a white logo with text at the bottom saying Helen Woodward Animal Center. There are two kids with dogs, a horse, a bird and cats under a tree.

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Wild Winter

Holiday Events for Families

Wild Winter 2022

December 3rd ● 4th ● 10th ● 17th

9:00am – 1:00pm



One-hour jolly journey

Includes access to additional event activities

4 animals, 1 craft, private Santa time and more

Wild Winter Nocturnal 2022

December 2nd● 9th ● 16th

5:00 – 7:15pm

 

 

One-hour jolly journey

3 animals, 1 small craft, group Santa story time

Wild Winter 2022

Our adorable animal ambassadors can’t wait to spread Christmas cheer at Wild Winter! Sign up for a jolly journey during the event time that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit thanks to hands-on animal encounters with some of our cozy critters, a cute craft for you to keep, a gift for the little ones, and some personal time with Santa all guided by a member of our cheerful crew. Our excited elves spend all season transforming the Education Pavilion into a winter wonderland, which is filled with more crafts, games, face painting, a cookie decorating station, and more for you and your family to enjoy in addition to your jolly journey.

 

Animals you’ll encounter include: rabbit, chicken, alpaca, and goats and sheep.

 

More animals will be waiting to meet you in the event space before and after your jolly journey. The animals rotate throughout the event so include a wide variety.

 

When: December 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 17th

 

One-hour jolly journey between 9:00am – 1:00pm

 

During the event timeframe, there are additional activities to enjoy before or after your registered time.

 

 

 

Registration is for a jolly journey which is a one-hour time slot with a group of other families who registered for the same time. Groups will be led through their activities by a member of our cheerful crew during their registered hour. Arrive a bit early or stay a bit late for additional animals and activities in the event space for you to enjoy that is not part of your jolly journey!

Wild Winter Nocturnal 2022

‘Twas the night before Christmas at the Education Department and all through the place, animal ambassadors were stirring, eager to put a smile on your face!

This family event is festive, yet relaxed, and is the perfect place to escape the hectic holiday happenings. Come get a unique glimpse at how our animal ambassadors cope with the longer nights and chillier weather with Wild Winter Nocturnal. You and your group are sure to be merry as you enjoy animal interactions alongside a backdrop of beautiful Christmas lights, create a fun and festive craft, decorate a sweet treat for the little ones, and do group story time with Santa. Because it’s at night time, remember to dress warm and in layers!

Animals you’ll encounter include: sheep, guinea pig, and a dove.

When: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th

One-hour jolly journey between 5:00 – 7:15 pm

 

Registration is for a jolly journey which is a one-hour time slot with a group of other families who registered for the same time. Groups will be led through their activities by a member of our cheerful crew during their registered hour.

  • Jane D. “We had a fabulous time! Thanks so much! My kid says she “loved it, loved it, loved it.”
  • Dennis C.- “The use of space and variety of activities, both led and self-directed, are amazing. Staff and volunteers are well-trained in their tasks and management of all is on track.”
  • Chuck K.- “The personal time with Santa, not rushed and no expensive photos to buy, along with the educational experience with the animals makes Wild Winter a great option.”
  • Alison C.- ”Great Santa, generous gift, my daughter loved the animals, we had a great time!”

Your program fee helps support all of our adoptable animals, as well as the many human and animal services Helen Woodward Animal Center provides.

For more information:
Please contact us at [email protected] or 858-756-4117 ext. 318

Follow us online to get more humane education virtually including animal facts, cute animal photos and videos, and notifications about upcoming programs!

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!