Sleigh All Day

Most adults look forward to Thanksgiving all year as a day to relax and enjoy good food and good company, but it’s the day after that kids anticipate.

That’s the day Santa Claus comes to town!

On Friday, Nov. 26, Santa makes his official arrival in the Tristate. If you really want to, you can visit Santa at the mall. It will be crowded, the photos will be expensive, and the whole ordeal will feel a little hectic and unpleasant.

But you don’t have to settle for that. You can find Santa in action, building things and swimming with sharks; tending to his reindeer and taking his place in history!

At first glance, Santa swimming seems a bit off brand with his fur suit and heavy boots. But for the past 19 years, Scuba Santa has been part of Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium.

You can see Scuba Santa swim with a tank full of sharks and still tell him what you want for Christmas. His scuba bubbles are magic, of course, so every time a bubble pops, a wish will come true for someone throughout the world. Visit the website for exact times!

At Cincinnati Museum Center, Santa makes his grand arrival at 11 a.m. aboard a historic firetruck from the Cincinnati Fire Museum. You can watch his entrance and wave “hello” by the historic fountain at Union Terminal. After that, he’ll settle in by the cozy fireplace set up adjacent to Holiday Junction to hear your holiday wishes.

Did you ever wonder how the elves became such expert toymakers? They learned from Santa. Watch him Santa’s in his workshop at Washington Park on select Saturdays and Sundays beginning Nov. 27, from 12 to 4 p.m. for socially distanced photos with Santa. These events series are free, but you need to bring your own camera.

For the absolute best Santa in the Christmas business, visit Rising Star Christmas Casino. He’s in the Market Village, you can pick up a few gifts, talk to Santa, and even visit with his reindeer. As a bonus, the website offers a “reindeer cam” so you check on your new furry friends whenever you’d like.