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'Scuba Claus' is coming to the Vancouver Aquarium for a virtual holiday show

Santa is leaving the reindeers at home in the North Pole for this particular excursion.
scuba claus vancouver aquarium
"Scuba Claus" is diving back into the Vancouver Aquarium's waters this holiday season. Photo submitted

Santa might be most at home in the snow that blankets the North Pole, but that doesn't mean the big guy can't enjoy a swim from time-to-time. 

Santa Claus—or Scuba Claus, rather—is returning to the Vancouver Aquarium on Sunday, Dec. 20 for a virtual holiday show that will see Santa get up close and personal with some of the local Aquarium’s most beloved animals.

With holiday events and gatherings on hold in accordance with B.C.'s current COVID-19 health orders, the Aquarium's iconic holiday tradition is going virtual this year. That means kids of all ages will be able to help save Christmas by diving underwater alongside Scuba Claus in search of the missing key to Santa’s toy cupboard—without even having to leave their couch. 

During the approximately 30-minute show, the at-home audience will visit with aquatic friends like the Vancouver Aquarium’s African penguins, a gentle sea lion, and Joey, the famous rescued sea otter, to name just a few. 



Those who tune in for the premiere, set to take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, will also be treated to a live chat with Vancouver Aquarium staff, as well as the chance to win some pretty sweet prizes from the Aquarium's Gift Shop.

This new virtual format of the Vancouver Aquarium’s beloved holiday show has been produced in collaboration with students and faculty of BCIT’s Television and Video Production Program, Aquarium staff explained in a news release. The students "generously volunteered their time and expertise to support the Aquarium and spread joy this holiday season," it reads. 

Tickets to the virtual event costs $9.99 per household, with profits going toward the Vancouver Aquarium and its animals. Head to the Aquarium's website for more details.