Scuba Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Newport Aquarium 1 Levee Way, Newport Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is a festive adventure that starts in the Surrounded by Sharks tank where Santa swims with three rare shark rays, Denver the loggerhead sea turtle and other fishy friends. And just because he’s underwater doesn’t mean your kids can’t tell Santa what they want for Christmas; his special magic allows him to hear even as he dives. Visitors can also enjoy holiday music and colorful lights throughout the aquarium, as well as the return of the magic bubbles, which carry everyone’s Christmas wishes to Santa, in Shark Ray Bay Theater. When a bubble pops, that means a Christmas wish has come true. Kids can also color their own magic bubble to make sure their most important wishes make it directly to jolly ole St. Nick, who will be reading them daily before his final dive on Christmas Eve. Open daily Nov. 29-Dec. 24 Photo: Provided by Newport Aquarium

Santa is trading in his sleigh for a snorkel this holiday season at Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium — the perfect afternoon activity for the whole family.

Guests can see and talk to Santa as he dives underwater in a tank full of sharks (including the aquarium’s newest shark ray and zebra sharks), fish and underwater animals galore. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet elves from the North Pole and help fill the theater with magical bubbles that make wishes come true.

Newport Aquarium is also hosting a Breakfast with Scuba Santa on Dec. 14 at 8 a.m. that will include a breakfast buffet, an opportunity to make your own ornament and a morning with the elves and Scuba Santa.

Scuba Santa’s Winter Wonderland will be open from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, and is included in Newport Aquarium admission and membership.

To learn more about Scuba Santa’s Winter Wonderland and view meet and greet times, visit newportaquarium.com.

This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 10, 2024.