SORRY! THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

Dine with the fishes and tell Santa your wishes during a holiday evening for families and children at the Aquarium on Friday, Dec. 11.

The highlight of the night, of course: Every child gets a chance to whisper requests in Santa’s willing ear. Santa and his helpful elves set up a little piece of the North Pole by the Living Shipwreck to receive their young guests.

But first comes dinner by the fireplace in Soundside Hall. Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant, co-sponsor of this new event, caters the child-friendly meal. Choose from three dinner seatings - 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m.

While waiting their turns with Santa or after submitting their lists, children are invited to make crafts to take home. They also can help prepare supper for Santa’s reindeer, and can pick up packets of  take-out “reindeer food” for Dec. 24. The sparkle of the glitter-laced oatmeal sprinkled on the lawn is said to help St. Nick and his four-footed crew find each house.

FotoFX provides a complimentary souvenir photo of the encounter with Santa for each child aged 12 and under. Additional photos can be purchased, and parents are welcome to record the occasion with their own cameras. The Aquarium Gift Shop will be open for the evening also.

Tickets are $15 per person for ages 3 and up; no charge for children ages 2 and under. Advance registration is required, and the number of tickets per dinner seating is limited.  Registrations are accepted during business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 252-247-4003, ext. 257.