Kennedy Space Center : Holidays in Space - now through 1 January 2012

Ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate the holidays aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with astronauts and cosmonauts from as many as 15 different countries?

Now through Jan. 1, guests can celebrate the holiday sights, sounds and tastes of ISS partner countries as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex presents its first-ever “Holidays in Space.”

Each of the ISS partner countries will be represented: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

Prior to every IMAX film, guests will have the chance to see actual images of ISS crews celebrating the holidays in space. Making the celebration truly meaningful, guests will be invited to e-mail the current crew of the International Space Station to send them a holiday greeting. Those who want to remember their international holiday experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex may purchase a commemorative “2011 Holidays in Space” ornament from the Space Shop.

Santa's Launch Control Center

Santa Claus will greet guests, hear wish lists and pose for photos in Santa's Launch Control Center, located near IMAX and the Orbit Cafe'. Kodak representatives will snap the perfect family photo and provide prints for sale, or guests may capture the moment with their own cameras.

Mrs. Claus will be on hand for some special space-themed story times for kids of all ages, including “The Cat in the Hat - There’s No Place Like Space” and “What the Moon is Like.” Guests can also hand deliver their letters to Santa.

Wherever Santa goes, cookies are a requirement. The Cookie Space Station, located within Santa's Launch Control Center, will feature holiday cookies from around the world for a nominal fee with a different "Cookie of the Day" featured daily.

Due to their busy holiday schedules, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available five times daily through December 24.

Holiday Carolers

Immersing guests in the sounds of the holidays, a team of international carolers clad in astronaut flight suits will perform traditional holiday songs including favorites like “Silver Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Let it Snow,” “Feliz Navidad,” and many more.

Space Skating Rink

While weightlessness is difficult to simulate on Earth, the invigorating rush of ice skating is easy for even non-astronauts to enjoy. Throughout the Holidays in Space celebration, a section of the Rocket Garden will be transformed into a Space Skating Rink with a synthetic, all-weather polymer surface. Guests may rent ice skates, $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and enjoy a 20-minute session around the 40' x 40' rink with new sessions beginning on the hour and half hour.

Rocket Garden

Holidays in Space wouldn’t be complete without festive space-themed décor. A towering, 42’ ISS-themed Christmas tree located in the Rocket Garden will be adorned with colorful bulbs and 600 miniature flags from the 15 ISS partner countries. The International Space Station mural just outside the Rocket Garden will be swathed in starry lights and supplemented with information about the holiday customs of each partner country. Decorative wreaths and garland throughout the Visitor Complex add to the international holiday vibe.

Holiday Activities Schedule

Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances*

Location: Santa's Launch Control Center

Times - 10am - 11am, 11.30am - 12.30 pm, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, 3pm - 4 pm & 4.30pm - 5.30pm

*Through December 24

Mrs Claus Story Time

Location: Santa's Launch Control Center

Times - 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.30 pm, 5pm

*Through December 24

Holiday Carolers

Location: Throughout the Visitor Complex

Times: 9.30am - 10am, 11am - 11.30am, 12.30pm - 1pm, 2pm - 2.30pm, 3pm - 3.30pm, 4pm - 4.30pm

Space Skating Rink

Location: Rocket Garden

Times: 10am - 5pm *Sessions start on the hour and half-hour.