Last updated: October 16, 2026. The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre has not announced Starlight with Santa for 2026. The details below are from the 2025 edition and will be updated if a 2026 date is confirmed.
Plenty of places will give a child a photo with Santa. Very few do it under a domed ceiling, with a stargazing trip to the North Pole available on the same afternoon. Starlight with Santa, a holiday weekend at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver, mixed Santa photos, space crafts and planetarium shows into one afternoon.
The Space Centre has not announced a 2026 edition yet. This guide covers how the 2025 event worked, so you know what to look for if it returns.
Starlight with Santa: Quick Facts
| What it is | A holiday weekend at the Space Centre with Santa photos, space-themed crafts, planetarium shows and a North Pole stargazing add-on |
| Where | H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver |
| 2025 dates | Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| 2025 hours | 1:00 to 5:00 PM |
| 2026 dates | Not announced yet |
| Best for | Families with children, holiday fans and young space explorers |
| Tickets | Sold in advance through Eventbrite in 2025. The listing now shows sales as ended |
| Event page | Starlight with Santa listing (2025) |
What Is Starlight with Santa?
Starlight with Santa is a limited-time holiday event at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the planetarium and science museum in Vancouver. The event page described it as a chance to “snap a photo with Santa, enjoy space crafts, and stargaze the North Pole night sky in our 360° planetarium.”
In practice, you bought a ticket that included a planetarium show of your choice, and then spent the rest of your time exploring the festive activities around the building. It ran over a single weekend, so tickets were limited.
When Is Starlight with Santa in 2026?
As of mid-October 2026, no 2026 date has been published. The 2025 edition ran on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and the ticket listing now shows it as ended.
The weekdays move from year to year. In 2026, December 20 falls on a Sunday and December 21 on a Monday, so if the Space Centre brings the event back, check the new dates carefully rather than assuming the weekend before Christmas.
What Was Included in 2025
Santa Corner
Santa was available from 1:00 to 4:30 PM, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Space Centre asked families to bring their own camera or phone for photos.
Cosmic Holiday Crafts
Kids could make space-themed ornaments and other holiday crafts, which came home as keepsakes.
North Pole Journey: The 360-Degree Add-On
This was a 10-minute stargazing experience in the planetarium, shown in full 360-degree immersion. It took visitors on a journey through the festive night sky and pointed out the winter stars said to guide Santa. It was sold as an add-on to a planetarium show.
Planetarium Shows
Visitors chose a planetarium show at checkout. Each show ran 30 to 45 minutes, and guests could enjoy the festive activities before or after their showtime. The 2025 schedule was:
| Time | Show |
|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Messenger of Time and Space |
| 2:00 PM | World of Ice |
| 3:00 PM | Big Astronomy |
| 4:00 PM | One Sky Project: Dreams of the Stars |
Cosmic Courtyard and Live Science Demo
The Cosmic Courtyard offered hands-on exhibits, space artifacts and interactive learning stations. A live demonstration from the Space Centre’s science interpreter added a short educational moment to the afternoon.
Where It Is: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
The Space Centre is at 1100 Chestnut Street in Vancouver. The ticket listing does not include transit, parking or accessibility details, so check the Space Centre’s website or contact the staff before you go, especially if you need step-free access or have a stroller.
Tips for Visiting
- Choose your planetarium show first. The event ran one show per hour, so pick the time that fits your family, then plan the Santa photo, crafts and exhibits around it.
- Do not leave Santa to the end. Santa’s corner closed at 4:30 PM in 2025, half an hour before the event finished.
- Bring your own camera. Santa photos were taken on your own phone or camera.
- Leave room in the afternoon. A 30 to 45 minute show, crafts, the courtyard and the Santa line all take time, so do not schedule something right after.
- Book early if it returns. The Space Centre offered limited tickets, and the event ran for one weekend only.
- Consider the add-on. The 10-minute North Pole Journey was optional, so decide at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starlight with Santa happening in 2026?
Not yet announced. The 2025 edition ran on December 20 and 21, and the ticket listing now shows it as ended.
Where is it held?
At the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.
What time did it run in 2025?
From 1:00 to 5:00 PM on both days, with Santa available from 1:00 to 4:30 PM.
Do I need to book in advance?
In 2025, tickets were sold in advance through Eventbrite, and the Space Centre said availability was limited.
What planetarium shows were included?
Messenger of Time and Space, World of Ice, Big Astronomy and One Sky Project: Dreams of the Stars, each starting on the hour from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
How long is a planetarium show?
Between 30 and 45 minutes.
Is it good for toddlers and young kids?
The event is aimed at families with children. The ticket listing does not give age guidance, so check with the Space Centre if you have a specific question about very young children and the planetarium shows.
How will I know if it returns?
Watch the Space Centre’s website and its Eventbrite organizer page for an announcement.
Sources: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: Starlight with Santa listing; H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
