December Event Guide

Winter Nature Nights

December 8-10, 15-17, 22-23

5:30 pm - 8:15 pm


Discover the magic of Winter Nature Nights this holiday season! Savor hot chocolate in the cozy café, followed by a leisurely walk along our beautifully lighted outdoor boardwalk trail. See the storybook “How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas” come alive on the Dinosaur Discovery Trail. Meet Santa at the Goodson House (don't forget your camera!), or get creative with cookie decorating! Add a special holiday show in the Abbitt Planetarium and make it a magical night! 


Museum Members: $10

General Admission: $13

Prices increase for each weekend on that Friday to $12/$15

Separate ticket required for Planetarium shows.


Purchase Tickets

Holiday Planetarium Shows


December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 29-31

12:30 pm (Star of Wonder)

1:30 pm (Holiday Magic)


December 8-10, 15-17, 22-23

6:30 pm (Star of Wonder)

7:30 pm (Holiday Magic)


Enjoy the wonder of the season with the Holiday Magic laser show and the mystery of the Christmas Star in Star of Wonder.




Museum Members: Free (Daytime) or $5 (Evening)

General Admission: $6 (Daytime) or $8 (Evening)

Museum admission required for daytime shows. Winter Nature Nights Tickets required for evening shows, with the exception of December 9.


Purchase Daytime Tickets | Purchase Evening Tickets

Paws & Pages: Storytime with the Ambassador Animals

December 27-29

10:30 am and 1:00 pm


Get ready for a winter break filled with wonder, discovery, and the Museum's ambassador animals! From skunks to songbirds, turtles, lizards, snakes, crabs, salamanders, and more, each animal has its own special story to tell. Listen to fun and fascinating stories about Virginia’s native wildlife, then meet the stars of the stories! Each story time concludes with hands-on activities that help reinforce the story’s lesson. Made possible in part by a grant from the Newport News Arts Commission.


Included with Museum admission.



Visit Today!

Rockin' Noon Years Eve

December 31

10:00 am - 2:00 pm


Celebrate the New Year and still be home by bed time! This family-friendly New Year's celebration includes exciting science demonstrations, crafting, music, and eco-friendly resolutions. Enjoy thrilling countdowns at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm.


Included with Museum admission.


Visit Today!

Otter Happenings


Dec. 9: Stargazing Night

Dec. 13: Homeschool Day

Jan. 27: "TreeHouses" changing exhibit opens


Holiday Closures

Dec. 24-25

Jan. 1

Featured Feedings & Talks


Otter, daily @ 12:30 pm

Deer, daily @ 11 am

Alligator, Mondays & Wednesdays @ 12 pm


Check here for more days and times.


Open Daily

9 am to 5 pm


Adults $19.95 - $23.95

Children $16.95

Under 2 Free



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