea there were so many
Richard
Top reviewer
32 ratings|22 reviews
Go Team Resistance!
Melody
Top reviewer
13 ratings|7 reviews
Very nice and educational experience. My daughter and I truly enjoyed it!
Melissa
Top reviewer
Helpful reviewer
17 ratings|12 reviews
Birch aquarium is a gem of san diego, this place has amazing exhibits of fish, it's very clean, people who work there are great, and not too crowded during the week, and not too crowded on weekends depending on the month you go. Theres always something new to see every time and outside there are gorgeous views of the ocean. This is a great place for the family! I would buy again in a heartbeat!
karin
Top reviewer
12 ratings|5 reviews
Love it

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