November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
HOUSTON (October 1, 2026) — Space Center Houston is turning up the glow this holiday season as Galaxy Lights, presented by Wellby Financial, returns Nov. 14 with new experiences and hundreds of lights illuminating the night sky.
Galaxy Lights transforms Space Center Houston into a larger-than-life holiday light experience where space exploration meets holiday wonder. Now in its eighth year, the annual tradition invites guests to experience the center after dark through immersive light displays, interactive experiences, and festive surprises inspired by the awe of space.
“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.”
“Galaxy Lights brings people together to experience the wonder and imagination that have always defined Houston,” said Marty Pell, president and CEO of Wellby Financial. “Our story began alongside the pioneers of human spaceflight, so helping families create new traditions at Space Center Houston is especially meaningful to us. We’re proud to support an experience that sparks curiosity, strengthens community connections and creates memories that shine well beyond the holiday season.”
Guests can create stellar memories and capture social-media-ready moments while exploring:
- Immersive Crystal Fireworks Show, the only experience of its kind in North America
- Dazzling two-lane synthetic ice slide
- Dancing lightscape along the tram path, featuring snowflakes and light tubes
- One-of-a-kind 200-foot LED light tunnel
- Inspiring lantern displays recreating iconic moments in space exploration
- Illuminating light swings and interactive astronaut selfie station
- Festive treats including hot apple cider, caramel popcorn, galaxy sugar cookies and more
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of space exploration,” said Harris. “Whether they’re visiting with family, friends or loved ones, we want our guests to create memories they’ll cherish long after the holiday season ends.”
As a designated Certified Autism Center (CAC), Space Center Houston prioritizes inclusive experiences for guests of all abilities. Galaxy Lights offers sensory-friendly nights, creating a more relaxed environment for guests to explore space and science.
Take a giant leap into a holiday experience where dazzling lights and the excitement of human spaceflight come together in a distinctly Space Center Houston way.
Galaxy Lights Operating Hours
Galaxy Lights runs select days* Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Members’ Preview Night: Nov. 13 – $10
Sensory-Friendly Nights: Nov. 19, 2025, and Dec. 9, 2026
- Designed for guests who prefer a quieter, less stimulating experience.
New Year’s Eve Hours: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
*Some dates are already sold out, so we encourage guests to check availability and buy tickets in advance at spacecenter.org.
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About Wellby Financial
Wellby Financial is a nationally ranked, member-owned credit union proudly serving Greater Houston. Wellby was originally established in 1961 to serve the employees and families of NASA Johnson Space Center. The organization has grown into one of the largest credit unions in Houston, serving more than 125,000 members with 22 branches and more than $2.67 billion in assets. Wellby is ranked one of America’s Best Credit Unions by Newsweek and the Best Overall Among Banks and Credit Unions in Texas by Money.com. Additionally, Wellby is a USA TODAY and Houston Chronicle Top Workplace and received a Culture Excellence Award for Employee Appreciation. Membership is open to those who live or work in the City of Houston or any city within Galveston County, are an immediate family member of an existing Wellby Financial member, work for a company or organization that partners with Wellby Financial, or join the American Consumer Council (ACC), a non-profit dedicated to consumer education and financial literacy. For more information, visit wellbyfinancial.com.
About Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston’s shared purpose is to bring people and space closer together. Over 1.3 million visitors and more than 250,000 students and educators visit each year to explore the significance of space exploration and pursue a path in STEM, or to follow along as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to make new discoveries. Space Center Houston is owned by the Manned Space Flight Education 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and generates an annual economic impact of $185.5M to the Greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, a Certified Autism Center, and is recognized by USA TODAY as a 10Best Science Museum. Learn more at spacecenter.org.
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Kennedy Copeland
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