’Tis the Season for Science

Due to the Academy's temporary closure, 'Tis the Season for Science will not be on view this year. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to celebrating with you next year!
The Academy's annual tradition,‘Tis the Season for Science, returns this year for a safe, physically distanced outdoor celebration of one of the symbols of the season: Reindeer! Under twice-hourly snow flurries, learn about the remarkable adaptations that allow reindeer to thrive in frigid Arctic realms and migrate incredible distances each year—on foot, contrary to popular belief…

The reindeer are here!
Please welcome Peppermint and Cookie, our dashing reindeer duo! Reindeer are the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers, which they shed and regrow every year in a process called antlerogenesis. Learn more about reindeer in the slideshow below.

Merry and bright
As the sun goes down, bask in festive decorations in the East Garden inspired by the magic of aurora borealis—also known as the northern lights. Delight in the fun, wintry atmosphere and feel transported to frosty, polar climes.

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

Cocoa and cookies
Top off your visit with a cozy cup of hot cocoa and cookies, available for purchase in the Academy Café or Terrace Restaurant.
Help us continue to recover, rebound, and rebuild. Please contribute to the Academy Resilience Fund today.