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Exclusive: Kennedy Under the Stars, After-Hours Event (December 19 & 20 Only)

Visitors at Kennedy Space Center under rockets during exclusive after-hours event.
Visitors viewing a cosmic display at Kennedy Under the Stars, exclusive after-hours event.
Visitors in astronaut suits pose at Kennedy Space Center's after-hours event.
Performer and child with glowing props at Kennedy Space Center after-hours event.

Duration

3 hr 30 min

Open today

09:00am - 05:00pm
    • Kennedy Space Center's festive, after-hours celebration returns on December 19 and 20, featuring live entertainment, a holiday dance party, cheerful décor, and an all-new Holidays in Space drone show that lights up the night sky with NASA’s iconic programs.

    • A glow dance party will set the mood with holiday hits from years past, alongside Cosmic Glow Mini Golf and signature performers like the Penny Farthing elf entertainer and the Vocalitas.

    • Savor holiday-themed food and drinks. You even have a fun photo op with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator® dressed as Rudolph.

    • Don't forget to participate in the Rocket Tree Trail Scavenger Hunt with your family and friends for some group fun throughout the evening.

    • Many of the visitor complex's top attractions will stay open late, including Heroes & Legends, Gateway™, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Spaceport KSC®, Journey to Mars, Planet Play, HYPERDECK VR, and the Space Shop.

    • 3.5-hour after-hours visit to Kennedy Space Center on either December 19 or 20 (as per option selected)

    • Exclusive entry to Kennedy Under the Stars

    • First look at the Holidays in Space drone show

    • Glow dance party featuring holiday music of yester-year

    • Cosmic Glow Mini Golf

    • Live entertainment, including Penny Farthing elf entertainer and the Vocalitas

    • Photo opportunity with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator® dressed like Rudolph

    • Rocket Tree Trail Scavenger Hunt

    • Exclusive collectable pin

    • Parking

    Access to key attractions:

    • Heroes and Legends featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame®

    • Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® and Spaceport KSC®

    • HYPERDECK VR

    • Planet Play

    • Journey To Mars

    • Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Shuttle Launch Experience®

    • Space Shop

    • Special holiday-themed food and drinks (available for purchase)
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 4.6
    37 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    27
    6
    2
    2
    0

    What our guests say

    Aaron Livingstone

    Aaron

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Visited Kennedy Space Center for the Y2K event on 30.08.25. Really enjoyed this event well planned, great atmosphere, music brought me back to the year 2000's. My son loves space shuttles & rockets and had a fab time , would recommend to others
    Joanna Wodzińska

    Joanna

    Feb 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The place is amazing, and with the night invent you have that VIP feeling, as there is no queues to great activities that museum has to offer.
    Ruth Huntley Jacobs

    Ruth

    Feb 2025
    Verified booking
    3/5
    There was a delsy getting thrpugh the main gate. We then missed the beginning of the imax presentation. We thenasked a colleague about times of other activities but he couldnt help. We went into the Atlantis experience explaining we were trying to get to the launch experience but by the time we sat thru 2 videos even tho the venue shut at 10 we missed quite a number if thknsx launch SIM, the rover photos, The crazy golf.
    James Schroer

    James

    Feb 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Overall it was great to be able to visit at night. The telescopes were a big and pleasant surprise. The crowd was small so it allowed us to more around more quickly.
    Elizabeth M Bonacquisti

    Elizabeth

    Feb 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We loved the DJs , and night lights. We also really enjoyed seeing the imax and zero gravity experience.
  • Getting started

    After presenting your event ticket at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you’ll make your way inside where festive décor, twinkling lights, and live entertainment set the scene for a holiday night out. Explore at your own pace and enjoy the attractions, activities, and shows that come alive after dark.

    What to expect

    Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition transforms the visitor complex into a glowing, festive celebration. The brand-new Holidays in Space drone show will light up the sky with a journey through NASA’s most iconic programs from Apollo and Shuttle to Artemis. Throughout the night, you’ll find live performers, a glow dance party filled with nostalgic holiday music, holiday-themed food and drinks, and plenty of photo-worthy moments, including the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator® dressed like Rudolph. Families and groups can enjoy the Rocket Tree Trail Scavenger Hunt, while signature attractions stay open late for extra exploration time.

    Features

    • Holiday drone show: A stunning new sky display debuting this season, featuring a festive space-themed story.

    • Glow dance party: Holiday hits from decades past paired with colorful lights and high-energy fun.

    • Cosmic Glow Mini Golf: A glowing, family-friendly mini golf course created just for the event.

    • Live entertainment: Performances from the Penny Farthing elf entertainer, the Vocalitas, and other holiday characters.

    • Photo ops: Capture memories with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator® decked out as Rudolph.

    • Extended attraction hours: Enjoy favorites like Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Gateway™, Heroes & Legends, HYPERDECK VR, Journey to Mars, Spaceport KSC®, Planet Play, and more, all open later than usual.

    • Holiday treats & drinks: Seasonal food and specialty beverages available for purchase throughout the complex.

  • Kennedy Space Center

    Monday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Thursday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Friday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 05:00pm
    Sunday09:00am - 05:00pm
  • What to bring

    • Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking.

    • Dress in comfortable layers since December nights at the visitor complex can get a little chilly.

    • Wear good walking shoes since you’ll be moving between different attractions.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food and drinks can’t be brought into the visitor complex.

    • Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated areas.

    • Pets aren’t allowed.

    • Leave drones, coolers, large bags, and other prohibited items at home.

    • For security reasons, costume masks that conceal your face are prohibited, as are any props that resemble weapons.

    Accessibility

    • Most areas and attractions open during the event are wheelchair accessible.

    • You’ll find accessible parking and restrooms on-site.

    • Registered service animals are welcome.

    • Some outdoor areas may have low lighting or uneven surfaces, but staff is always around to help if you need support.

    Additional information

    • This special after-hours event happens only on December 19 and 20, starting at 6pm.

    • Parking is included with your ticket.

    • The event goes on rain or shine, though some outdoor elements may be adjusted if needed.

    • Holiday treats, drinks, and fun souvenirs will be available to purchase throughout the night.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    Ticket redemption point

    • Show your ticket at the turnstiles at the main entrance of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

    • Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States.

    Get directions to the redemption point

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