Imagine a Christmas celebration that’s literally out of this world! The Holidays in Space event at Kennedy Space Center transforms a classic holiday getaway into an interstellar experience, blending the festive spirit with the awe of space exploration.
From the dazzling 50-foot LED tree to the intricacies of planning your visit, I’ve got your guide to making this holiday season truly stellar.
Before I give you all of the details, I have to let you know that I was invited out by Kennedy Space Center to enjoy their offerings in exchange for a blog post review.
As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and I have visited this destination before using my own money.
Now, join me as we embark on this celestial holiday voyage!
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Key Takeaways for Christmas at Kennedy Space Center
- Holidays in Space is an annual event at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, featuring a unique blend of space exploration and festive cheer.
- The event includes attractions such as a dazzling 50-foot LED tree, a projection mapping spectacle called Starflake’s Holiday Voyage, and festive decorations like astronaut nutcrackers and NASA ornaments.
- You should plan their visit accordingly, taking note of key dates for the 2023 event, avoiding capacity crowds, and pre-purchasing tickets to ensure entry.
- Holiday Dates: From December 15th – 30th, 2023
- Special events and attractions at Holidays in Space include the Rocket Tree Trail sponsored by L3Harris® and the anticipation of new decorations and surprises.
- Best of all, it’s included with your admission to Kennedy Space Center
What is Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center?
The Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center event is not just another festive gathering; it is a journey that bridges the gap between the terrestrial and the celestial.
Imagine a place where the wonder of the cosmos and the joy of the season collide into an extraordinary celebration.
Every year, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex becomes a canvas for a unique holiday spectacle that pays homage to human spaceflight.
This seasonal tradition, enthralling visitors since its inception, is a testament to the boundless human spirit that explores and celebrates even beyond our planet.
Why I Love This Florida Holiday Celebration
I love it because it’s a place where families and friends can gather to create memories amidst the grandeur of rockets and the whispers of astronauts’ legacies.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, the Visitor Complex is adorned with decorations that would make even the stars envious.
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What to Expect at Holidays in Space 2023
You are in for a treat at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the Holidays in Space event is not just about the sights but also about creating a unique Christmas experience in Florida.
Let’s jump into all of the yuletide happenings offered here.
The Dazzling 50-Foot LED Tree
At the heart of the Holidays in Space celebration stands a towering symbol of festive innovation: the dazzling 50-foot LED tree!
This colossal structure is not just a Christmas tree; it’s a technological marvel, a breathtaking fusion of holiday tradition and cutting-edge design.
With over 61,000 pixels of light, the tree transforms the night into a canvas of brilliant colors, each pixel contributing to the intricate dance of light that captivates all who gaze upon it.
This tree is not merely a decoration but a centerpiece that encapsulates the spirit of exploration and wonder synonymous with the season creating a luminous spectacle that mirrors the starry night sky.
Engineered to inspire, its LEDs emit a spectrum of hues that mirror the vastness of the cosmos, a fitting homage to the space-centric surroundings of the Kennedy Space Center.
One of the things you must do is to get a pair of the 3-D glasses that will add a bit of holiday magic to your viewing experience.
I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the colorful Christmas lights through the lense of these glasses. So, be sure to ask a Team Member for one when the evening approaches.
Be sure to visit the official website for a closer look at this iconic feature of the Kennedy Space Center.
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Starflake’s Holiday Voyage: A Projection Mapping Spectacle
“Starflake’s Holiday Voyage” at the Kennedy Space Center is a projection mapping extravaganza that transcends typical holiday displays.
This visual narrative, set against the canvas of the Gateway building, will mesmerize you with a story of an adventurous holiday star named Starflake.
The technology behind this spectacle is a marvel in itself, seamlessly integrating light and sound to transport audiences through familiar space-related settings.
Storyline of Starflake’s Holiday Voyage
You will travel from the Earth to the International Space Station while paying homage to the magnificent James Webb Space Telescope.
There are also monumental space landmarks like the Vehicle Assembly Building that become part of the spectacle, as vivid imagery and animations are projected onto their surfaces, creating an immersive experience that’s both cutting-edge and heartwarming.
It’s an experience that beautifully illustrates the harmony between human innovation and the timeless spirit of the holiday season.
For a glimpse into the magic of “Starflake’s Holiday Voyage,” you can explore the event details and prepare to be captivated by this stunning feature of Holidays in Space.
Time and Dates for Starflake’s Holiday Voyage
- December 15th to 17th at 5:50 p.m.
- December 18th to 30th at 6:50 p.m.
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Festive Decorations: From Astronaut Nutcrackers to NASA Ornaments
The festive season at Kennedy Space Center is not your typical holiday affair.
As mentioned earlier, it’s an intergalactic celebration adorned with unique decorations that capture the wonder of space exploration.
I love the six-foot-tall astronaut nutcrackers that have a whimsical nod to the guardians of our galaxy, standing tall in their space gear, evoking the valiant spirit of those who have ventured into the cosmos!
Plus, these nutcrackers are complemented by the NASA holiday ornaments that encapsulates the joy of the season.
Purchase your tickets or book a tour here for Kennedy Space Center!
