Special

Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium

Create magical holiday memories with a festive breakfast buffet, personal time with Santa Claus, holiday photos, and underwater views at Downtown Aquarium.

Event Details

Dates

December 6, 13, 14, 20–24, 2025

Location

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Pricing

Reservations required. Pricing includes breakfast buffet and Santa visit. Check Downtown Aquarium website for rates.

Age Groups

Families with children are the primary target - kids will love meeting Santa and seeing the aquarium.

Overview

Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Aquarium combines the magic of meeting Santa Claus with the wonder of underwater exploration, creating a unique holiday experience that children will treasure forever. This special event offers families the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet while surrounded by stunning aquarium exhibits, followed by personal time with Santa for photos and wish-sharing. The combination of festive dining, marine life encounters, and Santa's visit creates a multi-sensory holiday experience that stands out from traditional Santa photo opportunities. It's a perfect way to create lasting memories while enjoying the Downtown Aquarium's spectacular underwater world.

What to Expect

Festive Breakfast Buffet

Enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast buffet featuring kid-friendly favorites, seasonal specialties, and a variety of options for the whole family in the aquarium's unique dining atmosphere.

Personal Time with Santa

Each child gets quality time with Santa Claus to share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Professional Holiday Photos

Capture the magic with professional photos of your children with Santa, plus countless opportunities for family photos throughout the beautifully decorated aquarium.

Underwater Dining Experience

Dine surrounded by stunning aquarium exhibits featuring colorful fish, sharks, and marine life swimming overhead and around you, creating a truly unique breakfast setting.

Practical Information

Event Dates

Dec 6, 13, 14, 20-24, 2025 (specific times vary)

Reservations

Required - book early as slots fill quickly

Age Suitability

Perfect for families with young children

Parking

Aquarium parking lot or downtown garages

Helpful Tips

  • Reserve early - specific date slots fill quickly, especially for dates closer to Christmas (Dec 20-24)
  • Arrive early to be seated promptly and maximize your buffet and Santa time
  • Parking at the Downtown Aquarium area may require planning - the aquarium has its own lot, or use nearby downtown parking garages
  • Bring your camera or smartphone for photos, though professional photos with Santa are typically available for purchase
  • Consider the breakfast timing when planning your day - you can often explore the aquarium exhibits after breakfast
  • Dress children in festive outfits for adorable holiday photos with Santa
  • The buffet is kid-friendly, but check the menu if your children have specific dietary needs or restrictions
  • Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for the full breakfast and Santa experience
  • This event is popular - book as soon as reservations open to secure your preferred date

Historical Context

Downtown Aquarium, located in the heart of Houston, has been a family entertainment destination since its opening in 2003. The facility combines dining, entertainment, and marine education in a unique downtown setting. Breakfast with Santa has become one of the aquarium's most popular seasonal events, offering families a distinctive alternative to traditional mall Santa visits. The event reflects the aquarium's mission to create memorable experiences while fostering appreciation for marine life and ocean conservation.

Location