Start Your Morning with the Early Access Tram Tour

Begin your day one hour before public hours with the Early Access Tram Tour, a limited-capacity experience designed for guests who want deeper access and fewer crowds. Led by a knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide, this 60-minute tour takes you through some of our most popular galleries and gives you priority boarding for the day’s first Astronaut Training Facility Tram Tour.

During your early-morning walk-through, you’ll explore remarkable exhibits such as the Starship Gallery, Lunar Samples Vault, Skylab Trainer, and Artemis — all while enjoying a quieter, more immersive environment. It’s an ideal option for photographers, families, and anyone looking to maximize their visit from the moment doors open.

Fuel Up at Breakfast with an Astronaut

After exploring the center, elevate your day even further with Breakfast with an Astronaut — a rare opportunity to share a meal and conversation with a real NASA space traveler. Held on Saturdays (and select Fridays), this morning event features a hot breakfast prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering and an inspiring presentation from a veteran astronaut.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from training and mission life, get answers to your biggest spaceflight questions during a live Q&A, and receive a personalized photo to commemorate the experience. It’s interactive, engaging, and perfect for families, aspiring explorers, and anyone craving a deeper connection to human spaceflight!

If you’re looking to turn your Space Center Houston visit into something truly unforgettable, these two experiences are the perfect place to start.

Plan your visit with us today!

The post Two Extraordinary Ways to Elevate Your Visit appeared first on Space Center Houston.

As you plan your visit, please take note of our adjusted hours and seasonal closures so you can make the most of your experience.

November

Thursday, November 27, 2025 – Closed

• General Admission + Galaxy Lights Closed

Space Center Houston & Galaxy Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so our crew can celebrate with their loved ones.

Friday, November 28, 2025 & Saturday, November 29, 2025

• General Admission: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Galaxy Lights: 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

We’re open for the weekend! Leave the leftovers at home and kick off your holiday weekend with a full day of exploration, then immerse yourself in the glow of Galaxy Lights after dark!

December

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

• Galaxy Lights Closed

To support our crew and essential operations, Galaxy Lights will be closed for the evening.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 & Thursday, December 25, 2025

• Galaxy Lights Closed

Thursday, December 25, 2025

• General Admission + Galaxy Lights Closed

Space Center Houston & Galaxy Lights will be closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day so our crew can celebrate with their loved ones.

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We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back after these closures more holiday magic. Are you ready to chart your journey to the stars?

Plan Your Visit

This season is one of the brightest yet, and we’re excited to share it with you. Spend the day exploring our immersive exhibits, then return after dark to experience the glow of Galaxy Lights.

With lanterns, lights, and plenty of holiday wonder, it’s the perfect time to create new traditions with family and friends. Come and join us today!

The post Holiday Hours & Seasonal Closures at Space Center Houston appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Want to keep the celebration going beyond the holidays? A Space Center Houston Membership makes it easy to give the gift of discovery all year long. Members enjoy unlimited general admission, early access to special events, and exclusive Galaxy Lights perks, plus discounts on food, retail, and more.

If your mission includes a daytime visit, don’t miss our Gift Shop—open on-site and online. It’s the only place you’ll find authentic NASA gear, space-center exclusives, and holiday keepsakes designed to spark wonder in every explorer.

Wrap up wonder. Share the magic.

Give the gift of Galaxy Lights and make this holiday one to remember: Tickets on sale now!

The post Give the Galaxy: The Perfect Gift for Every Explorer appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Start your evening with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, sip a Lunar Lander Lemonade, or enjoy a Pumpkin Muffin before exploring the glowing displays. As the lights come alive, try seasonal favorites like Gingerbread Buddies or a classic cup of Hot Cocoa, which can even be served as an adult beverage for those looking to toast under the stars.

Whether you’re visiting with family, catching up with friends, or creating new holiday memories together, Galaxy Lights offers the perfect blend of flavor and festivity.

Savor the sparkle. Celebrate together. See why Galaxy Lights is Houston’s sweetest holiday tradition and come find your new seasonal favorite. Tickets are on sale now.

The post Taste & Discover the Flavors of the Season at Galaxy Lights appeared first on Space Center Houston.

So, gather your space crew and get ready to make memories that shine as bright as the stars at these upcoming events:

Galaxy Lights, presented by Wellby Financial, Member Preview Night – November 14

Start the holiday season with an evening of wonder! Be among the first to experience Galaxy Lights during this exclusive members-only preview.

