Galaxy Lights Returns to Space Center Houston for Holiday Season

Galaxy Lights Returns to Space Center Houston for Holiday Season

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Galaxy Lights Returns to Space Center Houston for its Eighth Season

Space Center Houston is preparing to welcome visitors back into the dark for its eighth annual holiday light display, transforming the campus into a holiday light experience where space exploration meets holiday wonder. The event, presented by Wellby Financial, opens to the public on November 14, 2026, and runs select days through January 3, 2027, according to announcements from Space Center Houston.

The evening exhibition brings a slate of installations to the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Organizers have incorporated attractions to mark the eighth year of the holiday tradition.

A Nighttime Journey Through Aerospace History

Visitors walking the grounds can experience a mix of interactive displays and large-scale lighting setups scattered across the facility. Among the additions for the 2026 season is an immersive crystal fireworks show, billed by organizers as the only experience of its kind in North America. Guests will also navigate a 200-foot LED light tunnel, pass through lantern displays recreating iconic moments in space exploration, and walk alongside a dancing lightscape lining the tram path.

Additional features include a two-lane synthetic ice slide, illuminating light swings, and an interactive astronaut selfie station. Concession stands across the grounds will serve seasonal treats, including hot apple cider, caramel popcorn, and galaxy sugar cookies.

“Galaxy Lights is always an exciting time of year,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “As the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, our mission is to bring people and space closer together, and this holiday season, Galaxy Lights will inspire wonder and joy for guests of all ages.”

Community Roots and Inclusive Access

The presenting sponsor, Wellby Financial, maintains a connection to the local aerospace community. Established in 1961 to serve the employees and families of NASA Johnson Space Center, the credit union has grown into one of the largest credit unions in Houston, with over $2.67 billion in assets and more than 125,000 members.

Houston texas usa february front exterior view of the nasa johnson space center in houston

“Our story began alongside the pioneers of human spaceflight, so helping families create new traditions at Space Center Houston is especially meaningful to us,” said Marty Pell, president and CEO of Wellby Financial. “We’re proud to support an experience that sparks curiosity, strengthens community connections and creates memories that shine well beyond the holiday season.” Marty Pell

Space Center Houston operates as a designated Certified Autism Center, a certification that shapes how large-scale events are managed on campus. To accommodate visitors of all abilities, the exhibition features sensory-friendly nights, scheduled for November 19, 2025, and December 9, 2026. These evenings provide a quieter, less stimulating environment for guests who prefer a quieter, less stimulating experience.

Ticketing, Schedule Adjustments, and Key Dates

Planning a visit requires attention to specific calendar windows, as operating dates vary throughout the winter season. A special Members’ Preview Night is slated for November 13 with tickets priced at $10. Regular operating dates begin November 14 and continue through January 3, 2027, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2026, operating hours will shift to 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Organizers note that some dates are already sold out. Visitors are encouraged to verify availability and purchase tickets in advance directly through the Space Center Houston website.

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