Planetarium Shows

NOTE: DUE to December 10, Covid-19 restrictions the Abbitt Planetarium will be CLOSED to the PUBLIC but open for private groups of 9 or less.

For questions on private shows call the Reservations Office at757-595-9135, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm.

COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Social distancing and mask requirements will be observed while inside the Planetarium and all indoor museum areas. Seating is limited to 20 people.

Visit the planets, travel to a black hole, observe spinning galaxies or study the Earth from space in the Virginia Living Museum’s 71-seat Abbitt Planetarium Theater. Using our digital full-screen projection system, we can recreate the many wonders of the universe, including the stars and constellations of the sky for any season of the year – all from the comfort of an armchair.

All daytime programs cost $4 plus Museum admission. VLM members are admitted free to day-time programs. Non-members ticket includes Museum admission. Tickets are available below or at the front desk. (limited availability)

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NOTE: DUE to December 10, Covid-19 restrictions the Abbitt Planetarium will be CLOSED to the PUBLIC but open for private groups of 9 or less.

For questions on private shows call the Reservations Office at757-595-9135, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm.

List of Shows

Legends of the Night Sky: Orion

Explore the evening sky and meet a friendly owl who spins a tale of the winter constellation Orion. Presented in dazzling laser lights, this is an exciting and often humorous version of the classic Greek legend of Orion.

COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Social distancing and mask requirements will be observed while inside the Planetarium and all indoor museum areas. Seating is limited to 9 people for private shows only.

Virginia Skies

Explore the evening skies above Virginia in this classic planetarium presentation. A staff astronomer will discuss seasonal constellations as well as any planets visible. Additional topics may be explored depending on celestial happenings around the time of your visit.

COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Social distancing and mask requirements will be observed while inside the Planetarium and all indoor museum areas. Seating is limited to 20 people.

Laser Holidays

From Randy Travis and James Galway to The Jackson 5 and Burl Ives we’ve got everyone’s favorite holiday classics – and even a few that might just become your favorite! Celebrate the season with the music and magic of Laser Holidays.

COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Social distancing and mask requirements will be observed while inside the Planetarium and all indoor museum areas. Seating is limited to 20 people.

Due to time limitations, not all songs may be included in the program. Your actual playlist will be determined by your laserist.

Show Playlist

Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky
Up on the Housetop by The Jackson 5
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives
Winter Wonderland by The Eurythmics
Deck the Halls (orchestral)
Jingle Bell Rock by Randy Travis
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Christmastime by The Smashing Pumpkins
Oichie Chiun (Silent Night) by Enya

The Chipmunk Song by Alvin and the Chipmunks
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth by Spike Jones and His City Slickers
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love
Frosty the Snowman by The Cocteau Twins
Carol of the Bells by David Foster
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jame Galway

Mystery of the Christmas Star

Since 1965, we have journeyed in the footsteps of the Magi, seeking the identity of a mysterious star which foretold the coming of a king. Over the years, the scientific thinking has changed, archaeology has revealed new clues about the lands in which these events took place, and our understanding of who the Magi might have actually been has grown. The show was completely revised in 2008 to offer a truly immersive look at the journey of the Magi while examining the latest clues and seeking once more to understand the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem.

Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, this presentation includes only the full dome production of Mystery of the Christmas Star. It is made possible by E&S Spitz.

Social distancing and mask requirements will be observed while inside the Planetarium and all indoor museum areas. Seating is limited to 9 people for private shows only.

Recommended for ages 8 and up

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