Five things to do around town

Santa sleeping with fishes? Yup

There’s less than a week to take that perfect photo with Santa, and, let’s face it, anybody can go to a mall.

But if you’re looking for something else, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and the Silverton Aquarium, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, are once again offering a twist on the annual tradition.

This year, “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is getting in on the action, offering photos with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday on the Grand Staircase.

You know, because nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like contemplating the icy deaths of 1,517 men, women and children.

We kid. We’re sure they’ll look fantastic.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday, children 12 and younger will receive free candy and a photo with Santa with each paid admission to the Shark Reef. Santa Jaws will be there, too. Santa also will swim with the fishes in the Shipwreck waters.

And from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Underwater Santa will be submerged in the Silverton Aquarium.

Cratchit, crimped

Everybody knows “A Christmas Carol” by heart, so it’ll be easy to fill in the missing scenes when the Winchester Headliners present an abridged rendition of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. For tickets ($7), call 702-455-7340.

Play at the plate

The Salted Lime at Aliante, 7300 N. Aliante Parkway in North Las Vegas, is featuring a $6 late-afternoon deal. Available from 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays, it includes Mexican rice, refried beans and a chopped salad and a choice from among cheese enchiladas, a beef and bean burrito, beef or chicken flautas, or spicy meat, chicken or shredded beef crispy tacos.

Obey your inner Vegas

Instead of rolling your eyes at Las Vegas stereotypes, embrace them for a change. Shock your Midwestern relatives with “Absinthe” chanteuse Melody Sweets’ “XXXmas — A Burlesque Christmas Spectacular” at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in the “Absinthe” tent at Caesars Palace. “Absinthe” cast members perform with burlesque acts and a live band to raise money for Help of Southern Nevada. Admission is $30 at the door.

Passionate pretzel logic

Who’s up for a game of “Mental Hopscotch”? You know new wavers Missing Persons are. The L.A. rockers and their flamboyant frontwoman Dale Bozzio are back to party like it’s 1982. See them at 9 p.m. Saturday at Adrenaline Sports Bar &Grill, 3103 N. Rancho Drive. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show; call 702-645-4139.