As one of the popular Christmas traditions, Galaxy Lights Houston lets you enjoy the holiday season while learning about science and space exploration. Through the use of LED lighting, 3-D projections, and interactive displays, this cutting-edge NASA Christmas lights experience will transform and brighten Space Center Houston with space-themed installations.
The Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston offers an extraordinary experience, combining the wonder of the holiday season with the intrigue of space exploration. The NASA lights are not just ordinary holiday lights but are also a journey through the cosmos, right in the heart of Houston.
Each year, the Galaxy Lights NASA event brings together families and space enthusiasts to marvel at the stunning light displays. Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights illuminate the center in a spectacular fashion, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
And, if you want to check out more places with Christmas light shows, check out our article on Best Christmas Lights Houston 2023!
Galaxy Lights Houston 2023 – What to Expect from NASA Space Center Christmas Lights?
A wide variety of interactive and immersive light displays are included as part of the self-guided holiday experience in the center. Let’s see everything that you can expect at Galaxy Light Houston:
Kinetic Lights
Witness two cutting-edge kinetic light shows as hundreds of hanging NASA lights dance to music in finely coordinated patterns over the Main Plaza. Observe how the orbs move in unison to produce vibrant patterns and shapes.
Also, don’t miss a screening of the original movie “Holidays in Space,” which features conversations with retired astronauts and actual videos of astronauts spending the holidays in space.
Deep Space Backyard
Visit the Deep Space Backyard and take a tour of the solar system. Stroll beneath the stars and explore the larger-than-life displays in the backdrop of the cosmos.
You can also sit back and enjoy HEB’s crystal fireworks show. Crystal fireworks will come to life on a spectacular 40-foot-tall cascading light show made up of many galaxy colors that will leave you in wonder and awe. This is one of the world’s only two crystal fireworks displays.
Live Show in the Mission Briefing Center
To learn more about the science of light, check out the interactive show “Celebrate Light.” Here, you can learn more about how our eyes perceive color and the impact that light has on the colors we see around us. You’ll also get to explore the electromagnetic spectrum and gain knowledge about the origins, speed, and impact of light on space travel.
Independence Plaza Experience
While exploring the Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights, don’t forget to journey through their 200-foot LED light tunnel consisting of more than 250,000 lights synced to merry holiday music. As you stroll through, you’ll get an up-close look at our solar system with gigantic replicas of each planet.
For another unique experience, hop into one of the interactive light pods that features 290 multicolor platforms under the wing of the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft.
For a more spectacular view, go up the shuttle carrier and shuttle replica model to get a mesmerizing view of the Saturn V rocket lights.
You can also relish in the holiday spirit and take Insta-worthy pictures at the holiday-inspired snowflake projection wall enhanced by a snow machine. Additionally, you can also take more pictures at the Earth and snow globe photo station or underneath the sparkling model of the Earth and prism tree.
There will also be tons of holiday treats like hot cocoa and s’mores that you can enjoy while taking in the sights.
Space Station Tribute at Space X Falcon 9
Explore the Lights Around the World display encircling the twice-flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to commemorate the global cooperation onboard the International Space Station (ISS) at Space Center Galaxy Lights.
The display boasts an amazing 15-foot wreath composed of all the ISS partner flags at the tip of the Falcon 9. It also has six 20-foot illuminated trees made of aluminum depicting the nations of the Space Station’s partners. This includes the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, and Italy, encircled by stars of various colors that glow along the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The trees are culturally adorned to pay honor to each partner country.
Of course, don’t forget to take a selfie while standing underneath a huge, 40-foot tall and 100-foot-long, glittering shooting star.
Galaxy Lights Houston 2023 – Map
They’ve designed a Galaxy Lights NASA experience that allows tourists to easily explore all exhibits and attractions. Check out the map below:
This immersive experience of Space Center Lights has several segments. Along with the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and shuttle transport aircraft NASA 905, explore enormous planets, stars, seasonal decorations, and more in Independence Plaza.
Galaxy Lights Houston 2023 – Tickets & Prices
The price range is $19.95 – $27.95 | Ages 3 & younger get free admission. The ticket prices vary by day depending on peak attendance. So, please check their website before booking your tickets to ensure you’re getting the best schedule and ticket prices.
Discounted tickets will also be available for groups of 20 or more people. For more information, you can call 281-283-4755 or email
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.
Also please take note that tickets are only available until 9 pm, the event’s last admittance time.
Galaxy Lights Houston 2023 – Schedule, Dates, and Hours of Operation
The Houston Galaxy Lights will be open from November 11, 2023, through January 7, 2024, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Allow 90 minutes so that you can fully appreciate the experience. Also, please note that it’ll be closed on November 23, December 7, 24 & 25.
In the case of inclement weather, please check the event’s official website here. The status of the day’s event will be posted every day at 4 pm.
If it gets a little chilly, you can stop by one of the gift stores to pick up an additional layer, hat, or scarf. If the day is a little rainy, it’s encouraged that you bring a raincoat with you.
In the event of a closure due to severe weather, you can redeem your tickets on any other night of the event.
Galaxy Lights Houston 2023 – Address
Galaxy Lights Houston Location: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
NASA Galaxy Lights are known for their unique space-themed lighting that brilliantly captures the essence of the galaxy. It’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a universe of lights, making it a memorable part of the holiday season.
Furthermore, the Galaxy Lights Space Center Houston event is an educational experience, providing insights into NASA’s work and achievements in space exploration. The Space Center Galaxy Lights blend festive joy with educational value, making it an ideal outing for families and individuals alike.
The Houston Galaxy Lights at the Space Center Houston are a dazzling blend of Christmas cheer and space exploration. The Houston Space Center Christmas Lights and the Galaxy Light NASA displays are not just visually stunning but also offer an enlightening experience about the wonders of space, making it a must-visit this holiday season!
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