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Annual holiday exhibit ‘Tis the Season for Science returns on November 22

Outdoor ice skating, indoor snow flurries, live performances, and more through January 7, 2018.

January 24th, 11:50 AM

SAN FRANCISCO (November 14, 2017) – Starting Wednesday, November 22, visitors to the California Academy of Sciences can revel in the wonder of ‘Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice, the museum’s annual holiday exhibit that explores the science behind the winter season. This year, the Academy will debut a brand new holiday ice rink in the museum’s East Garden, inviting visitors to skate in the heart of Golden Gate Park this season. Inside the museum, a new twist on the Academy’s annual exhibit will explore our planet’s polar regions—from the North Pole to the South Pole—and the animals that call them home. Interactive displays will educate visitors on the adaptations that allow polar bears, Antarctic penguins, and other polar-dwelling animals to survive and thrive in frozen ecosystems. Plus, the Snowman Theater, a suite of hands-on daily programs, and a dynamic line-up of live performances on select dates will return to delight visitors of all ages this holiday season. The Academy will be open 10 am – 3 pm on November 23 (Thanksgiving Day) and 11 am – 5 pm on December 25 (Christmas Day).

In and around the Academy’s central Piazza, visitors will find a wintry wonderland, complete with:

Indoor snow flurries twice an hour
The “Snowman Theater”—an immersive digital dome shaped like a giant snowman playing Science of Snow, a 7-minute, family-friendly show that illustrates how snowflakes form
A suite of new, daily programs for all ages: from winter-themed puppet shows located in the Academy’s Curiosity Grove for little learners to a hands-on ice lab where curious visitors can feel the fascinating properties of ice, and more!
Life-size models of polar bears and Antarctic penguins that invite guests to learn about and examine these fascinating animals up close
A stage for special programs including polar-themed quiz shows and live performances
A new outdoor ice rink open daily this holiday season in the Academy’s East Garden! Ice rink tickets are available online in advance or can be purchased on-site at the museum. 55-minute skate sessions are $12 per person ($10 for Academy members) and skate rental is included. Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance ticket purchases are recommended to secure desired date and time. For more information on the Academy’s holiday ice rink and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.calacademy.org/tis-the-season

See below for a schedule of daily and special programs at the Academy during ‘Tis the Season for Science:

“P” IS FOR PENGUIN

Daily at 11:00 am, Piazza

Find out why African and Emperor penguins are perfectly suited for their ocean homes, from their tuxedo-like feathers to their super swimming skills. Waddle over and show us your best penguin bray! This interactive program is recommended for children 10 and under.

CHILDREN’S PUPPET THEATER: MY FIRST WINTER

Daily at 1:00 pm, Curiosity Grove

Take a seat and join an Academy educator for a fun, winter-themed puppet show perfect for all ages.

WILD WINTER TRIVIA

Daily at 1:00 pm, Piazza

Team up for this friendly game show-style trivia contest. Work together with the help of a presenter to explore the winter survival strategies of animals from North Pole to South Pole.

FESTIVE PERFORMANCES AT THE ACADEMY

Performances at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm on November 23-26, December 9-10, December 22-24, December 26-January 7

Live on the Academy’s Piazza stage, enjoy fun performances by musicians, cultural groups, and more on select dates this season. All performances are free with Academy admission.