Ready to blast off into the holiday spirit? This December, the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove is once again hosting the renowned “Deck the Dome” laser show! An education program in Alpine School District, the Space Center offers unique adventures in "starship simulators" and captivating shows in Utah’s second largest planetarium.
This amazing spectacle has started to become a tradition for many families.
“A few years ago, I was searching for something fun to do at Christmas time, and I found the holiday laser show being advertised on social media,” said Amy Reid, a teacher in Alpine School District whose children attend area schools. “We invited another family to come with us. We loved it, and a new tradition was born!”
“It is so wonderful that we have this amazing local resource here in our community.” explains James Porter, Director of the Space Center. “We created the shows ourselves and when that first year sold out we bought more equipment. Then it sold out again last year so we’ve been working hard to improve and make new shows.”
These shows have included music from Taylor Swift, Daft Punk, and most recently the movie music of John Williams. Each show has fun references and easter eggs for fans to find while they are captivated by the stunning effects of the laser light system. Being surrounded by the sights and sounds of your favorite music brings back strong emotions for many audience members.
This year is the Space Center's 35th anniversary!
“I loved seeing some of our first groups come in for the ‘Laser Swift’ show” said Tiscia Westerman. “Seeing swifties coming in with matching shirts and glitter makeup was so cute. Then hearing them singing along with excited shrills made it so worth it.”
Tiscia is one of the laserists who helped create some of the laser effects in the show. She and her Sister Mary Olsen spend some of their spare time developing content for the planetarium.
“One of the staff told me that the other night a young girl was passing bracelets she had made out to strangers who were also at the show,” said Mary. “I love that they get to come here and experience something so fun, especially since it is much more affordable than going to a real Taylor Swift concert. I know my little girls love coming.”
Deck the Dome will be running starting after Thanksgiving and goes through December. The 50-minute show is a great way to get into the holiday spirit as you establish memories with friends and family.
“The best part of the show is probably the rockin' Santa with his electric guitar!” said Reid. “We love all the great music, and we love how each song has its own unique laser images and patterns that synchronize perfectly with the music.”
Tickets are available through the Space Center’s website spacecenterutah.org. If you’ve never been to the Space Center then you are missing out on one of Utah’s most unique and unforgettable experiences.
“Our kids love the show! We love that the show is perfect for all ages,” said Reid.
Don’t Miss Out!
The Show: Deck the Dome (50 minutes long)
Dates: Running through December
Perfect For: All ages! "Our kids love the show! We love that the show is perfect for all ages," says local teacher Amy Reid.
Tickets: Available now through the Space Center’s website: spacecenterutah.org. Book soon—this popular tradition often sells out!