During the holiday season in Vancouver, there’s no shortage of things to do and sights to see with friends and family including Christmas markets, craft shows, and many festive light displays around the city. But the only place you’ll catch a glimpse of Scuba Claus is at the Vancouver Aquarium, where some pretty cool aquatic holiday inspired exhibits have been set up just in time for the season. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store during the Holidays at Vancouver Aquarium this year:
Eel-ectric lights show
Daily at 10:45am
Watch an “eel”-ectric exhibit where you’ll see the resident electric eel power the lights on a Christmas tree. You’ll learn how and why these fish produce electricity, and what it takes for them to generate enough electricity to power lights.
LED-lit Jellyswarm
Enjoy a luminous lightshow of LED-lit origami jellyfish floating above the Pacific Canada gallery, while their colourful projections glow around you. With the ability to control the light projections of each jellyfish, this interactive display is a hit with the kids and the adults too!
Scuba Claus dives with Aurora and Qila
Daily at 12:30pm and 2:45pm
Don’t miss a very jolly Scuba Claus diving in the Canada’s Arctic gallery with beluga whales Aurora and Qila. You can also catch him making daily appearances in the Georgia Strait gallery.
Polar Express: The 4D experience
Check Van Aqua’s daily schedule for a list of times on weekdays and weekends
Based on the inspiring and beloved children’s book, this multi-sensory 4D theatre experience will keep you engaged during the whole train ride to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express! The film is brought to life in digital 3D and through 4D multi-sensory effects that stimulate and engage your sight, scent, sound and touch. This 4D experience is suitable for the whole family.
Holiday marine debris tree
Tofino-based artist Pete Clarkson has built an art installation of a holiday marine debris tree from items he has collected in nearby coastlines. The holiday marine debris tree stands tall in the Vancouver Aquarium and serves as a reminder to keep our coastlines free of litter, which continue to harm marine mammals and our ocean ecosystems.
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The Holidays at the Vancouver Aquarium feature runs throughout December until January 3, 2016 with the exception of Scuba Claus who will be diving until December 24, 2015, so make sure to visit him before then!
In addition to the holiday aquatic sights, sounds and experiences at the Vancouver Aquarium, there are many other educational and exciting exhibits and galleries to enjoy throughout the year. Remember that while you’re at the Vancouver Aquarium enjoying the exhibits and learning more about marine science, you’re supporting the non-profit organization’s efforts in the conservation and research of aquatic life here in Vancouver.
Visit Vancouver Aquarium’s website for ticket prices, hours, and a daily schedule of holiday shows, displays and exhibits. Regular hours of operation are 10am to 5pm daily and 9:30am – 6pm seasonally/ on statutory holidays (special holiday hours in affect starting November 19).
On their website, you’ll also find information on the work that the Vancouver Aquarium is doing in the areas of conservation and research, including protecting endangered species, learning more about our marine life, and direct action through various community and educational programs.