The Rocket Tree Trail Sponsored by L3Harris®
This year’s Rocket Tree Trail is an enchanting feature of the Kennedy Space Center’s Holidays in Space event.
Sponsored by L3Harris®, each tree along the trail is a beacon of stories, adorned with decorations that reflect the milestones and memories of humanity’s quest among the stars.
The trail is not just a walk among trees but a curated experience, where the glow of each tree is reminiscent of distant celestial bodies.
It’s this blend of sensory delight and intellectual engagement that makes the Rocket Tree Trail a standout attraction at the Holidays in Space celebration and one that you can’t miss on your visit.
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Planning Your Visit for Christmas at Kennedy Space Center
When charting your course for the Holidays in Space event at the Kennedy Space Center, timing and planning is everything.
What are the dates of Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center?
The festivities for Holidays in Space will take place from December 15 to December 30, 2023, giving you a cosmic window to join the celebration. It’s critical to note that even space takes a holiday, as the Visitor Complex will be closed on December 25.
Where to buy tickets for Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center?
I recommend getting your tickets on Kennedy Space Center’s website or for a small discount on Groupon.
To ensure your holiday mission is a success, it’s important to pre-purchase your tickets, especially since the center often reaches capacity during the peak week between December 26 and December 31.
This strategic move will secure your spot among the stars and spare you from the black hole of disappointment.
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Is Holidays in Space included with admission?
You’ll be happy to know that this fun event is included with your admission to Kennedy Space Center.
What are the dates for Holidays in Space?
As mentioned earlier in this guide, the Holidays in Space will take place at the visitor complex from December 15 through December 30, 2023.
Just keep in mind that these dates exclude December 25, when the cosmos pauses to celebrate Christmas, and the center closes its gates.
Kennedy Space Center Holiday Hours:
- December 15th to 17th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- December 18th to 30th 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- CLOSED on Christmas December 25th
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5 Beginner Tips for Visiting Holidays in Space
Now that you know what to expect, let’s go through a few tips to help you make the most of your day.
1. Go on Off-Peaks Days
One of the most effective strategies for circumventing the capacity crowds during the Holidays in Space event is to target off-peak dates.
While the event runs from December 15 through December 30, the days immediately following Christmas tend to draw the largest gatherings.
Consider planning your visit for the earlier dates of the event, which typically see lighter attendance.
2. The Early Astronaut Catches the Wormhole
By arriving early in the day, you’ll not only maximize your experience but also sidestep the influx of visitors that often occurs in the afternoon.
The Kennedy Space Center opens its gates in the morning, providing a window of opportunity for you to enjoy the attractions before the midday crowd surge.
Purchase your tickets or book a tour here for Kennedy Space Center!
3. Monitor the Social Media Accounts
Another tip is to monitor the Kennedy Space Center’s event calendar and social media for live updates on attendance levels.
Real-time information can be a critical tool in choosing the optimal time to visit.
Additionally, embarking on lesser-known attractions during peak times can offer a reprieve from the bustling main events.
4. Check the Weather
Make sure that you monitor the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as Florida’s winter can be unpredictable.
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5. Get an Annual Pass
Lastly, consider the benefits of an Annual Pass, which can include special appreciation events like the Annual Passholder Appreciation Night, often featuring reduced attendance.
These exclusive events not only provide a more intimate setting but also enhance the overall quality of the visit.
By keeping these practical tips in mind, your visit to the Kennedy Space Center during the Holidays in Space will be as smooth as a spacecraft’s journey through the stars.
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out some of the fun attractions and exhibits opened year round at Kennedy Space Center such as the incredible Hyperdeck: Mission Moon VR experience!
My Review of Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center
To me, Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center is more than just a festive gathering in Florida.
I love how it feels like it’s a celebration of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge (mixed in with a little bit of holiday cheer).
It is here, amidst the grandeur of rockets and shuttles, I saw school children laughing and families coming together to share in the wonder of space exploration, a testament to our species’ boundless ambition.
I was happy that it was included in my ticket admission and that I was able to enjoy all of the year round exhibits and attractions; however, I wish there was more holiday decor inside of the different buildings at the Visitor’s Complex.
I also wished that there were more holiday experiences and entertainment throughout the day.
Maybe a display or presentation that showcases how astronauts have celebrated the holidays from space in the past.
Plus, there weren’t many quality food offerings for guests and I wish there was more festive food created specifically for the holidays.
Purchase your tickets or book a tour here for Kennedy Space Center!
My Final Thoughts on Holidays in Space
Overall, the Holidays in Space event at Kennedy Space Center is a unique crossroads where the rigor of scientific exploration meets the warmth of holiday traditions.
The tree, for instance, isn’t just a symbol of Christmas; it’s a technological marvel that encapsulates the dynamic relationship between human creativity and the laws of physics.
Its thousands of lights, resembling distant galaxies, remind us that the same curiosity driving our festive light displays propels us toward the cosmos.
By celebrating Holidays in Space, we acknowledge the extraordinary capacity of human ingenuity to push the boundaries of what’s possible while honoring our most cherished traditions.
As the season approaches, set your course for a holiday adventure that reaches for the stars. Prepare for liftoff and secure your tickets to this interstellar celebration!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!