Santa by the Sea & Holiday Camps at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

During your stay in Emerald Isle, there is always plenty of family fun in and around our Crystal Coast towns and beaches no matter what time of year it is. December is no different.

Santa by the Sea at the NC Aquarium
Bring the family to a one-of-a-kind event where the North Pole collides with the Bogue Banks beach town of Pine Knoll Shores (which is just a short coastal drive on Salter Path Rd./Hwy 58 from Emerald Isle). On Friday, December 14, Santa by the Sea at the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores offers children the chance to have a one-on-one visit with Santa as they share their "wishes in front of the fishes". 

In addition to a personal visit with the big man in red himself, each child age 12 and under receives a professional 5x7 photo to take home courtesy of FOTO FX. Parents will be happy to know that additional prints are also available for purchase. 

The fun doesn't stop there. Included in the admission price that day are magic shows featuring Bill Frost, snack preparation for Santa's reindeer, and elves working with the kids on holiday crafts to take home. Don't forget to leave time for Mrs. Claus as she reads her favorite stories. 

It's an action-packed day. Since space is limited, advanced registration is suggested for this popular event. Tickets are $9 per person and can be purchased online or at the door from 5:30-8:30p.m., if there are any tickets left! The aquarium closes for regular admission at 2p.m. that day.

Holiday Camps at the NC Aquarium

Photo Courtesy of NC Aquarium at PKS

Speaking of special events at the aquarium, it's a great time to plan ahead for the Holiday Camps offered by the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. If you're here over the holidays, the kids would love to experience this wintertime adventure which combines fun and learning in an amazing environment. The camps are designed for children in grades 2 through 5 and include outdoor activities, discovery labs, crafts, behind-the-scenes action, and so much more. 

The Holiday Camps run from Wednesday, December 26 through Friday, December 28. Each day focuses on a different set of animals. December 26 is Cold Blooded Critters: Reptiles and Amphibians, December 27 is Coastal Creatures: Fish and Invertebrates, and December 28 is Fur and Feathers: Mammals and Birds. 

The camps run from 8:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. New for this year is the option to register for one day, two days, or all three. The cost is $35 per day or $100 for all three days. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Don't forget to pack a bagged lunch, bring a bottle of water, and wear closed-toe shoes!

Photo Submitted by Chad Winstead

Will you be here on the beautiful Crystal Coast over the holidays? Tell us what's on your agenda in our comments section! We love hearing from our readers.

We hope your December is off to a wonderful start. We look forward to seeing you in our towns and on our beaches in the very near future!