Holidays In Space! Christmas at Kennedy Space Center

No, that’s not a misprint, but neither is it the start of some far-fetched scheme to start Christmas trips into orbit. Yes, it does feature the festive period, but it is also a signature event from one of Orlando’s iconic attractions – step forward the Kennedy Space Center, and their unique way to celebrate Santa and Co!

The celebration in question is Holidays In Space, a recent annual phenomenon from the KSC, but one well worth considering when you’re weighing up all the seasonal offerings hereabouts. There’s certainly no shortage of them, but we think the home of NASA has that something special factor that definitely marks it out as among the seasonal highlights.

This compelling hands-on insight into the space programme – just an hour’s drive from our villa areas – is a real-life theme park in many ways. From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, visitors can get a proper feel for the story of humans in space. But the Visitor Complex takes on extra lustre for the period from December 21 to 30, when their festive overlay takes over.

Drones, and more!

The KSC may have been relatively late to the Christmas decorating scene in recent years, but they have definitely embraced it in a big way with Holidays In Space, which combines Christmas cheer with the wonder of space exploration.

Just to start with, it features an eye-catching drone show each evening, which tells a story of mankind’s galactic travel, while December 22 will mark the debut of an all-new character show at the Visitor Complex’s Universe Theatre, featuring the characters from Fraggle Rock.

Add in some superb festive decorating and mouthwatering new tastes and treats, and visitors will be fully rewarded for their trip to the Space Coast right through the main Christmas period. Look out in particular for the BBQ Station buffet and a special Dining Package that offers extra flavours – and value.

Kennedy Under the Stars

This year’s Holiday event starts with the KSC’s signature separately-ticketed after-hours event, Kennedy Under the Stars, a four-hour fiesta of live entertainment from 6-10pm that sees the Visitor Complex transformed into a winter outpost filled with music, lights and space-themed merriment.

This unique experience, entitled Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition, will take place on both December 19 and 20 (for $65 per person; tickets available on this link) and offer the chance to enjoy the Complex’s many attractions in a completely new light. Guests will be able to explore some of the most popular attractions, including Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, Heroes & Legends, Journey To Mars, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Planet Play, all after hours and aglow in festive décor.

The iconic Rocket Garden will come alive with twinkling lights and a Holiday Grooves Dance Party, while the KSC’s spectacular custom drone show will light up the night sky in an all-new display of aerial dexterity. Other live entertainment will feature The Vocalitas performing holiday classics, as well as whimsical characters on stilts and a roving Penny Farthing-riding elf. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful Rocket Tree Trail, take part in a scavenger hunt and snap a photo with the Mars Rover dressed as Rudolph!

Attendees are encouraged to wear their most creative space-themed holiday attire (but not masks or face coverings). Complimentary parking is included with admission and Holiday edition retail merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Holidays in Space & Drone Show Spectacular

The big Holidays in Space programme continues from December 21-30 (closed December 25), with holiday decorations and the nightly Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular! The sky will sparkle as the breathtaking 600-drone performance will tell the story of Starflake, a celestial character formed from a meteor shower who journeys through NASA’s greatest programmes, from Apollo and the Shuttle to Artemis, culminating in the creation of a glowing cosmic tree.

Each performance will feature brilliant visuals of the International Space Station, NASA’s spacecraft and even an astronaut in a Santa hat, making it a truly interstellar celebration of the season. Premium viewing for this show will be available on select nights throughout the holiday season.

Visitors will also have the chance to sample a special Holiday Dining Package to make the most of the season at the Visitor Complex. Designed to make mealtimes at the KSC more convenient and enjoyable during the busy Holidays, they will be offered from 15-19 December and December 22 to January 2 (available online in advance for $39.99 per person). The Dining Package includes one meal from either the Orbit Cafe, Moonrock Cafe or Barbecue (located in Chat With An Astronaut), offering selections such as chicken tenders and fries, pizza, burgers and veggie burgers. Guests will also receive a refillable souvenir cup and options for snacks, including the signature frozen ice-cream treats, Space Dots.

Enter, Fraggle Rock!

Starting on December 22, and continuing into 2026, guests will be invited to join the fun of Jim Henson’s award-winning Fraggle Rock characters as they embark on an out-of-their-world adventure through the inner workings of NASA’s space programmes. Venturing from their magical underground world, Gobo, Red and Co will follow a mysterious postcard that leads them to the wild and wonderful Space Center, where they will make a special connection with our world and learn about NASA’s Artemis missions and humanity’s next giant leap to the Moon.

Full of laughter, music and trademark physical comedy, Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure will be an educational journey that delights dreamers of all ages. The show will feature full-body costumed “walk-around” versions of Gobo, Red, and – for the first time in live production – Uncle Traveling Matt, as well as puppet versions of the Doozers, all fabricated by the multi-award-winning Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

The details: The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm (7pm Dec 21-26, 6pm Dec 31-Jan 4; closed Christmas Day). Single-day admission is $77 per adult, $67 per child. A two-day ticket is available for $91 and $81 respectively. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

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