Planetarium Shows

The Abbitt Planetarium is open for PUBLIC SHOWS on select days. Enjoy activities in the lobby prior to some shows included in your planetarium ticket! (See schedule below)

NOTE: General Admission is required. Planetarium ticket can be reserved as an add on.

Cost: VLM members FREE (but must reserve seat), non-members $4 with general admission

PRIVATE SHOWS can be reserved for 5 people or less for any planetarium show of your choice. Full Planetarium Rental: Members $100 and non-members $200. For larger groups please call Reservations Office.

Daily tickets can be purchased at front desk. For questions on Planetarium shows call the Reservations Office at 757-595-9135, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm.

List of Scheduled Shows

Saturdays & Sundays (times will vary)	Activity (included in show ticket)	Planetarium Program
Sept 11-Oct 17	Make a Planisphere	reserve Ticket for Virginia Skies
Halloween Weekends Oct 23, 24, 30 and 31	Make a Spider	reserve Ticket for Fright Light Laser Show
Nov 6-21	Make a Planisphere	reserve Ticket for Virginia Skies
Nov 27 & 28	Make a Holiday Decoration	reserve tickets for Holiday Magic
Dec 4 & 5	Make a Holiday Decoration	reserve tickets for Star of Wonder
Dec 11 & 12	Make a Holiday Decoration	reserve tickets for Holiday Magic
Dec 18 & 19	Make a Holiday Decoration	reserve tickets for Star of Wonder
Dec 26 (closed 25)	Make a Holiday Decoration	reserve tickets for Holiday Magic

Description of Shows

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.

Fright Night Laser Show

It’s a howling good time in the Abbitt Planetarium with this frightfully awesome mix of terror-ific tunes! Wild and weird laser images accompany songs from Black Sabbath, Garbage, The Who and so many more! Come enjoy this laser spook-tacular!

Holiday Magic

Holiday Magic is a delightful celebration of the holiday season that the whole family will enjoy! Featuring timeless classics and songs from the holiday specials we loved as kids, as well as modern holiday music, this show has something for everyone. Ring in the holiday season with the most amazing light show in town!

Show Playlist

Joy to the World
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Jingle Bell Rock
The March of the Toy Soldiers
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
We Three Kings of Orient Are
Snow Miser
Linus and Lucy

Up on the Housetop
White Christmas
The Russian Dance
Let it Snow
Winter Wonderland
Sleigh Ride
Christmas Eve Sarajevo

Star of Wonder: 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.

Recommended for ages 8 and up