Get ready to deck the halls and light up the dance floor! Join us for Holiday House Party, where house beats meet holiday cheer. Rock your ugliest holiday sweater and vibe out with the legendary Dee Jay Alicia and DJ Ron Troupe all night. Don’t miss the chance for up-close animal encounters and other joyful aquatic experiences during this festive celebration!
Grab your friends, bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this an evening to remember!
We are in the process of transforming our building as part of Shedd's Centennial Commitment. You may see construction fences, walls and trailers that indicate these changes are in progress. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing these incredible updates with you!
The event includes all exhibits, touch experiences and entertainment. Some exhibits may close early due to animal care needs, and lights in certain habitats will be dimmed to create a natural nighttime environment for the animals. Wild Reef closes at 9 p.m. Oceanarium and Amazon Rising close at 10 p.m. Please refer to event signage for more information.
Please note, this year’s event festivities are fully indoors - the North Terrace will be unavailable as we build new exhibits that will enhance your future visits and make events even more spectacular!
Dee Jay Alicia (often stylized as DJ Alicia) is a Chicago-based DJ, producer and influential figure in the house music scene. She is known for her deep, soulful and classic house sets, which reflect the rich musical heritage of Chicago — the birthplace of house music. She is celebrated for her smooth mixing, thoughtful track selection and energetic performances. She's also known for being active in the community, mentoring emerging DJs and advocating for diversity and inclusion in dance music
Coming from a family with a deep love for music, DJ Ron Troupe developed his passion for DJing in 1983, inspired by Chicago’s legendary Hot Mix Five. Starting with basement parties alongside his brother Ricky, he quickly built a reputation for seamlessly blending Old School, House, Disco, R&B, Hip-Hop and Reggae Dancehall. Over the years, he has played at iconic venues like The Paint Box, DeJoie’s, River West Brewery, The Shrine and The Promontory, as well as major events such as Essence Fest and the Black Women’s Expo. His collaborations with DJ Vince Adams and DJ Dave Boone have spanned decades, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the DJ scene. Currently, DJ Ron Troupe holds residencies at Park Tavern on Saturdays and M Lounge on Fridays, continuing to bring energy and versatility to every set.
Last entry for the event is at 10 p.m., one hour before the event concludes.
Info coming soon!
7 – 10:45 p.m. Dee Jay Alicia (Grand Hall Stage)
7 – 10:45 p.m. DJ Ron Troupe (Bubble Net Stage)
7:30 p.m. Shark Chat (Wild Reef)
8 p.m. Cart Program (Amazon Rising)
8:30 p.m. Shark Chat (Wild Reef)
9 p.m. Kelp Forest Chat (Oceans Gallery)
9 p.m. Last Entry to Wild Reef
9:45 p.m. Last Entry to Oceanarium
10:30 p.m. Last Call
Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
