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Today's Family Magazine

See Scuba Claus underwater with eels, sharks and stingrays at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

During the winter holidays you expect to hear “ho, ho, hos” echoing through the grocery store, the mall and your office party, but there’s still one place where the sight and sound of a jolly old elf will make even a hardened old scrooge do a double take, and that’s underwater at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Aquarium guests of all ages are invited to celebrate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 29–December 22, Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24 from 10 am–5 pm with Scuba Claus appearances from 1–2 pm.

“Scuba Claus drops by at the end of every year to visit sharks, stingrays and other aquatic friends on his ‘nice’ list,” says Aquarium GM Stephanie White. “  You can talk to Scuba Claus while he’s in one of the exhibits and ask a question about diving, suggest an item you think would make a great gift for an angelfish, sea star or octopus, or just share your special wish for the holidays.”  Guests can also snap a festive cellphone pic with Scuba Claus and, if they’re lucky, a toothy sand tiger shark or silvery barracuda.

In addition to regularly scheduled animal encounters, stingray feeds and touch pool activities, Scuba Claus Aquarium-goers can also craft animal-themed snowflakes and participate in a cold weather trivia challenge for a chance to win an Aquarium experience prize package valued at $200*.  At 11 am, the animal care team will present holiday- and cold weather-themed feeding enrichment activities such as giving fish melting icicle treats to giving birds fruit ornaments.

Children visiting on Scuba Claus appearance days also receive an original holiday mini activity book and a Scuba Claus temporary tattoo while supplies last.  For a schedule of Scuba Claus appearances, admission and hours, visit greaterclevelandaquarium.com

*Chosen at random weekly.  Four (4) total winners.  Includes a plush shark, family ticket 4-pack, behind-the-scenes Very Important Guest (V.I.G.) Tour, stingray feed and an original stingray painted ornament.