Long Island Aquarium unveils fall and holiday event lineup

Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, is rolling out seasonal programming from October through New Year’s Eve, including Halloween events, Fish & Sips, Santa Brunch and Fishes & Wishes. The lineup gives families and adults a slate of timed ticketed events that run through the end of December.

Why it matters: - The fall and holiday calendar gives Long Island Aquarium a full season of ticketed events that can drive visits from families, adults and holiday crowds. - The lineup stretches from early October through Dec. 31, turning the aquarium into a repeated event destination instead of a single-stop attraction. - Several events are built around traditions, which can help the aquarium keep returning guests engaged year after year.

What happened: - Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, announced a slate of seasonal events running from October through New Year’s Eve. - The lineup includes Halloween programming, a bridal expo, an after-hours beverage tasting, a princess tea party, Santa Brunch and the family New Year’s Eve event Fishes & Wishes. - Executive Director Bryan DeLuca said the fall and holiday season includes some of the aquarium’s favorite events and that the return of these celebrations has become a tradition for many families.

The details: - Not-So-Scary Haunted Tree House runs every Friday and Saturday in October, Oct. 2-31, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. - The Halloween attraction includes five levels of family-friendly fun, a climb up 62 steps, pumpkin decorating, animal interactions, crafts and arcade games. - Admission to the Not-So-Scary Haunted Tree House is $25 per person, with one parent admitted free with a paid child. - Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks Halloween Party is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Children 12 and younger who arrive in costume get 50% off admission with a paying adult. - Halloween Party activities include sweets and treats, vendor tables with giveaways and raffle prizes, and Halloween-themed animal treats. - LI Bridal Expo Super Show is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - The bridal expo brings together more than 50 wedding professionals, including photographers, videographers, florists, bands, DJs, invitation specialists and limousine companies. - The event also includes food tasting, a live DJ showcase, prizes and giveaways. - Admission to the bridal expo is $20 at the door or $10 in advance. - Fish & Sips, the annual wine, beer and craft beverage tasting event, is planned for Friday, Nov. 13, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The tasting event features more than 20 local wineries, breweries and other craft beverage makers. - Guests can sample and purchase selections while listening to live music and enjoying light fare after hours at the aquarium. - Tickets for Fish & Sips are $95 per person, and the event is limited to guests 21 and older. - Overnight packages are available at the adjacent Hyatt Place Long Island/East End. - Holiday Princess Tea Party is set for Sunday, Nov. 15, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - The event includes singing, dancing and white-glove tea service in the Sea Star Ballroom with finger sandwiches and sweets. - Ticket prices are $55 for adults 13 and older, $49 for children ages 3-12 and $10.35 for children ages 2 and younger. - Santa Brunch returns Sunday, Dec. 13, with seatings at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - The event includes a traditional brunch, a craft, a visit with Santa and time to explore the aquarium before or after the seating. - All-day aquarium admission is included with Santa Brunch tickets. - Santa Brunch tickets are $78 for adults 13 and older, $42 for children ages 3-12 and $10.35 for children ages 2 and younger. - Fishes & Wishes, the aquarium’s annual family-style New Year’s Eve party, takes place Thursday, Dec. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. - The event includes a cocktail hour, DJ and dancing, children’s crafts, animal encounters, meet-and-greets, buffet dinner with beer and wine for adults, dessert and ice cream bar, and the aquarium’s mock-midnight toast. - Tickets for Fishes & Wishes are $155 for adults 13 and older, $94 for children ages 3-12 and $10.35 for children ages 2 and younger. - All event prices are plus tax. - Long Island Aquarium members save 10%. - A 3.5% discount is available for purchases made exclusively in cash. - Tickets, reservations and additional information are available through the aquarium’s events page.

Between the lines: - The event mix targets multiple audiences at once, including families with young children, adults seeking beverage tastings and couples looking for wedding planning resources. - The aquarium is using familiar holiday milestones to create a seasonal rhythm that can encourage repeat attendance across three months. - Overnight packages and included aquarium admission suggest the events are designed to capture more than just the ticket sale.

What's next: - The first events begin in October, with Halloween programming leading the schedule. - The calendar then moves into November and December holiday offerings before ending with Fishes & Wishes on Dec. 31. - More ticket sales and reservations are expected through the aquarium’s event page as each date approaches.