A swashbuckling version of jolly old Saint Nick is making his way to Tacoma again this year, putting a local spin on the global Christmas icon.

“Captain Claus offers a unique twist on our maritime heritage, with a little fiction involved,” said Jan Adams, web graphic designer for the Foss Waterway Seaport.

She noted that when coming up with the Captain Claus idea, the brainstorming team took some liberties with historical accuracy, but felt a sea-faring Santa was not too far out of reach.

“There must have been at some time an old buccaneer that wanted to do a nice thing for the holidays…someone who would come ashore at Balfour Dock and bring good cheer to the children and their families.”

At noon on Dec. 5 and 6, Captain Claus will arrive at Balfour Dock on the Foss Waterway on Tugboat Joe, a classic Foss tugboat. Holiday activities for families will take place following the Captain’s arrival on both days. Visitors are welcome to partake in Christmas ornament and toy boat making, listening to maritime stories read by master storyteller Penny Tennison and pursuing pirate booty in a historical treasure hunt.

Free hot cocoa will be provided by Dock Street Sandwich Co., and Learning Sprout Toys has donated items to be handed out to the first children at Balfour Dock on each day.

Captain Claus will be available from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to listen to the Christmas wishes of all the young scallywags in attendance. Photos can be purchased with Captain Claus for $10.

“Captain Claus is not your typical mall Santa,” said Mark Stopka, who volunteers as Captain Claus. “To me it’s never about the money, it’s just about the kids and the look on their faces; the sparkle they get when they see Captain Claus coming into the dock.”

Captain Claus is a perfect blend of a traditional Santa and a 19th century-era tall ships captain. He wears a long, oversized cuffed red and white coat, tricorner hat and a sword. This will be his third non-consecutive year bringing maritime holiday cheer hosted by the Foss Waterway. Captain Claus made his first appearance in 2006, the dock was closed in 2007 for renovation, and Captain Claus had a cameo at the larger Winterfest event in 2008.

“We really hope everyone will come visit us this year,” Adams said. “This event just oozes with Tacoma’s maritime history. Captain Claus is one unique part of our mission helping us celebrate Tacoma’s maritime heritage.”

Check out Captain Claus at the Foss Waterway Seaport from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Admission is $2 per person and $8 for a family of five. 705 Dock St., Tacoma. Visit www.fosswaterwayseaport.org for more information.