December 03, 2025
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience you can only find at Newport Aquarium, where Santa trades snow for fins and dives into the magic of the season.
From November 28 through December 24, 2025, families are invited to explore a festive underwater world filled with dazzling holiday lights, cheerful elves, musical surprises, and a flurry of magical bubbles that float above you.
Children can talk to Scuba Santa while he swims underwater with sharks, rays, colorful tropical fish, and a curious sea turtle, a moment that becomes a core memory for families year after year. Holiday magic fills the entire Aquarium, turning every exhibit into a sparkling, glowing celebration of the season.
Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss This Holiday Event Happening in Cincinnati, Ohio.
No chimney required. Kids can chat with Scuba Santa as he swims inside a massive tank surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of fish. It’s a mesmerizing twist on a classic holiday moment.
Inside the Theater, Scuba Santa releases his famous magical bubbles and when one pops, a Christmas wish is sent out into the world. It’s one of the most heartwarming moments of the entire season.
Every walkway glows with holiday lights and music, transforming the entire Aquarium into a cozy, family-friendly celebration that feels merry from beginning to end.
Watch penguins waddle, swim, and show off their chilly charm, they’re a fan favorite for kids (and parents!).
No add-on required. Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is included with general admission and all Aquarium Annual Memberships.
Whether you’re local to Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, or planning a holiday day trip from Louisville, Lexington, or Indianapolis, Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is the perfect all-weather, crowd-pleasing holiday outing.
New for 2025: See Scuba Santa Swim With the NEW Roughtail Stingray
This year brings an exciting new surprise to Surrounded by Sharks, the Roughtail Stingray, measuring 5 feet across and more than 9 feet long. Guests can watch Scuba Santa swim alongside this impressive new resident as it glides gracefully through the giant tank. It’s an unforgettable sight and a standout moment of the event.
Special Holiday Experiences You Can Add
December 14 at 9:00 AM
Kick off your day with a festive breakfast buffet in the Riverside Room, meet cheerful Elves, design your own Christmas ornament, and be among the first guests to see Scuba Santa that morning. Advance tickets required. Member discounts available.
F.I.S.H. – Family Inclusive Sensory Hours
December 14 from 8:00–10:00 AM
Enjoy Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland during a sensory-friendly event with adjusted lights, sounds, and crowd levels to accommodate various sensory sensitivities.
Why Families Love This Event Every Holiday Season
Each year introduces new moments and keeps the holiday magic feeling fresh.
Snowy day? Cold rain? No problem. The Aquarium’s warm, glowing holiday atmosphere is comfortable for all ages.
You’ll find festive photo ops, glowing light displays, and memorable moments your kids will talk about all season.
Whether you're visiting from Louisville, Lexington, Indianapolis, or Cincinnati, Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is the perfect holiday highlight for weekend getaways or festive day trips.
Plan Your Visit Today
Scuba Santa swims back to Newport Aquarium November 28–December 24, 2025 and reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand. Give your family a holiday experience they’ll remember forever, bubbles, sharks, ray glides, cheerful elves, and a magical visit with Scuba Santa himself.
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