BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium is gearing up for the holiday season with a full lineup of festive star shows and laser concerts throughout December, offering family-friendly programming for all ages.
The Planetarium will feature seasonal favorites beginning Saturday, Dec. 6, including The Alien Who Stole Christmas, which runs at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The show introduces young audiences to winter constellations before following Santa on a solar system adventure after he is kidnapped by a friendly alien. The program is recommended for ages 6 to 10.
Holiday music takes center stage during the Winter Wonder Lights laser concert at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Audiences can enjoy laser displays set to seasonal hits including “Wizards in Winter,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Dominic the Donkey.” The show is recommended for ages 6 and older.
The Christmas Star, presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 20, explores historical and scientific theories about the Star of Bethlehem. The program also includes a tour of the current night sky and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Additional December offerings include:
- The Sky Above, a 45-minute sensory-friendly show designed for families with children on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities, on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m.
- Astronomy Tonight, featuring a guided tour of the night sky, on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory outside the Planetarium will be open after the show.
- Sunset Meditation, a guided relaxation experience in the Planetarium’s reclining seats, on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
Planetarium tickets are $11 for a single show or $20 for two back-to-back shows on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are made at the door. Late admission is not permitted. For reservations or questions, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@raritanval.edu.
A complete schedule is available at www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows. The Planetarium will be closed Dec. 24, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, with public shows resuming Jan. 3.
Laser shows include loud music, flashing lights and rapidly moving graphics and may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to such conditions.
RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg Township. More information is available at www.raritanval.edu
