Our Skies Are Full Of Holiday Lights: Winter Activities At The Adler
Image Caption: ‘Tis the season to visit the Adler Planetarium.
Longer nights lead to more stargazing and a season full of special holiday cheer throughout the Adler Planetarium.
Starting Friday, November 28, through Sunday, January 4, the Adler will offer a variety of holiday offerings, including sky shows, hands-on in-museum activities, and holiday-themed, self-guided experiences perfect for everyone in the family to enjoy! Let’s dig into what you can expect this holiday season.
New Immersive Dome Theater Shows
New to public audiences this season, and popular with school groups, is our newest sky show offering Big Astronomy. This immersive dome theater show shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. Visit the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people.
The best way to kick off the new year? Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon will be available at the Adler starting on Thursday, January 1, 2026. “The Dark Side Of The Moon” takes guests on a visual journey through space against the backdrop of one of the best-selling albums of all time, in partnership with the International Planetarium Society (IPS). Show times are coming soon!
Filling The Adler With Starlight
Our fan favorite, Skywatch Live, will have a holiday spin. Think of it as our version of a light festival as we turn down the city lights and turn up the sparkling stars and constellations that make up the magnificent winter night sky above the city of Chicago.
Learn all about stars, constellations, and even the Moon, along with the chance to create your very own constellations after the show! Check out available showtimes.
Guided Tours Of Our Newest Exhibit: Stars Aligned
Discover the intertwined history of astronomy and astrology in our newest exhibition, Stars Aligned: Tracing the Story of Astronomy & Astrology.
On this 20-minute live tour, Adler educators highlight the tools, texts, and traditions that reveal how people once used the night sky to better understand time, health, and daily life in the early modern period. Join us for guided tours Tuesday–Sunday starting November 28, 2025, and Wednesday nights beginning December 3, 2025.
Holiday Crafts You Can Take Home
Stop by our Star Studio this holiday season to create your own constellation card! Learn more about winter star formations, trace your favorites using stencils, and add a touch of sparkle. Take it home to use as a festive gift tag or holiday greeting card!
Activities will run Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00 am–2:00 pm and Wednesdays from 4:00 pm–8:00 pm starting November 28, 2025.
Touch History: Interactive Collection Objects
Transport yourself back in time in the Stargazers Hub. Learn about the methods and tools used to look to the skies for centuries, including special hands-on experiences that relate to our newest exhibition: Stars Aligned: Tracing the Story of Astrology and Astronomy.
Guests will learn more about our Giant Armillary Sphere and discover star-studded teaching collection objects from our Cabinet of Curiosity. Activities will run Tuesdays–Sundays from 10:00 am–2:00 pm and Wednesdays from 4:00 pm–8:00 pm in Stargazers Hub starting November 28, 2025.
Join Us This Holiday Season—Get Tickets
Winter is a special time at the Adler Planetarium. Every holiday season, we expand our public museum days and hours, giving you and your family more time to explore what’s new at the Adler.
Learn more about our expanded holiday hours, explore all of our immersive dome theater shows, and get a list of all of our limited-time holiday offerings.
Tickets for your next space adventure are on sale now!
