Immersive planetarium experience, Áróra, returns to dazzle guests at the State Museum
October 26, 2025
Plus, kick off the holidays with the Holiday Planetarium Lighting on Dec. 4
This holiday season, guests are invited to visit the South Carolina State Museum to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights in the Áróra planetarium show, see the returning holiday favorite, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D, explore the blockbuster exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, created by the Walt Disney Archives, and more.
Returning on Nov. 1, Áróra is an immersive cinematic journey that takes guests across remote Icelandic landscapes and into space to find and understand the mystical, eerie displays of color known as the aurora borealis. The popular show offers a must-see experience to enjoy with family and friends this winter.
Lighting up the museum’s holiday season, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D, returns with visually brilliant, high definition 3-D and immersive effects such as wind and snow! Showing Nov.1 through Dec. 31 in the museum’s 4D theater, this 10-minute show features the same stop motion animation as the beloved television classic. Guests will join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and all their friends on a timeless adventure filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer.
The holiday season also marks the final weeks of the blockbuster exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, created by the Walt Disney Archives, which closes on Jan. 4, 2026. The critically acclaimed showcase features 70 costumes from some beloved characters such as Cinderella, Maleficent, and more, highlighting some of the innovative ways these iconic characters are brought to life through the artistry and imagination of their costumes. Tickets are on sale at scmuseum.org.
Guests are also invited to explore the museum after-hours during the Holiday Planetarium Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to extended hours, this special evening will feature holiday shows in the museum’s 4D theater and planetarium, extra shopping time in the Museum Store, night-sky observing (weather permitting), an opportunity to meet Santa and more. At the end of the evening, the museum will officially ‘light’ the planetarium dome for the holiday with the help of our partners at Ambient Media: Event Lighting, Sound and Displays. The dome will light up every night after dark throughout December.
Santa Claus will also be visiting the State Museum on Santa Saturdays in November and December. He will be on hand to hear holiday wishes and take photos with guests on Nov. 29, Dec. 6,13, and 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests are welcome to take pictures with Santa with their own personal phones or cameras at no extra charge.
Full List of Shows and Events This Holiday Season
Shows
Starts Nov. 1
Experience the beauty of the Northern Lights in this immersive cinematic journey that takes guests across Iceland and into space to explore these mysterious lights. Witness the beauty of the aurora borealis in 4K resolution, see how these lights are visible on other planets and moons, and learn how communities across the world have incorporated the aurora into their folktales and mythology.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D
Showing Nov. 1 through Dec. 31
Enjoy the classic stop-motion animated story that has charmed audiences for generations with added 3D visuals and interactive effects. Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf and their friends on this epic adventure. This 10-minute 4D experience will be showing daily through Dec. 31.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © & ® or ™ The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.
Starts Dec. 26
Explore the extraordinary hidden world of bugs! Bugs 4D brings viewers on an up-close-and-personal adventure in the Borneo rainforests. Join the amazing giant Asian mantis and stunning swallowtail butterfly in this unforgettable, spectacular 4D Experience® that reveals the tremendous life of bugs.
Events
Sat., Nov. 8 and Sat., Dec. 13 from 9 – 11 a.m.
The museum invites its guests who are neurodiverse, autistic or have other disabilities to experience the museum at their own pace. This monthly program provides access to museum galleries, including sensory-friendly showings in the planetarium and 4D theater and meet-and-greets with beloved literary characters, with Madeline visiting on Nov. 8 and Santa and Penelope the Dinosaur visiting on Dec. 13. Online pre-registration is encouraged at scmuseum.org.
Constellation Concerts: Music in the Observatory featuring Tendaji Bailey
Thurs., Nov. 13 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music under the stars in the museum’s observatory. Tickets on sale now at scmuseum.org. Sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season
Fri., Nov. 14, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a special program led by Keisha Rainey, founder of Roots & Rain, exploring Black foodways and cultural traditions of South Carolina. Tickets on sale now at scmuseum.org.
Sat., Nov. 22 and Sat., Dec. 13
Members can enjoy an extra 10% off purchases, for a total of 20% off, in the museum store.
Tues., Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
Meet author Margaret Renkl and enjoy a discussion in honor of Arbor Day. Free to the public, but online registration is encouraged at scmuseum.org.
Thurs., Dec. 4 from 4 – 7 p.m.
The museum will offer extended hours with time to explore exhibition galleries, 4-D and planetarium showtimes, shopping in the museum store, night sky observing (weather permitting) and more during this special event. At the end of the evening, guests will be invited outside to enjoy the “lighting” of the 55ft planetarium dome as it transforms into a giant snow globe.
Sat., Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Santa Claus will make a special visit to the museum to see children and families and hear their wishes for the holiday season.
Wed., Dec. 10, from 6 – 9 p.m.
State Museum members are invited to an exclusive holiday PJ party, featuring showings of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D, a planetarium experience, hands-on craft activity and a Best PJs Contest.
Constellation Concerts: Music in the Observatory featuring Gallus Camerata
Thurs., Dec. 11 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music under the stars in the museum’s observatory. Sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
General admission to the South Carolina State Museum is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for kids aged 3-12. Infants 2 and under are free. Blockbuster exhibition, planetarium, and 4D shows are an additional charge. The museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sun. from Noon – 5 p.m. The museum is closed Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving and Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas.
About the South Carolina State Museum
Since opening in 1988, the South Carolina State Museum has been committed to collecting, preserving and showcasing the rich culture, art, natural history, technology and innovation of the Palmetto State. Through a comprehensive collection of over 1.1 million objects and four floors of stimulating exhibitions and displays housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, the State Museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire and enrich the lives of millions of visitors and students from across South Carolina. For more information about the museum, visit scmuseum.org.
