'Tis the Season for Science

  • Masked and unmasked kids frolic under indoor snow flurries in the Academy Piazza
  • Young child and mother next to a life-size penguin sculpture at the Academy's 'Tis the Season for Science event
  • Members of a brass band perform in the Academy Piazza
There’s snow place like the Academy during the holidays! Explore our winter wonderland between November 22 and January 5 with indoor flurries, icy science experiments, spirited performances, and more.

However you celebrate the holidays, a visit to the Academy should be at the top of your list. Science-lovers of all ages will revel in a festive array of winter-themed activities, can’t-miss events like Welcome Winter Night and NightLife: Santa Claude's Workshop, jolly live shows, falling snow—and, of course, nearly 60,000 animals eager to offer you their season’s greetings. Guests like you are a gift to us, and we look forward to making merry with you soon!

'Tis the Season for Science starts November 22. Members see it first: Join or renew today for a preview on November 21!

Boy happily plays under indoor snow flurries in the Academy Piazza

Winter weather

Flurries are in the forecast for San Francisco! Twirl under (non-allergenic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-staining) snow swirling in the Piazza twice an hour.

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Close-up of musicians playing brass bells with mallets

Music and magic

Take a break between exhibits to enjoy a live show! Over a dozen local cultural groups will perform in the Piazza, from choruses to Polynesian dancers to master magicians.

Performance calendar coming soon!

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An Academy docent demonstrates properties of melting ice to two guests

Pop-up programs

Interactive experiences abound on every floor of the museum: Slide into the Ice Lab to try on a blubber glove, see a penguin-themed puppet show, create a caribou craft, and tour the winter night sky in the planetarium. See program information below!

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Wolf pelt and other specimens in the Academy Naturalist Center

Arctic exploration

Drop by the Naturalist Center to discover how life thrives in polar climates. Touch a wolf pelt, examine snowflakes under a microscope, and learn about Indigenous climate leadership through specimens, books, and games.

Visit the Naturalist Center
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More to explore

Cozy up to a cornucopia of seasonal programs and activities at the museum and at home.
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Main in reindeer antler headband plays in a brass holiday band in the Academy Piazza
Piazza Performance

'Tis the season for music and magic! Enjoy live shows at 12 and 2 pm in the Piazza on select days this winter.

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presenter on stage with 2 penguin puppets
Children's Puppet Theater: P is for Penguin

Learn about penguins around the world in this interactive and theatrical puppet show!

Two reindeer
Welcome Winter Night

Glide into winter with a flurry of fun (and a baby reindeer!) at our evening event for science fans of all ages.

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Giant plush Claude white alligator
Holiday Gift Guide

From sustainable stocking stuffers to colorful gift cards, give your holiday list a science twist this year.

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Woman and young girl enjoy making reindeer crafts at the Academy's 'Tis the Season for Science
Ice Lab

Explore cold-weather creatures through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Daily, 10 am-3:30 pm.

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NightLife: Santa Claude's Workshop
NightLife: Santa Claude's Workshop

Santa Claude is comin’ to town! Shop your heart away at our merry marketplace of gift-worthy treasures.

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image of globe and three story books
Seasonal Storytime

Learn about how seasonal changes reveal our global connections through this interactive storytime.