The holiday season is about to blast off at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, recently named the #1 U.S. attraction in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards. This year, the Space Coast destination invites guests to experience a season filled with cosmic wonder, dazzling lights, and family-friendly fun through two major events: Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition and the annual Holidays in Space celebration.
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition
Launching on December 19–20, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m., this special after-hours event offers guests a rare opportunity to explore the Visitor Complex in a festive new light. For $65 per person, attendees can enjoy popular attractions like Space Shuttle Atlantis, Heroes & Legends, Journey to Mars, Planet Play, and more — all illuminated with seasonal décor.
The evening will feature a Holiday Grooves Dance Party in the Rocket Garden, a stunning custom drone show, and live entertainment from The Vocalitas, along with whimsical stilt walkers and even a Penny Farthing-riding elf. Guests can also stroll the Rocket Tree Trail, join a scavenger hunt, and take photos with the Mars Rover dressed as Rudolph.
Creative space-themed holiday attire is encouraged, and annual passholder discounts will apply to food, beverage, and retail purchases throughout the event.
Holidays in Space: New Drone Show Spectacular
The celebrations continue December 21–30, 2025 (closed Christmas Day) with the return of Holidays in Space — featuring an all-new 600-drone light show that tells the story of Starflake, a celestial character traveling through NASA’s greatest missions, from Apollo to Artemis. The dazzling performance will include imagery of spacecraft, the International Space Station, and even an astronaut in a Santa hat.
Guests can also look forward to a new live character show inside the Universe Theater and an interactive holiday breakfast experience. Premium viewing areas for the drone show will be available on select nights.
Festive Dining and Seasonal Offerings
For those looking to maximize their holiday experience, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a Holiday Dining Package (available for presale only) from December 15–19, 2025, and December 22, 2025–January 2, 2026, priced at $39.99 per person. The package includes a full meal, a refillable souvenir cup, and snack options at Orbit Café, Moonrock Café, or Barbecue at Chat With An Astronaut.
Tickets for Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition are now on sale at KennedySpaceCenter.com. Located just 45 minutes from Orlando, the complex opens daily at 9 a.m., offering unforgettable encounters with real spacecraft, veteran astronauts, and the thrill of space exploration.
With its combination of festive spirit and cosmic wonder, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is ready to deliver a holiday season that’s truly out of this world.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.