• Two cute baby reindeer stand next to each other in an outdoor enclosure
    Hoof it over to the East Garden to meet our two visiting baby reindeer...
  • Woman in santa hat creating a facepaint look on child
    Get a festive facepaint look...
  • Magician displaying two large playing cards
    Marvel at a magic show...
  • Child decorating cookie with icing and sprinkles
    Decorate a holiday cookie...
  • Children playing in indoor falling snow
    ...dance under falling snow, and more!
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Adult (18+): $49.99 ($24.99 members)
Youth (3-17): $24.99 ($14.99 members)
Children 2 and under: Free
EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Lifeline Pass, and Medi-Cal cardholders: $10 (available at the door only)

Member discount applied after login. 10% group discount applied automatically after adding 21 or more tickets to cart. Discounts may not be combined.

Ready to have snow much fun? Tickets on sale now!

Slide into 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 baby 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.

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Frosty festivities

2 cute blonde toddlers frolic under indoor snow flurries at Tis the Season for Science at Cal Academy

We have a flurry of fun activities that are sure to warm your heart:

  • Be the first to greet our two visiting baby reindeer
  • Dash and dance through your favorite exhibits, open late
  • Decorate holiday cookies and create your own 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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Member perks

Child in elf costume place paper snowflake in wind tunnel

An Academy membership is always worth it—especially at Welcome Winter Night:

  • Unwrap half-price tickets: Adults $24.99, youth (3–17) $14.99
  • Cast your ballot during our baby reindeer naming contest
  • Cozy up at members' happy hour from 5:30–6:30 p.m. with discounts on seasonal snacks and select wines
  • Enjoy early access to cookie decorating, face painting, 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 5:30 p.m.
  • General admission for the event is 6:30 p.m.
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 p.m. 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).

Contact us
Have questions about enhanced experiences at the Academy? We're here to help.