Can’t stay up until midnight? No problem! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate 2026 at NOON on December 31st!
FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with so many fun activities, an official countdown complete with a larger-than-life science demonstration, apple juice toast, and epic dance party! Party-goers of all ages are welcome.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
New Year’s Eve Hat Making
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Classrooms A/B
Description: Create a festive “Noon Year’s Eve” party hat using colorful paper hat bands and decorations such as 2026 numbers, stars, shapes and sparkles. Once your hat is complete, wear it proudly during the celebration.
Noise Makers
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Makerspace
Description: Build your own noisemaker using beads, bells, tubes, paper and an assortment of maker materials. Guests can create a shaker or rattle that will add excitement and sound to the big countdown moment.
Countdown Dance Party
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Grand Lobby
Description: Join us in the Grand Lobby for upbeat music and lively dancing. The celebration continues until the countdown at noon. The event ends with a confetti-style explosion that welcomes the arrival of the “Noon Year.”
Year in Review Planetarium Show
Time: 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM
Location: Caperton Planetarium and Theater
Description: This special presentation highlights some of the year’s most exciting astronomical events. Guests will learn about colorful auroras, a total lunar eclipse, new findings about comets and fresh insights from Mars exploration.
Resolution Wall
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Café
Description: Share your goals and hopes for 2026 by writing a resolution on a colorful sticky note and adding it to the wall. As more notes are placed throughout the day, the display becomes a bright and cheerful collage celebrating the start of a new year.