Stroll through the breathtaking space-themed light display before it opens to the public and enjoy:

• Complimentary s’mores by the fire
• Festive, family-friendly craft activities and door prizes
• Magical photo ops that capture the spirit of the season

Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or your favorite co-pilot, this is your only chance to enjoy Galaxy Lights for just $10 on Preview Night and 20% off all season long.

Space News & Brews – December 6

Warm up your December with good company, great conversation, and craft brews at the final Space News & Brews of 2025 hosted at Galveston Bay Brewing, featuring NASA astronaut Brian Duffy.

Your ticket includes:

• One beverage ticket
• Complimentary bites
• A lithograph of Brian Duffy
• Photo & autograph opportunities
• Plus, members receive a limited-edition collectible pint glass

It’s the perfect night out for curious minds and space enthusiasts alike.

Stars & STEM: A Cosmic Holiday – December 7

Join us for a full day of discovery and delight during our first-ever Member Stars & STEM Day: A Cosmic Holiday! This stellar celebration invites explorers of all ages to learn, play and connect through hands-on workshops, an inspiring tram tour, a special appearance by a real astronaut and complimentary admission to Galaxy Lights.

It’s a universe of fun—and a reminder that curiosity is the best gift of all.

Member Moments to Look Forward To

Keep your membership handy for even more exclusive perks and events coming in 2026:

• Member Appreciation Month – February 2026: Celebrate a full month of appreciation featuring two Member Mornings, our Member Appreciation Party and exclusive discounts all month long!
• Moon 2 Mars Festival, presented by Wellby Financial – March 2026: Plan your spring break for an interstellar experience! Explore the Moon 2 Mars Festival with live music, space technology demonstrations, tasty food and cosmic adventures for the whole family.

Plus, enjoy these year-round benefits every visit:

• Express entry for members
• Early access on peak days
• Monthly Member Mornings (every 2nd Saturday)

Celebrate the Season and Share the Wonder!

Your Space Center Houston membership makes it all possible — bringing unforgettable experiences, cosmic adventures and a community that’s as inspiring as the universe itself.

This holiday season, share the wonder! Give the gift of membership and let someone special experience out-of-this-world memories all year long.

The post Making Space for Wonder This Season with Your Membership appeared first on Space Center Houston.

To celebrate the 2024-2025 Pete Conrad Scholars, we awarded an all-expense paid trip to Boston, Massachusetts, the home of one of the world’s most renowned STEM institutions, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  

During this multi-day trip, the scholars toured facilities at MIT, participated in hands-on STEM activities and of course, explored the beautiful city of Boston. The celebration didn’t stop there, though! The scholars also received patent support and academic scholarships to take their innovations and careers to the next level.  

Get a glimpse of what you’re working towards! Swipe through the Boston Trip gallery below to discover what it’s like to be a Pete Conrad Scholar.  

Keep your eyes on the prize! Explore our 2025-2026 challenge awards and prizes.  

About the Conrad Challenge 

Space Center Houston’s Conrad Challenge is one of the world’s most highly regarded global STEM innovation and entrepreneurship competitions where high school students (aged 13-18) present their STEM inventions to a panel of expert judges. 

Special thanks to Equinor, our presenting sponsor and United Airlines, our travel partner, for supporting The Conrad Challenge.  

The post Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: 2024-2025 Conrad Challenge Winners Visit Boston appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Thinking of taking a trip amongst the stars? Look no further, Space City! Houston’s brightest holiday light show, Galaxy Lights, presented by Wellby Financial, the Official Credit Union of Space Center Houston, invites you on a journey to space this holiday season.

Now in its seventh year, this beloved holiday tradition returns November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026, at Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center.  

Experience the cosmic magic as the space exploration and science learning center transforms into a breathtaking galaxy wonderland. Beneath the iconic 747 Boeing aircraft at Independence Plaza, guests can delight in radiant LED light swings, stroll around the crystal fireworks show choreographed to an epic playlist, snap a photo opportunity at the towering 40 feet high shooting star light display stretching 100 feet wide, and catch the signature feature film, Holidays in Space celebrating the season through a cosmic lens.

