Holidays at the Academy

Illustration of 3 penguin species against a teal background
This season, your winter wonderland is in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Make sure a merry (and mind-expanding) visit to the Academy is at the top of your holiday list this year.

Our holiday wish? To spend them with you! Frolic under indoor snow flurries, enjoy festive lights and décor, touch real Arctic animal specimens and artifacts, and join us for two evening events for science-loving kids and grown-ups. We’ll update this page once we put the finishing touches on a few more holiday surprises.

Please note: Because Wander Woods is currently under construction in the East Garden, the reindeer will not be in residence this year. We apologize for any inconvenience!

 

A girl reaches up to grab indoor snow flurries in the Academy Piazza

Fun in the flurries

Starting December 9!

Snow is in the forecast for San Francisco! Twirl under (non-allergenic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-staining) snow flurries swirling in the Piazza twice every hour.

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Academy gift cards

Holiday gift guide

From sustainable swag to colorful gift cards, the Academy has gift-giving down to a science. Make your loved ones merry this holiday while supporting the museum you love.

Browse the guide
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Music Concourse bandshell in Golden Gate Park illuminated by green light

Music Concourse merriment

Conclude your Academy visit with an afternoon concert! The Alterverse is curating a month of performances and readings in the Music Concourse bandshell between the Academy and the de Young Museum.

View the calendar
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Holiday hours

Thanksgiving (11/25): 10 am-3 pm
November 26-27: 9:30 am-6 pm
Christmas (12/25): 11 am-5 pm
December 26: 11 am-6 pm
December 27-30: 9:30 am-6 pm

Regular hours resume 12/31. Hours subject to change; please check our Hours & Admission page before your visit.

More to explore

Gaze at sparkling gems and get hands-on with Arctic specimens and activities in these exhibits and activities that pair well with the winter season.
Kangaroo and joey in a burned eucalyptus plantation. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur

Hope in a Burned Plantation by Jo-Anne McArthur // Grand Prize winner

BigPicture: Natural World Photography

Be transported around the world in an exhibit of the year's best nature, wildlife, and conservation photography.

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A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
Naturalist Center

Welcome to the Academy's hub for exploration, with books, games, specimens, and more. Open daily; hours vary.

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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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African penguin, Spheniscus demersus
African Penguin

African penguins establish strong pair bonds and use complex forms of communication in their social groups.

Guest looks into the giant fossilized jaws of extinct Carcharodon megalodon shark

Carcharodon megalodon was likely the largest shark that ever lived, growing up to three times longer than today's great whites.

Sharks

Enter the realm of sharks and get to know the animals behind the sensational headlines. Closing 1/23/22.