‘Polar Express’ Pajama Parties
On weekend mornings Dec. 10-11 and 17-18
Make a special holiday family memory with tasty treats and a giant-screen thrill ride to the North Pole during The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Parties” Dec. 10, 11, 17 & 18. “We’re opening early each morning for these shows, and invite everyone to come in their jammies, enjoy a gourmet hot chocolate and other delicious morning treats, get in on some fun special activities, and then sit back and enjoy the ‘The Polar Express’ in our amazing IMAX® Theater,” said Dave Sigworth, the Aquarium’s publicist. The “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Parties” begin at 9 a.m. with a gourmet hot chocolate bar. Guests can decorate their handmade artisan hot chocolate with whipped cream and a selection of exotic toppings. Plus, choose from a delicious spread of baked holiday treats. “Pajama Party” partiers also can stop by a crafts table, pose for photos, and visit with Aquarium educators whose hands-on displays will explore strategies that animals use to keep warm in winter – all before the feature-length movie starts at 10 a.m. Tickets for “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Parties” are $17 for adults and $15 for children 3-12 ($15 & $13 for Aquarium members). Aquarium admission after the film is not included. Reserve your tickets or get more information at www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.
Santa Dives with Sharks
On select dates in December, Santa Claus will join The Maritime Aquarium’s dive team to demonstrate that sharks aren’t the blood-thirsty killers of myth. Santa will strap on scuba gear and enter the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit, which is home to 7-foot sharks. It’s all part of a regular program, in which Aquarium visitors can see and talk with volunteer divers swimming in the exhibit on most Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:15 & 2:15 p.m. Purpose of the dives is to correct common misperceptions about sharks, as the divers demonstrate how sharks do not see humans as prey. Check the Aquarium’s website – www.maritimeaquarium.org (under “Public Programs”) – to confirm the dates when Santa can pull himself away from the North Pole and exchange his snow boots for swim fins. All the dives – with Santa or without – are free with Aquarium admission.
“Drop ’n’ Shop” program for ages 5 to 10
Sat., Dec. 17 and Sun., Dec. 18
Give your kids a fun day exploring the cool world of turtles, sharks and other marine animals – plus the holiday movie “The Polar Express” on Connecticut’s largest IMAX® movie screen – while giving yourself solo time for holiday shopping and wrapping through “Drop ’n’ Shop” programs at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. On Sat., Dec. 17 and Sun., Dec. 18, The Maritime Aquarium has a day of hands-on activities and explorations planned for ages 5 to 10. Each program begins at 9 a.m. with participants attending the Aquarium’s “‘Polar Express’ Pajama Party” that includes a gourmet hot-chocolate bar, special activities and the animated film featuring Tom Hanks as the voices of five characters. After the film, other “Drop ’n’ Shop” activities include Aquarium tours, making a holiday keepsake gift, animal encounters and more.
Cost for “Drop’n’ Shop” programs is $85 per child ($75 for Aquarium members).
Capacity is limited. Advance reservations are required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
