Plenty of time to sit with St. Nick and continue—or start—a great holiday tradition

No matter where you live in Greater Cincinnati, there are still ample opportunities to see Santa Claus before Christmas. Various sites throughout the area will host the Man in Red, allowing children, young and old, to tell him about their dreams and desires—and even get a picture together.

Scuba Santa is making his dives this year at Newport Aquarium, marking the 19th year for this one-of-a-kind Cincinnati family tradition. Every day through Dec. 24, aquarium guests will be able to tell Scuba Santa what they want for Christmas while he swims in a tank of sharks. Elf friends, holiday music and festive lights throughout the aquarium are highlights of the visit. Scuba Santa is included with regular admission; capacities are limited so advance ticket or Annual Pass purchase is required. For tickets and everything you need to know before you see Santa, go to the aquarium’s website or call (800) 406-3474. The aquarium is located at 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Kentucky.

Children can visit Santa Claus at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, starting at 4 p.m. daily in the Serengeti Shelter through Dec. 23. As part of its 39th annual PNC Festival of Lights, zoo-goers also can enjoy 4 million LED lights while wondering the zoo grounds. The popular North Polar Express Train begins running at 2:30 p.m. daily. For information, visit the zoo’s Festival of Lights web page.

Entertrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court in West Chester Township, is offering Santa Claus both in-person and live online via video chat. Virtual Santa is scheduled for Dec. 16-17 and Dec. 22-24. All other dates are scheduled to be in-person, but patrons should check before visiting. (513) 898-8000 or (877) 898-4656.

See Santa at the Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, in a socially distanced way. Visit the jolly ol’ man by his fireplace in the “Public Landing” adjacent to the “Holiday Junction” exhibit.

It’s also the 75th anniversary of the Duke Energy Holiday Trains. Children will not be allowed to sit on his lap this year.

Take family pictures with St. Nick at Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road, Sycamore Township, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 24. Reservations are encouraged.

Meet with Santa at Center Court in Eastgate Mall, 4601 Eastgate Blvd., Union Township through Dec. 24. Visits are free; photo packages and keepsakes are available for purchase. For hours, reservations and COVID-19 health precautions, visit the mall’s Santa web page.

Garb your kids, your family, your friends and your dog and head to Florence Mall, 2028 Florence Mall in Florence, Kentucky, to get your photo taken with Santa. The mall will host Santa through Dec. 24. For hours and reservations (highly recommended), visit the mall’s Santa web page.

Make your way to Santa’s Workshop from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Bring your camera, and take some family pictures.