Welcome Winter Night
2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.
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.
See more Christmas lights near San Francisco
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
Last year
Tickets
$$
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Golden Gate Park
Food & Drink
Specialty menu items available in the Academy Café; food and drink must be enjoyed in the Café or outdoors.
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.
Going?
Location
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.
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
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
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.
Browse Christmas in San Francisco
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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.