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Holidays in Space: Celebrating Christmas at Kennedy Space Center

Christmas is back at the Kennedy Space Center, and with brand-new experiences. Kick off the festive cheer after-hours, with live entertainment and drone shows. Holidays in Space is included with general admission, and Under the Stars is a separately ticketed event. This page rounds up all the seasonal events, including dates, tickets, timings, and more.

Upcoming Kennedy Space Center Christmas events

Illuminated performers at Kennedy Space Center with rockets at sunset.

Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition

A festive, after-hours experience that transforms the Visitor Complex into a holiday-themed outpost. Expect live entertainment, decorations, holiday-themed activities, and a first look at the new holiday drone show.

  • Date: December 19 & 20, 2025
  • Timings: Starts at 6pm
  • Location: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
  • Included with admission: No
  • Additional highlights: a holiday dance party, glow mini-golf, festive decor, signature live entertainment (holiday music and characters), a “Rocket Tree Trail” scavenger hunt, and a themed photo op with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator dressed as Rudolph.
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Kennedy Space Center with Christmas decorations, featuring a festive rocket display.

2025 Holidays in Space

A seasonal holiday celebration combining the wonder of space with festive décor, lights, and a brand-new drone show. Includes holiday-themed experiences for all ages.

  • Date: December 21–30, 2025 (closed on December 25)
  • Timings: Drone show starts at 6:50pm
  • Location: Rocket Garden (for the drone show) 
  • Included with admission: Yes
  • Additional highlights: festive décor, including a large holiday tree, decorated space-themed holiday trees, giant astronaut nutcrackers, and a NASA holiday ornament monument throughout the complex. 
  • Enjoy a holiday-themed scavenger hunt via a “Rocket Tree Trail”, suitable for all ages. 
  • Upgrades: Premium Drone Viewing Experience, which includes rooftop access at Gateway, snacks & beverages at Space Bistro, and an exclusive collectors’ pin souvenir.
Guests attending an event at Kennedy Space Center with a chef demonstration.

Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure

A brand-new live stage show bringing characters from Fraggle Rock to life, blending music, comedy, and space-themed storytelling. It’s a fun, family-friendly addition to the holiday lineup.

  • Date: Debuts December 22, 2025 and runs during the holiday season. 
  • Timings: Two showings daily (12:30pm and 1:45pm
  • Location: Universe Theater within Visitor Complex
  • Included with admission: Yes

Visitor tips

  • The visitor complex is closed on Christmas Day (December 25); verify your visit is not on that date.
  • Purchase your dated admission tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, as the complex often reaches capacity between December 20 and December 30.
  • Arrive at the parking gates by 8:30am to ensure you are through security before the complex opens at 9am.
  • Walk through the Rocket Tree Trail behind the Orbit Cafe during the afternoon to see the space-themed holiday decor.
  • Eat lunch before noon to avoid the peak holiday dining rush.
  • Remember that the entire complex is cashless, so you must use a credit or debit card for all food and souvenirs.
  • Use the KSC Official Guide App throughout the day to monitor real-time schedules for astronaut encounters and holiday shows.
  • Gather at the Rocket Garden by 6:45pm to secure a viewing spot for the nightly holiday drone show.
  • Watch the Starflake’s Holiday Voyage projection show and the drone performance, which typically begin at 6:50pm right before the park closes at 7pm.

Frequently asked questions about the Kennedy Space Center Christmas

Is the Kennedy Space Center open on Christmas?

No, the Visitor Complex is closed on Christmas Day (December 25).

Are there any Christmas events lined up at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes. Kennedy Space Center is hosting holiday-season events such as 2025 Holidays in Space (December 21–30), Kennedy Under the Stars (December 19 & 20), and Fraggle Rock (December 22 onwards).

Is Holidays in Space included with regular Kennedy Space Center admission?

Yes. Holidays in Space is included with standard daytime admission; no separate holiday ticket or special event ticket is required.

Do I need to visit on specific dates to experience Holidays in Space?

Yes. Holidays in Space runs on select dates (December 20–30, 2025) during the holiday season, so visiting outside those dates means you’ll miss the seasonal décor and festive programming. Note that the main drone show is unavailable on Christmas Day.

Are KSC Christmas events suitable for children?

Yes, the holiday celebrations at KSC are designed to be family and kid-friendly. The events include festive décor, a drone show, interactive events, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, photo ops, and general exhibits accessible to all ages.

Can I book tickets for Kennedy Space Center Christmas without a general admission ticket?

Depends on the event. The after-hours event (Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition) is separately ticketed; 2025 Holidays in Space and Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure are included with the general admission ticket.

Where can I buy tickets for the Kennedy Space Center Christmas?

Tickets for all events can be purchased on-site or online. But since selected experiences have capacity limitations, it’s best to book tickets online and in advance (at least two weeks in advance).

What attractions are open during the Kennedy Space Center Christmas events?

Most of the Visitor Complex’s main attractions remain open, including Heroes & Legend, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, Space Shuttle Atlas, and more.

Will Holidays in Space change the regular Kennedy Space Center experience?

No. All core attractions remain fully accessible, with holiday elements enhancing the atmosphere rather than replacing standard exhibits and shows.

Is the Kennedy Space Center Christmas wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the events are wheelchair-accessible; ECVs and strollers are also available for rent.

Can I bring my own food and beverages to the Christmas events at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes, you can carry your own, provided the items are packed in small, soft-sided coolers or soft bags. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

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