This Iconic Holiday Event in Ohio Is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

In 2012, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened to visitors. It ended the period in which Cleveland went without an aquarium and brought the public face-to-face with aquatic life in an incredible setting. It also brought a unique new energy to the Cleveland Flats, especially around the holidays. In fact, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers one of the most iconic holiday events in Ohio each year, and it's one you simply have to experience. Gas up the car, pack the road trip essentials, and get ready to spend your holiday exploring Northeast Ohio.

Pulling into the Flats West Bank, it's easy to spot the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. It's located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building, which was erected in 1892 to provide power to local streetcar railways. Surprisingly, the old historic architecture is perfect for the aquarium, and everything down to the smoke stacks have been utilized to create a unique ambiance for resident fish and visitors, alike.

But we're not here to talk about architecture. We're here to talk about Scuba Claus!

This unique annual event takes place in December, and it brings its star attraction all the way from the North Pole. Armed with his iconic "Naughty or Nice" list, Santa dons his finest scuba gear and dives into the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s 230,000-gallon shark habitat. But don't worry! Like you, these guys are on the Nice List.

One of Santa's bravest elves accompanies him on the dive, and they're ready to greet you from inside the shark tank. The Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greet is one of the coolest holiday events in Ohio, and your ticket includes full aquarium access. You'll also get a digital photo to commemorate your experience, so you'll walk away with bragging rights.

This event is especially attractive for parents or grandparents with young children who might feel a bit apprehensive about sitting on Santa's lap at the mall and asking for a Red Ryder BB gun. (If you didn't know, chunks of A Christmas Story were filmed right here in Cleveland!) This event offers the perfect way to avoid awkward interactions, skip the crying, and get the most memorable visit with Santa possible.

Next to meeting Santa in the coolest environment imaginable, the whole family will love exploring the various exhibits in the aquarium, including both Ohio and tropic showcases. I love getting to know local species that inhabit our streams, lakes, and rivers, but seeing the underwater diversity that exists throughout the world is a treat like no other.

Personally, one of my favorite experiences is interacting with the touchpools. What an incredible way to get hands-on with aquatic critters! Invertebrates and stingrays are friendly and gentle critters to interact with, and they're fun for kids and grownups alike. But there's no shortage of attractions at the aquarium, so it's worth scoping out the scene before your trip to ensure you budget enough time for your visit.

Whether you come to see the sharks or Scuba Claus, this annual holiday event in Ohio is one of the coolest experiences in The Buckeye State. It's the perfect opportunity to snap a brag-worthy photo for your holiday card while meeting some of Ohio's most unique, finned residents.

While you're in the Flats, consider swinging by the Flat Iron Cafe for some delicious comfort food. I recommend the buffalo pierogies!