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Celebrate the season at the Academy—we're open daily! View holiday hours
Special Events
Welcome Winter Night
Tue Dec 5 at 6:30 pm
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Kick off the winter season with the Academy’s evening event for science fans of all ages! See what our animals get up to after hours and enjoy special themed activities like live reindeer viewing, cookie decorating, magic shows, and more. Whether you’re a curious child or adult, our holiday event promises to inspire and create cherished memories for all.
Frosty festivities
We have a flurry of fun activities that are sure to warm your heart:
- Dash and dance through your favorite exhibits and view Holly and Noel, our two live reindeer
- Decorate holiday cookies and create your own unique snowflake craft
- Get a delightful glow-up from face-painting artists
- Be dazzled by winterful magic shows
- Meet an Academy penguin biologist and learn how they care for our penguin colony
- Sit back and stargaze during a planetarium show and enjoy specialty menu items in our Café
- And more!
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Academy member perks
- Discounted adult and youth tickets
- Early event entry at 6 pm
- Members-only lounge access
- And more!
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Event details
Click to expand each section for more information about health and safety, exhibit access, entry times, and more.
Event entry times
- Academy members are invited to enter the event early starting at 6 pm.
- General admission for the event is 6:30 pm.
Exhibit access
Please note that Osher Rainforest and Morrison Planetarium have special hours and restrictions:
- Planetarium passes are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scan the QR code in the lobby when you arrive to reserve. Shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and we regret that we cannot permit any child under 4.
- Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm. Our animals need their sleep!
Health & safety
Enjoy science safely! Please note the following as you plan your evening:
- All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Indoor masking is encouraged, but not required.
- Food and drink must be enjoyed in the Academy Café or outdoors in the East or West Garden.
- For more information on the Academy's health and safety recommendations, please visit our Health & Safety page.
Reduced admission
We are pleased to offer tickets at a discounted rate for guests with an EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Lifeline Pass, or Medi-Cal card. Upon arrival, present your card at the ticket window to receive your discount for this special event. ($10 admission for adults/youth).
Birthdays at the Academy are wild! Celebrate with a party room, priority exhibit access, and more.
Experience the ultimate overnight museum adventure for kids. Don't snooze on this one—tickets sell out fast!
Make merry at the museum this holiday! Frolic under flurries, explore our Ice Lab, enjoy live shows, and more.