Dive Into the Holidays: Scuba Claus Returns to Vancouver Aquarium for Holiday Splash 2026
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Vancouver Aquarium is welcoming the holiday season with the return of its beloved annual Holiday Splash, running November 12, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Families can dive into festive fun and enjoy returning favourites, including Scuba Claus and the Jelly Snow Globe.
As part of this year's celebration, guests can also spread a little extra holiday cheer. During the toy drive, visitors who purchase a penguin plush from the Aquarium Gift Shop will receive 50 per cent off the regular price of $8.49 to $13.49, with the plush then donated to children in need through the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. This special offer is available exclusively as part of the toy drive.
"The holiday season is one of my favourite times of year at the Aquarium, filled with festive fun, family traditions, and lots of underwater wonder. We are excited to welcome back beloved family favourites, such as Scuba Claus, the Jelly Snow Globe, and a new Holiday 4D experience," said Vancouver Aquarium Executive Director, Clint Wright.
"For 96 years, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau has helped bring the magic of Christmas to families through the kindness and generosity of our community," says Chris Bayliss, Executive Director of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.
"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of partners like the Vancouver Aquarium. Their annual toy drive is a wonderful example of how community partnerships can make a lasting impact, helping ensure more children experience the excitement, joy and magic of the holidays."
Experience the magic of the season like never before at Holiday Splash! The Vancouver Aquarium transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland beneath the waves, nestled in the heart of Stanley Park. Capture unforgettable moments with family at our Jelly Snow Globe, a picture-perfect backdrop for your next holiday card. And for a limited time, guests can watch in wonder as Scuba Claus makes a magical splash surrounded by adorable aquatic animals diving at least twice daily until December 24.
Don't miss the excitement of our newest 4-D experience, Might Snow Monkeys 4D. Meet Japan's "mighty" snow monkeys! Journey into the rugged mountains and discover how these clever, resilient macaques survive freezing temperatures, find food, navigate icy rivers and teach their young the skills they need to thrive. Mighty Snow Monkeys 4D brings audiences closer to these remarkable animals than ever before.
New in 2026 is the Polar Odyssey VR experience that takes guests on a journey to the Canadian Arctic in this all new immersive 360 VR motion film. The film follows polar bears near the Seal River and Hudson Bay as they wait for the return of the winter sea ice.
Seasonal treats are available, including Rudolph Mug Hot Chocolate, Fishmas Frosty and other Holiday themed menu items.
The Vancouver Aquarium is hosting Breakfast with Santa on November 29, December 5, 6,12, 13, 19 to 23 with 10 am or 12:30 pm options.
Breakfast with Santa is an enchanting opportunity to not only indulge in a feast of festive food favourites but also, Santa himself will make a special appearance, granting holiday wishes before diving with the fishes! Afterward, explore Canada's largest aquarium and soak up more holiday magic with your family during Holiday Splash, where the wonders of the sea meet festive cheer!
Dragons exhibit has been extended until January 2027 so, guests are encouraged to also check this out. Breakfast with Santa tickets are limited, so don't wait – reserve your table today. Holiday Splash starts on November 12, so plan your visit today at www.vanaqua.org/holidaysplash.
Media visits encouraged on the first day of Holiday Splash.
Photos attached
Breakfast with Santa photos
Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 40 million people from around the world to our oceans and inspired them to take action to address key threats. Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to hundreds of incredible species. The Vancouver Aquarium is a fully accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), and Humane Conservation Certified by American Humane.
About Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
Internationally renowned for its groundbreaking stranded marine mammal medical program, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) responds to over 300 marine mammal emergencies annually and runs Canada's only dedicated marine mammal hospital facility. Over the 60 years in operation, VAMMR has successfully rescued and rehabilitated over 3000 marine mammals.
About Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau
The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, which was established in 1930, serves as a centralized year-round warehouse for toys and gifts to be gathered, sorted, and shipped to up local Christmas Bureaus and many other community agencies that offer holiday giving programs. By way of this specialized network, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau (LMCB) distributes approx. 100,000 toys to Vancouver, Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley children and has recently added agencies on Vancouver Island and in the interior of BC to its network. In addition to the regional work, the LMCB also serves as the Christmas Bureau for Vancouver residents.
SOURCE Vancouver Aquarium
For more information: Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager, [email protected], 604-376-2252
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