Santa is swapping his sleigh for scuba gear again. Christmas Underwater returns to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J., on Nov. 20 and runs through Dec. 24, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
The season centers on Scuba Santa, who dives daily among the sea turtles, stingrays and sharks in Ocean Realm. This year he brings company: his El-fish helper and, new for 2026, Splasher the Reindeer.
What’s back, and what’s new
The returning favorites: The World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree stands in Shark Den as the centerpiece of the event. In the middle of the aquarium, Snowtunda adds a 20-foot land-based Christmas tree, lights, festive music and indoor snow every day.
The new additions for 2026:
- “The Gill Who Stole Christmas”: Gill, the aquarium’s mascot, “borrows” Santa’s magic candy cane and accidentally knocks out power to the Christmas tree. The show follows his attempt to fix it with a little holiday magic.
- “A Fishmas Sing-Along”: In the Ocean Realm Theatre, El-fish helpers lead guests through classic carols with aquatic twists.
- The Boardwalk: At the aquarium’s newest exhibit, Santa’s helpers host themed puppet shows next to a custom Christmas tree with Boardwalk-style decorations.
- Shark Cage video: A new film shows the installation of the Underwater Christmas Tree and Scuba Santa from a diver’s point of view.
The Marketplace Café adds a seasonal menu with peppermint lattes, hot chocolate, snow globe sundaes and holiday sugar cookies. Garlands, trees and snowflakes decorate the halls, with photo spots throughout.
Adults-only night and early access
Adults get their own evening. The 21+ “Sips Undersea” program returns with “Nauti or Nice” on Dec. 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. It includes Snowtunda, Scuba Santa and the rest of the Christmas Underwater lineup. A new VIP package adds access to the Currents Ballroom, set up as a private lounge with light bites and specialty drinks.
Christmas Underwater is included with general admission. Members get early access to Santa’s First Dive on Nov. 20 at 8:45 a.m. Tickets and memberships are available on the Adventure Aquarium website.
