Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will launch its annual holiday festivities this December with the return of Holidays in Space and the introduction of a new after-hours event, Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition. The visitor complex, recently recognized as the top attraction in the United States by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards, will host these seasonal events that combine space exploration experiences with holiday-themed activities.
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person for this separately ticketed event. The complex will feature music, lights, themed entertainment, and access to popular attractions such as Heroes & Legends, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, Journey To Mars, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Planet Play.
The Rocket Garden will be illuminated for a Holiday Grooves Dance Party. A custom drone show is planned to light up the night sky. Live entertainment includes performances by The Vocalitas singing holiday classics, characters on stilts, a Penny Farthing-riding elf, and opportunities for guests to take photos with a Mars Rover dressed as Rudolph. Attendees can also explore the Rocket Tree Trail and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Guests are encouraged to wear creative space-themed holiday attire but masks or face coverings are not permitted. Complimentary parking is included with admission. Holiday edition retail items will be available throughout the evening; annual passholders receive discounts on food, beverage, and retail purchases.
Holidays in Space continues from December 21–30 (closed December 25), featuring an all-new Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular—a performance involving 600 drones that tells the story of Starflake journeying through NASA’s historic programs before forming a cosmic tree. Premium viewing tickets for select nights will be available at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Each drone show performance highlights visuals such as the International Space Station and NASA spacecraft alongside festive elements like an astronaut wearing a Santa hat. Additional programming includes an upcoming live character show at Universe Theater and an interactive family breakfast experience during the holidays.
A Holiday Dining Package is also being offered for presale only between December 15–19 and December 22–January 2 for $39.99 per person plus admission. It provides one meal at select cafes within Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex along with snacks and a refillable souvenir cup.
Tickets for Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition went on sale November 4 at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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