Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Welcome Winter Night
Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished holiday memories.
What to Expect
Live reindeer viewing and holiday crafts
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: The Music Concourse Garage is available for a fee ($5/hour weekdays, $6/hour weekends). Free street parking is available but can be limited on busy days. Lockers are available for rent.
- Accessibility: Please visit the Academy's Health & Safety page for more information on accessibility.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Other Christmas Events Near San Francisco
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, science enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, educational, magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Special Events & Promotions
- Live reindeer viewing for one night only
- Holiday Bazaar featuring local vendors
- Discounted tickets for EBT/CalFresh cardholders
- Group discounts available for orders of 21+ tickets
Location
Event Details
Duration
3.5 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Golden Gate Park
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
California Academy of Sciences
Food & Drink
Specialty menu items available in the Academy Café; food and drink must be enjoyed in the Café or outdoors.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure parking as the Music Concourse Garage can fill up quickly.
- Consider using public transportation or rideshare services to avoid parking challenges in Golden Gate Park.
- Planetarium passes are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis; scan the QR code upon arrival to reserve yours.
- The Osher Rainforest exhibit has a last entry time of 7:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly if this is a priority.
- EBT/CalFresh cardholders can purchase tickets for $10 at the door, but only one ticket per cardholder is permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific hours for the event?
The Welcome Winter Night event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Are there any age restrictions for the planetarium shows?
Yes, planetarium shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under 4 are not permitted.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Food and drink must be enjoyed in the Academy Café or outdoors in the East or West Garden.
Is there a discount for members?
Yes, member discounts are applied after login on the ticketing page.
What is the policy on indoor masking?
Indoor masking is welcome but not required.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.