This year’s Aquarium of the Pacific Holiday Treats for the Animals had a visit from Sting Ray Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Scuba Santa as well as a Santa’s Elf Magic Show and recording artist HaMoRobyn a.k.a. Robyn Hendricks. The Aquarium was sprinkled with holiday décor including a cheerful scene of Penguins roasting marshmallows by a luminescent fire and a Christmas tree full of presents outside for the seals and sea lions bathing in the warm sunlight.

Mrs. Claus, performed by the talented musician and storyteller Alina Maleski, lead a lively musical storytelling of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and The Night Before Christmas. She played her accordion as children dressed in bright red holiday costumes danced around with tambourines and radiant smiles. Meanwhile out in the front lawn, a special treat was being blown in from the North Pole – real snow! Between stacks of hay and the green lawn below were billowing heaps of snow for children to play in and discover as their parents relaxed nearby.

The Penguin show in the Blue Cavern featured guest appearances by two adorable penguins that have been featured in well-known movies. Their caregivers spoke briefly about the lifestyle and feeding habits of penguins as children sat mesmerized by the sight of these black and white colored birds sitting peacefully next to one another.

New additions to this year’s celebration was Robyn Hendricks’ Chanukah storytelling and songs along with Santa’s Elf Magic Show, which offered lively entertainment for people of all ages. There were also holiday crafts taking place in the Great Hall where children could create holiday cards, ornaments and snowflake decorations.

The Aquarium of the Pacific offers year-round events and is a great place for both children and adults to explore during the holiday season and to catch a glimpse of sea life.

For more information about future events taking place at The Aquarium of the Pacific, call (562)590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.