Your epic journey also includes:

• S’mores and hot cocoa available for purchase
• Fire pit stations to warm up under the stars
• Instagram-worthy photo opportunities throughout the experience
• A sip of the season with Starbase’s featured brew, “Go for Launch”

NOTE: Closed on the Following Dates

Monday, Nov. 17 – Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025   
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025  
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025  
Wednesday, Dec. 24 – Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025

To purchase Galaxy Lights tickets, please visit Galaxy Lights, presented by Wellby Financial.       

The post Space Center Houston and Wellby Financial Present Houston’s Brightest Holiday Light Show, Galaxy Lights appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Experience a calm environment at Low Sensory Nights

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Join us for a special Sensory Friendly evening at Galaxy Lights where we create a calm, relaxed holiday atmosphere for guests who prefer a quieter, less stimulating experience.

The post Galaxy Lights Carousel Slide 6 – Sensory Friendly appeared first on Space Center Houston.

The eight-week-long initiative aims to heighten engagement of HISD students with a design and engineering-focused curriculum. The nonprofit organizations will bring educational resources to the students that unlock new principles in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) problem solving, while teaching essential skills for future careers in engineering, design, and space exploration.

“We are proud to be in partnership with the Cactus Jack Foundation as we prepare the next generation of creators and problem solvers from the heart of Houston,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “We believe that space is for everyone, and we want to bring them closer to the wonders and curiosity we find ourselves faced with every day.”

Students will be immersed in tackling today’s real-world challenges of space habitation, such as water scarcity, power generation, and habitat design—developing innovative, practical solutions to these critical issues.

“Partnering with Space Center Houston is truly a lifelong dream for Travis and the Webster family,” said Jordan Webster, director of Education Partnerships for the Cactus Jack Foundation. “We have always been inspired by NASA. Through the Cactus Jack Foundation, our mission is to open new educational pathways for youth so they can accelerate in STEM and see themselves as the innovators and explorers of tomorrow. This is just the beginning of what’s to come with Space Center Houston, and we couldn’t be more excited to build a future where our kids can dream bigger than ever before.”

Through a mix of virtual and in-person workshops, the STEM program will host hands-on build events on three Saturdays at TXRX Labs – a Houston nonprofit makerspace, committed to equipping youth with valuable technical skills.

Here, students will collaborate with NASA engineers to form design teams and take part in the engineering process, from brainstorming and prototyping to testing and refining their solutions.   

Throughout the course of the program, students will learn key innovation and engineering skills, including design sketching, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling, systems thinking, and fabrication. Student teams will also develop low, medium and high-fidelity prototypes using advanced digital design software, 3D printing technology, and state-of-the-art fabrication equipment at TXRX Labs.

“Opportunities like this are being offered to help enrich our students’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they can not only thrive but also bring back solutions to their communities,” said Travis Scott, founder of the Cactus Jack Foundation.

The program will conclude with a final showcase on December 19 where students will present their engineered designs to industry professionals alongside Scott at Space Center Houston.

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ABOUT CACTUS JACK FOUNDATION

Founded by music artist Travis Scott, the Cactus Jack Foundation’s mission is to empower and enrich the lives of youth by providing access to education and creative resources to ensure long-term success.

ABOUT CACT.US DESIGN CENTER

The CACT.US DESIGN CENTER at TXRX Labs is a youth focused design school founded by Cactus Jack Foundation. It opened on November 3rd, 2021 with hundreds of middle and high school students enrolled who are passionate about design and engineering.  Bespoke programs include Cact.Us Sneaker Lab powered by Nike & Design Ethos 101 Education powered by Fashion Scholarship Fund. The fully operational 60,000 square foot state of the art facility is located in Houston, Texas.

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 connect with the significance of space exploration to pursue a path in STEM or follow along as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to make new discoveries. Space Center Houston is owned by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and generates an annual $118M economic impact to the Greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Certified Autism Center. Learn more at spacecenter.org.

Media Contacts

Rashena Franklin, Manager of Communications
rfranklin@spacecenter.org

IIlliana Luna, Public Relations Specialist
iluna@spacecenter.org

The post Cactus Jack Foundation and Space Center Houston Partner to Engage and Empower Youth through STEM appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Camp in the museum on Saturday 12/20

Get special access to Galaxy Lights during our Family Overnight! Experiencedazzling, immersive lights where you and your family become part of the galaxy! Hands-on STEM experiences and holiday cheer make for an unforgettable sleepover.

The post Galaxy Lights Carousel Slide 5 – Overnight appeared first on Space Center Houston.