'Tis the Season for Science

  • Masked girl joyfully collects indoor snowflakes in the Academy
  • 2 cute young kids sit on a polar bear model next to their father with a polar backdrop in the background
  • 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 18 and January 8, 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, jolly live shows, falling snow—and, of course, nearly 40,000 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 was open daily from November 18, 2022, through January 8, 2023. We look forward to celebrating again with you later this year!

2 young girls delight in falling snow 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.

View performance calendar
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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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Academy docent demonstrates animal pelt to guests during an event

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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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 crafts, experiments, and demonstrations. Daily, 10 am-3:30 pm.

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Craft walrus made of playdough against blue background
Science @ Home: Life on Ice

Ready to brave the cold? Bundle up and spend a week with wintry hands-on activities designed to engage ages 4-8.

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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.

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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!