December 2024 Space Event: A Festive Holiday Edition For the UK

Every month, we select the key space events and conference for everyone – from passionate space lover and amateur stargazers to industry professionals and business owners. But December is different. It’s the holiday season – a time to cherish moments with family, dream big, and gaze at the stars on crisp winter nights. 

This month, we’re embracing the festive spirit with a special twist, highlighting space events in the UK designed to create magical memories with your kids, family, and loved ones. Find your favorite, secure your spot, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the cosmos this holiday season.

Cosmos Planetarium Show – Tour of the Cosmos (all ages)

When? 1 December

Where? Poolewe Village Hall, Londubh Poolewe IV22 2LD United Kingdom

Come for an out-of-this-world experience at Poolewe Village Hall! The Planetarium Show will take you on a fascinating journey through the cosmos, suitable for all ages. Explore the wonders of the universe with stunning visuals and informative commentary. Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and marvel at the beauty of the cosmos!

Silent Night Sky

When? 1 December

Where? Southend Central Museum & Planetarium Victoria Avenue Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EW United Kingdom

Join the intrepid, intergalactic team in Southend Museum’s Planetarium on a mission to uncover the mysteries of the night sky, as part of the museum’s Christmas Space Day. The show lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Sherwood Observatory’s New World-Class Planetarium In Nottinghamshire

When? All December

Where? Coxmoor Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 5LF, United Kingdom

Bring your kids, loved ones, and the entire family to experience the wonders of a brand-new £6.8 million planetarium in Nottinghamshire. Located at Sherwood Observatory, this cutting-edge facility features a 59-seat dome with a stunning 10-meter (32.8-foot) immersive screen.

Beneath the observatory, an underground exhibition space is housed in a repurposed Victorian reservoir, offering a unique setting for exploration. The venue also includes a science discovery center, meeting rooms, classrooms, and a cozy café operated as part of a student outreach project by the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College.

Introduction to the Winter Sky

When? 5 December

Where? Glenlivet Public Hall, Bridgend of Glenlivet Ballindalloch AB37 9BX United Kingdom

Would you like to learn more about the night sky? Come to Glenlivet Hall for an introduction to the winter sky and constellations. There will be tea, biscuits, and a brief presentation before going outdoors for a stargazing stroll in a group to look at stars, planets, and constellations and share resources for improving your celestial knowledge.

With Jupiter and Saturn and the bright stars of the winter constellations rising earlier in the sky there is plenty to observe at this time of year.

The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders of the night sky. It is Scotland’s second International Dark Sky Park and the most northerly in the world.

Presents from the Skies: How a Helicopter Flies

When? 5 December

Where? Main Hall, Kingston Building, Yeovil College, Mudford Road Yeovil BA21 4DR United Kingdom

Santa is always looking to explore new technologies for delivering presents as quickly and safely as possible, so naturally the use of helicopter technology is something he has been developing for many, many years. Some of Santa’s Helpers from Leonardo Helicopters, Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, have agreed to give us an exclusive talk on current and future rotorcraft technologies.

In particular, they will be talking about the basics of how helicopters fly, as well as giving us all a better understanding of what it means to be an Engineer in Santa’s Workshop. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for some hands-on activities at interactive booths, which will include:

• the ability for you to carry out your own helicopter Search and Rescue Mission
• use a Virtual Reality headset station which will allow you to see through the eyes of a real helicopter mechanic
• and finally, design, build and test your own helicopters!

This interactive talk is the perfect mix of technical and fun. It’s designed to interest & inspire adults and children alike, so please bring the family along!

AstroTots Christmas Planetarium

When? 6 December

Where? Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street Bedminster BS3 4EA United Kingdom

A festive child-friendly event that’s out of this world! 

Zoom through twinkling stars in a rocket, be immersed in colourful constellations, and orbit the planets of our Solar System. Return to Earth to enjoy a winter wonderland glimmering with stars, brilliant Christmas trees, and shimmering 360° aurorae. Recommended ages 0-6.

Stargazing with Dan

When? 10 December

Where? Marcassie Farm, Rafford Forres IV36 2RH United Kingdom

Experience an evening of astronomical wonders! Learn the constellations of the winter sky, the stories that go with them and how to navigate using the stars. Find out how to see star clusters, nebulae and even our neighbouring galaxy!

Get an awe-inspiring, mind-melting, glimpse into the depths of space in good company. Children can attend free if accompanied by a responsible adult.

Meteor Shower Event

When? 13 December

Where? Girsby & Over Dinsdale Village Hall, Village Hall Darlington DL2 1PL United Kingdom

Watch the Geminids – one of the best meteor showers of the year! The event is suitable for all the family.

• Astronomy/ stargazing presentation
• Shows in our planetarium dome
• Real meteorites!
• Telescopes
• Laser guided tour of the night sky
• Craft activity for younger guests

Bring your blankets, and let’s watch the sky come alive!

Polar Express Festive Screening

When? 15 December

Where? Exploration Dr, Leicester LE4 5NS, UK

Sit back in the UK’s largest planetarium for a special Christmas screening of The Polar Express. 

Get up, get on, and get ready for the ride of your life! It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re about to roller-coaster up and down mountains, slip-slide over ice fields, teeter across mile-high bridges and be served hot chocolate by singing waiters more astonishing than any you can imagine. 

You’re on The Polar Express! Tom Hanks stars in and Robert Zemeckis directs this instant holiday classic filmed in dazzling performance capture animation that makes every moment magical. “Seeing is believing,”; says a mysterious hobo who rides the rails with you. You’ll see wonders. And you’ll believe. All aboooooard!

Astronomy for All 2024 Christmas Special!

When? 17 December

Where? McDonald Road Library2-8 McDonald Road Edinburgh EH7 4LU United Kingdom

Royal Observaory Edinburgh’s astronomers, Martin Black and William Taylor, will back to give there annual Christmas Special talk held at McDonald Road for the first time ever! 

These talks are for people with a curiosity about the Universe, and don’t assume that you know much (or anything) about the topic before you arrive. They should be suitable for you if you’re between 12 and 200 years old and you want to find out more about the science and technology of space. 

Festive Family Stargazing and Night Walk

When? 19 December

Where? Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre, The Square Tomintoul AB37 9ET United Kingdom

Get closer to the stars in the highest village in the Highlands!

We’ll have tea, hot chocolate and festive treats in the Discovery Centre before going for a stroll around Tomintoul to look for stars, planets, and constellations. Santa hats, bells, and reindeer noses and antlers welcome!

Winter Solstice Party

When? 21 December

Where? Little Earth Centre, Little Earth Centre Chris Jewkes Fitness Wolverhampton WV6 9BQ United Kingdom

You’re invited to an unforgettable evening as Exhale Conscious Bar takes over Little Earth, creating the ultimate conscious party experience right in the heart of Wolverhampton, the center of the universe!
Event highlights of the winter solstice party:

• Opening & Closing Ceremony: Commence and conclude the night consciously and with intention.
• Party Space & Chill-Out Area: Dance the night away or find your zen in our relaxing chill-out space.
• Sacred Fire: Witness the enchanting glow of a sacred fire.

FESTIVE! Planetarium Sound Journey under the Stars

When? 29 December

Where? Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, UK College Hill Armagh BT61 9DB United Kingdom

Immerse yourself in a unique experience as you listen to soothing sounds while journeying under the stars and through the expansive cosmos. Let the music transport you to another world as you gaze up at the night sky. It may just be the perfect way to bring in the New Year. Don’t miss this potentially unforgettable event!