State Museum announces lineup of new and returning holiday shows

The South Carolina State Museum is gearing up for the holiday season with the triumphant return of its celebrated holiday shows starting Sat., Nov. 11, and the world premiere of a new planetarium laser show starting Tues., Nov. 14.

Opening Sat., Nov. 11

The Polar Express 4D Experience:

Guests are invited on an extraordinary 4D adventure this holiday season on The Polar Express. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. This 15 minute 4D experience will be showing through Friday, Jan. 5 in the Rev. Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr 4D Theater.

Star of Bethlehem:

This full dome planetarium experience takes guests to the ancient cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem to investigate fascinating ideas about the “Christmas Star.” The show uses historical and scientific facts to unravel this 2,000-year old mystery through a special audiovisual display featuring popular Christmas carols. This 25 minute show will be playing through Friday, Jan. 5in the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium.

Laser Holidays:

This exciting 30 minute laser show celebrates the season through a display of colorful and dramatic laser lights choreographed to a mix of holiday musical favorites like, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Deck the Halls, White Christmas and more. Laser Holidays will be playing through Friday, Jan. 5 in the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium.

Premiering Tues., Nov. 14

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Laser:

Guests will rock out for the holidays with the world premiere of Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Laser.  In this brand new sound and light entertainment show, laser lights will dance across the planetarium’s starry sky as guests are immersed in the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra including favorites like Christmas Eve Sarajevo, Christmas Canon, and Wizards in Winter.  This 40 minute show will be playing through Friday, Jan. 5 in the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium.

The State Museum is open Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.  General admission to the museum is $6.95 for children 12 and under, $7.95 for seniors and $8.95 for adults.  Planetarium and 4D Experience are an additional cost. The State Museum offers special combination tickets for guests to customize their adventure, starting with Explorer 1 ($11.95 – $13.95), Explorer 2 ($14.95 – $16.95) and Master Explorer ($17.95 – $19.95).  Visitscmuseum.org to learn more.