Explore the Northern Lights and meet Santa this holiday season at the State Museum
October 22, 2026
Plus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D returns and more.
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, enjoy the returning holiday favorite Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D, and enjoy special events, including the return of the Museum’s annual Holiday Planetarium Lighting.
Beginning Nov. 1st, the digital dome planetarium experience, Áróra, will take guests on an immersive cinematic journey across remote Icelandic landscapes and into space to explore the mystery and science behind the Northern Lights. The show also highlights how this fascinating phenomenon has been represented in folktales and mythology across the world. It is a must-see experience for families and friends to enjoy this winter.
Lighting up the museum’s holiday season, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D returns with high-definition 3-D visuals and immersive effects, including 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 can join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and all their friends on a timeless adventure filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer.
The museum invites guests to explore the galleries after hours during the annual Holiday Planetarium Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 4 – 8:30 p.m. In addition to extended hours, this special evening will feature a chance to meet Santa, holiday shows in the museum’s 4D theater and planetarium, extra shopping time in the Museum Store, a holiday family activity, night-sky viewing (weather permitting), a live performance by Cola Jazz, and more. At 7 p.m., guests will be invited outside to watch the museum’s 55-foot planetarium dome transform into a giant snow globe as it is illuminated for the holidays. The dome will be lit each night after dark throughout December.
Santa Claus will also visit the State Museum on Santa Saturdays in November and December. Families can share their holiday wishes and take photos with Santa on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Guests are welcome to take pictures with their own phones or cameras for free with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the museum.
With the holidays around the corner, the South Carolina State Museum Store is the perfect destination for unique, locally-made gifts. From Certified SC food and gourmet delights to Palmetto-themed housewares, apparel and jewelry, and fun children’s games and toys, the Museum Store has a wide selection to explore this season. This year, the Museum Store will also participate in Museum Store Sunday on Nov. 29 with museum members and the general public receiving a 10% discount on purchases (not eligible to use with other discounts).
Full List of Programs & Events This Holiday Season
Our Founding Tables – Held at The Gaines Lodge at Table Rock State Park
Thurs., Nov. 5 from 6 – 8 p.m.
In partnership with the Southern Fork podcast and host Stephanie Burt, this event invites chefs, scholars, and guests to explore Revolutionary War history through the food and culture of South Carolina. Includes a discussion panel, a chef-curated meal, and more. Tickets available at scmuseum.org.
Constellation Concert: Music in the Observatory
Thurs., Nov. 19 | Doors open at 7 p.m.
Enjoy star-gazing in the museum’s observatory and a live music performance from soul and R&B artist Puffislove. Tickets available at scmuseum.org.
Seeing Ourselves: A Gallery Talk & Self Portrait Workshop with Natalie Daise
Sat., Nov. 21 | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Artist, educator, and storyteller Natalie Daise will lead a morning of reflection and creativity inspired by the museum’s current exhibition When I See Myself, I See…. Participants will explore themes of identity, representation, and self-expression during a guided gallery talk before creating their own self-portraits in a hands-on workshop. Included with museum general admission or membership.
Member Discount Day
Sat., Nov. 21 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Museum members receive an extra 10% off purchases in the Museum Store, for a total of 20% off.
Museum Store Sunday
Sun., Nov. 29 | 12 – 5 p.m.
Shoppers can enjoy 10% off purchases on this special day!
Sat., Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 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. Included with Museum general admission or membership.
Tues., Dec. 1 from 4 – 8:30 p.m.
Museum open late for holiday family fun! Meet Santa, enjoy exhibitions, shop in the store, and help us officially “light” the planetarium for the holidays.
Member Holiday Party & Planetarium Lighting
Tues., Dec. 1 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Museum members can explore the galleries, enter a Festive Outfit Competition, and so much more before they join in the Holiday Planetarium Lighting fun!
Author Talk: Birds, Belonging & the Natural World
Weds., Dec. 2 from 6 – 9 p.m.
This program will bring together acclaimed authors and birders, Christian Cooper and J. Drew Lanham, to discuss their experiences as African American naturalists, writers and advocates for the outdoors. Moderated by distinguished South Carolina poet Nikky Finney. Free to the public, but online registration is encouraged at scmuseum.org
Accessibility Mornings | Meet Santa
Sat., Dec. 12 from 9 – 11 a.m.
Designed for guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities, this program provides access to museum galleries, including sensory-friendly showings in the planetarium and 4D theater. On Dec. 12th, guests can meet Santa and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Online pre-registration is encouraged at scmuseum.org.
Member Discount Day
Sat., Dec. 12 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Last chance for Museum members to receive an extra 10% off purchases in the Museum Store, for a total of 20% off.
Constellation Concert: Music in the Observatory
Thurs., Dec. 17 | Doors open at 7 p.m.
Enjoy star-gazing in the Museum’s observatory and a live music performance from a capella group Gallus Camerata. Tickets available at scmuseum.org.
General admission to the South Carolina State Museum is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and kids aged 3-12 are $10. Infants 2 and under are free. Tickets to planetarium experiences 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. 26 for Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1, 2027 for New Year’s Day.
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.
