Santa at the Virginia Aquarium

Yesterday we headed to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to see the man with the bag...AKA Santa Claus! Every Sunday in December, the aquarium puts on two Claus-related programs for the wee ones and since we already have the membership, we decided we really couldn't miss this one. We met up with friends to put our lists in bright and early (better chance of getting what we want that way, right?)

We started by visiting SCUBA Santa in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. At 11:15 on the dot, Santa came swimming up amongst the fishes in full regalia: long white beard and red suit, hat and all. Swarms of bubbles came up as he swam around and demonstrated how his tank worked for the little ones while an aquarium volunteer spoke about the basics of SCUBA diving. At the end of the show, he nicely posed for photos with each individual kid (and there were a lot of them -- the room was packed full. Plan on getting there early to get a good seat.)



After Santa waved an underwater goodbye, we explored the Chesapeake Bay wing and spent some time at the touch pools and then headed over to the Marsh Pavilion (the aquarium's second building) to see the man in red all dried off. While we waited in line for the chance to sit on Santa's lap, we took advantage of the nearby ornament crafting tables (where we made some paper Seuss-fish and beaded candy canes). And then it was Anne and her friend A.'s turn to get their photos taken. Both kids had a little bit of a hard time with the concept -- Anouk didn't cry like last year but she did turn stony silent and refuse to say a word at all to Mr. Claus (besides a resounding NO when he asked if she would sit on his lap). So I climbed up, too, and you can bet I gave Santa a long list of all the goodies on my wishlist even if Anouk wouldn't.

This was our favorite Christmas experience around town yet -- nicely done, and one of the reasons why we think a membership to the Virginia Aquarium is one of the best deals in town. Be sure to check the aquarium's calendar of events for more info on other upcoming holiday programs (including breakfast with Santa, a sailing trip with Santa, and a Polar Express pajama day).