Discover the true spirit of the season during the Festival of Lights on December 11 from 5:00 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Friends of Mystic Aquarium (FOMA), this festive event benefits area food banks, as well as Sea Research Foundation’s Immersion Learning division, which provides education programs for at-risk youth across the nation.

The enchanted evening includes carolers, holiday music, storytellers, face painters and a visit from Santa among the aquarium's exhibits. Across the street, Olde Mistick Village will provide complimentary refreshments and holiday music amidst hundreds of luminarias, starting at 4:30 p.m. Festival of Lights is made possible by FOMA and Mystic Transportation Company.

Cost: Adults $5, children (3 to 17) $2 to benefit Sea Research Foundation’s programs for at-risk youth, plus one canned food item donation per person for area food banks. For more information, call (860) 572-5955 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .