The Christmas Star: Live Planetarium Presentation

Step into a world where the stars shine brighter, the mysteries grow deeper, and the spirit of Christmas comes alive in the night sky. This live, 40-min pop-up planetarium experience is perfect for families (with children age 6+) looking for a fun, yet educational outing this festive season.

The journey begins with a tour of tonight's sky, pointing out the winter constellations and the planets currently lighting up the heavens. Then you'll discover the Star of Bethlehem, the celestial marvel that heralded the birth of Christ 2,000 years ago.

Journey back in time to view the sky over ancient Bethlehem, where the nature and timing of that fabled star will be explored. To understand what it might have been, you'll dive deep into various cosmic phenomena, taking into account often overlooked information eg. the Christmas Star was not particularly bright, and it appeared twice, about a year apart.

Ever wanted to ask an astronomer a question? This is your chance. A Q&A session at the end invites you to probe deeper into the Christmas Star, or any other celestial subject on your mind. Questions are answered with memorable 360° visuals filling the dome, imparting a whole new dimension to your queries.

PLEASE NOTE :

  • ⦿ Audiences sit on foam flooring and adults may wish to bring a cushion. All children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

  • ⦿ The planetarium is dark when displaying the night sky, and the dome fan is a little loud during entry and exit.

  • ⦿ Moving 360° imagery may cause motion sickness. Close your eyes / look away and it will pass.

  • ⦿ Due to the size of the venue and the snug fit of the dome, it is unfortunately not possible to accommodate wheelchair users at this event.

Age restrictions: 6+

🚨 Early Bird 20% Off - Adult (adults and children age 12+) £7
🚨 Early Bird 20% Off - Child (children age 11 and younger) £5
Adult (adults and children age 12+) £8.50
Child (children age 11 and younger) £6.50
Senior Citizen £6.90
Student (please bring ID) £6.90
Concession (registered disabled, registered carers, and NHS workers) £6.90
Family group (2 adults / 2 children) £27
Family Group (1 adult / 3 children) £26

How to get there

Facilities

  • Family friendly
  • Parking
  • Toilets

On the day

  • Audiences sit on foam flooring and adults may wish to bring a cushion
  • All children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please arrive at least 5min before the start of the show, to allow time for taking off shoes and a brief introduction
  • Wheelchair users: please contact us before purchasing tickets. Entry into the inflatable dome is possible, yet needs to be pre-arranged

Changes happen, don't worry

How to change dates
Change of plans? You can easily rebook the next available slot up to 1 days before your experience.
How to get a refund
Can't make it? We understand things happen! You can cancel and get a full refund up to 1 days before your experience.
Please note that this refund policy does not apply to gift bookings. You may reschedule your gift if outside the time period stated above. However, all gifts are non-refundable and expire exactly 1 year after the date of purchase.

You'll be hosted by

Mario Di Maggio

Mario has over two decades experience with digital domes and planetariums, both fixed and mobile. He launched and managed the UK`s first purpose-built digital planetarium (Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, 2005-2013); as well as the Glasgow Planetarium, then the UK`s most expensive planetarium (2001-2004). Mario has worked as a consultant for the Guinness Book of World Records Macao Planetarium (China, 2004-2008) and the Peter Harrison Planetarium (London, 2005). Additional planetarium experience includes We The Curious (Bristol, 2000) and Armagh Planetarium (Northern Ireland, 2000-2001). Before that, Mario established and managed one of South Africa's first interactive science centre networks (KwaZuzulwazi in Durban, 1992-1999), as well as a 'simulated' planetarium at the Durban Natural Science Museum (1998-1999). Currently Mario is the owner and director Dome Club Ltd, also trading as Immersive Theatres (schools outreach).

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