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 2009 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.

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.

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