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Mystic — Mystic Aquarium will offer free admission to U.S. military veterans, active-duty members and up to four of their dependent family members with military ID to its Christmas in July festivities on Monday, July 15, at 6 p.m.

As part of its fourth annual Summer Nights series, the aquarium is dedicating the event to military families with holiday music and by decking its main gallery with holiday lights and more.

“The Naval Submarine Base is just 15 minutes away, so we see a lot of military families throughout the year,” said Stevi Bramich, the aquarium’s public relations coordinator and wife of a Navy veteran. “We also have volunteers and staff who are active-duty, veterans or military spouses who have had to rearrange their schedules and lives, often resulting in delaying special occasions and holidays — we recognize the importance of that family time together.”

“We wanted to give all military families the opportunity to enjoy a Christmas celebration together all while exploring the Aquarium without the daytime summer crowds,” Bramich added.

Each guest will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win one of many prizes. There will also be a colorful aurora borealis display to help set the scene as the aquarium announces its holiday plans for this winter.

Summer Nights at Mystic Aquarium takes place every Monday through August. Tickets can be purchased in-person on the night of the event starting at 6 p.m. Complete details are available at mysticaquarium.org/events/.

Tickets to Summer Nights are $12 for children ages 3-13 and $20 for those 14 and up.