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Here's how Vancouver Aquarium decks the halls for Christmas (PHOTOS)

From special programming to added features and even a scuba-diving Santa Claus, families will find December merry and bright at the Vancouver Aquarium.

The Vancouver Aquarium has gotten into the swim of things for the holiday season. From special programming to added features and even a scuba-diving Santa Claus, families will find December merry and bright at the Aquarium.

One surefire sign things are festive at the facility is that the building's outside posts are done up like candy canes--a cheery greeting on a grey Vancouver day. In the inner courtyard they've got a Kelp Forest maze for kids to explore, and you may even catch sight of Santa himself on your way in.

 Kelp Forest Maze (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Kelp Forest Maze (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

In addition to lots of Christmas trees, and some hidden "Mistle-toads" to keep your eyes peeled for, the inner lobby features the Aquarium's "Electric Eel" Christmas tree; find out how this sea creature helps spark light on the adjacent tree.

Be on the lookout for the Jellyfish Snowglobe...these glowy guys are magical anytime of year, but the Aquarium took it that one extra step to give this spot a little holiday cheer.

 Jellyfish Snowglobe (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Jellyfish Snowglobe (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

Downstairs you'll find an unusual "ocean debris" Christmas tree, which is pretty, but also pretty thought provoking when it comes to the pollution crisis our waters face.

There's a "crisis" of a more lighthearted kind when Scuba Claws has to dive down in the Strait of Georgia tank to find his missing jingle bells. You can even catch this hardworking man in the red suit (and fins, and tank) when he emerges up top, and there are photo ops, too.

 Scuba Claus (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Scuba Claus (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

One really fun new thing the Vancouver Aquarium has for the holidays is 4-D screenings of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer." Watch the beloved Christmas classic with the bonus of 3-D glasses and some cool 4-D effects you won't forget. They're also showing a 4-D version of "The Polar Express," too.

 Meeting Scuba Claus (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Meeting Scuba Claus (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

A couple of things happening at the end of December include a self-guided scavenger hunt that takes place from December 25, 2017 to January 7, 2018, as well as a family sleepover night on December 30. The Aquarium's sleepovers include a nighttime snack, run from 9 pm to 9 am, include breakfast and special tours, and are for kids 6 and up. You'll find all the details on their website.

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

 Mistle-toad! (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Mistle-toad! (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

Holidays at the Vancouver Aquarium

When: Now through January 7, 2018

Where: Vancouver Aquarium - 845 Avison Way, Vancouver