Aquarium to offer special programs and activities during holiday break

BOSTON, MASS. (December 2025) – The New England Aquarium will be offering a variety of activities during the holiday break including shark-themed programming, winter treats, and the annual ice sculpture carving.

The Aquarium will extend its hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from December 26 through January 4. Guests can purchase tickets online in advance at neaq.org. New England residents receive $5 off standard Aquarium admission or admission and movie combinations.

Highlights for the week include:

Ice sculpture carving

• The Aquarium will welcome back artist Don Chapelle to create another ice sculpture for Central Wharf. On the morning of Dec. 29, the public can watch Chapelle carve a depiction of a nurse shark, which guests can find in the Aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank. The sculpture will be part of Boston Harbor Now’s annual Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll, held from 1 to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Shark-themed programming

• Aquarium guests will have special opportunities to learn about nurse sharks and other shark species during the holiday break. Educators will offer presentations at top of the Giant Ocean Tank as well as shark storytime and interactive educational programming in the third-floor Exploration Station. Guests can also get a close-up look at biofacts including shark teeth and jaws.

Simons Theatre films

• The Aquarium’s Simons Theatre offers daily showings of three films: Shark Kingdom, Secrets of the Sea, and Call of the Dolphins. Shark Kingdom is an epic adventure into some of the world’s most scenic and remote shark waters.
• Tickets and show times are available at all Aquarium ticketing locations by calling 617-973-5206 or by visiting neaq.org.

Winter treats on the plaza

• From Dec. 26 through Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Aquarium’s food truck-style outpost, Central Snack Bar, will be selling hot chocolate with toppings including whipped cream, marshmallows, and caramel. The snack bar will also offer hot apple cider, coffee, and a menu of snacks for purchase.

Daily presentations and interactive programs

• Aquarium guests can catch daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.
• Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about the secret world of lobsters, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder—617-686-5068; psnyder@neaq.org