Mississippi Aquarium’s New Holiday Spectacle
This holiday season, the Mississippi Aquarium invites guests of all ages to experience A Magical Mississippi Christmas, a one-of-a-kind Christmas show featuring a spectacular projection mapping display, festive decor, and holiday cheer. The Aquarium’s first nighttime holiday event will run from November 29 to December 31, 2024, transforming the Aquarium campus into a winter wonderland on the Gulf Coast.
A Projection Mapping Show for All Ages
At the heart of A Magical Mississippi Christmas is a mesmerizing projection mapping show that will light up the Aquatic Wonders building. A Penguin’s Christmas Wish features four adventurous penguins who travel across Mississippi to find the perfect Christmas gifts for their animal friends at the Aquarium. Each of the penguins’ stops showcases a different part of the state, with scenes set in Mississippi’s iconic landmarks, landscapes, and towns. From exploring the Delta to soaking in the history of Jackson, the penguins’ journey introduces audiences to the wonders of Mississippi, building a sense of holiday magic infused with local pride.
The projection mapping show will play multiple times each evening, creating a magical, glowing façade on the Aquarium’s iconic Aquatic Wonders building. Through custom animation and advanced mapping technology, the building comes to life, transforming its surface into a digital canvas that captures the holiday spirit in vibrant detail. Each penguin’s journey is filled with moments of humor, wonder, and excitement, giving visitors a heartwarming story with each show.
More Than Just a Show
Beyond the projection show, the Mississippi Aquarium campus will be dressed up in dazzling Christmas lights and festive decorations, setting a holiday mood from the moment guests arrive. Twinkling lights will adorn the trees, while sparkling garlands and oversized ornaments will decorate pathways, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit as they stroll through the campus. Festive music will play throughout, enhancing the joy of the season with carols and classics.
To keep young and old alike entertained, additional holiday-themed activities will be offered throughout the event period. A special Holiday Dolphin Program will take place every evening at 6:00 p.m. Guests can look forward to interactive exhibits, seasonal treats, and holiday souvenirs to bring a bit of the Aquarium’s magic home. For those seeking an extra bit of seasonal sparkle, photo opportunities with Santa offer a keepsake from this enchanting experience.
Ticket Information, Hours, and Pricing
A Magical Mississippi Christmas is included in the regular nighttime Aquarium admission, making it an accessible holiday treat for families, couples, and groups of friends. The holiday event is an addition to the Aquarium’s regular operating hours, with the campus closing at 4:30 to reset and opening back up at 5:30 nightly. There are some private events and blackout days, so visit the website for a complete schedule.
Nighttime Admission Prices:
Adults: $20
Children (ages 3-12): $10
Children under 3: Free
Annual Pass Members:
Adults: $10
Children: $5
Holiday tickets may be purchased online at msaquarium.org or at the Aquarium’s main gate. Special rates are available for church groups and school field trips, making it easy for families, classes, and friends to enjoy the holiday spirit together.
Dinner and a Show
The Mississippi Aquarium will also be serving special Holiday Meals.
During A Magical Mississippi Christmas, guests can indulge in festive holiday flavors at the Mississippi Aquarium! On Fridays and Saturdays, a special tent will be set up offering delicious BBQ plates with choices of brisket, pork, or chicken, complete with classic sides like cornbread, baked beans, and potato salad ($14.00). For a warm Southern classic, savor a hearty bowl of Mississippi-style chicken and sausage gumbo ($7.00). A Build-Your-Own Hot Cocoa Station lets visitors create the perfect cup with flavored whipped creams, sprinkles, candy canes, and marshmallows ($5.00), while a Holiday Cookie Decorating Station offers frosting and sprinkles for a fun, creative treat ($5.00).
Additional treats are available at the Entrance/Boardwalk Portable, with hot cocoa ($3.00), churros ($5.00), and assorted snacks. In the Café, find more holiday delights, including a Fried Catfish Po’Boy ($9.00), BBQ Sandwiches ($10.00), and Funnel Cake Fries ($6.00).
What is Projection Mapping?
Projection mapping is a technology that uses light projectors to display images onto a 3D surface, transforming it into a dynamic canvas. Unlike traditional projections on flat screens, projection mapping adjusts to the unique dimensions, textures, and shapes of a surface, making buildings and structures appear animated. By carefully designing the visuals to match the contours of the Aquatic Wonders building, the Mississippi Aquarium’s projection show creates an illusion that brings the building’s surface to life. This immersive technique is used widely for concerts, events, and art installations, making it a captivating way to tell the story of A Magical Mississippi Christmas.
