• Two reindeer
    Hoof it over to the East Garden to meet Holly and Noel, our visiting reindeer...
  • Child with cat face paint
    Get a festive facepaint look...
  • Magician in blue suit holding bandana
    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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Welcome Winter Night
Save 10% when you buy 4+ tickets!

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
6:30-9:30 pm (6 pm early entry for members!)

Adult 18+: $49.99 ($24.99 members)
Youth 3-17: $24.99 ($14.99 members)
Youth 2 and under: Free

Free admission for children 2 and under. Member discount applied after login. Not a member yet? Join today!

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

Biologists feeding African penguins in enclosure

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

Woman in audience holding child in lap and pointing
  • Discounted adult and youth tickets
  • Early event entry at 6 pm
  • Members-only lounge access
  • And more!

Not a member yet? Join today!

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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).