Jodrell Bank presents a winter under the stars with a stellar line-up of family fun

This winter, Jodrell Bank invites visitors to embark on a celestial celebration of science, wonder and imagination, with a dazzling programme of festive shows, creative workshops and breathtaking night-sky adventures marking 80 years of discovery at the world-famous observatory.

Infant astronomers can explore mesmerising new worlds with Ted’s Space Adventure ( Sun 9 Nov, Sun 28 & Tue 30 Dec, £5, under 4s free), an immersive spectacular celebrating the magic of space with music, rhyme and sing-a-long fun, as star-hopping bear Ted and his trusty companion Plant lead a voyage to learn more about the interstellar mysteries of space.

From mid-November, festive magic fills the skies with a host of family favourites. Step inside the Space Dome for What Santa Sees (Sat 15 Nov – Tue 23 Dec, £5), a captivating storytelling journey through the constellations as Santa and his reindeer race across the world on Christmas Eve in an enchanting combination of astronomy and child-friendly delight. Each child’s ticket includes a mini hot chocolate and gingerbread treat.

The cosmic Christmas entertainment continues with Goofus Theatre’s All in a Mouse’s Night (Sat 20 – Sun 21 Dec, £7), an endearing puppet show told entirely without words. This gentle, humorous performance follows a curious mouse whose adventures whisk audiences into space with heaps of heart, mischief and moon cheese.

Opening the season, Gemini and Mercury Remastered (until Sun 4 Jan, free with admission) presents immacutately restored photography from NASA’s pioneering Mercury and Gemini missions. Curated by bestselling author and NASA restoration expert Andy Saunders, the extraordinary exhibition unveils the earliest images from human spaceflight, revealed in stunning new detail. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of NASA’s Gemini programme, this inspiring showcase captures the beauty and courage of the first journeys beyond our world.

Also showing in the Space Dome, The Great Solar System Adventure (weekends until Sun 30 Nov, £5) offers an exhilarating voyage from the molten landscapes of Mercury to the icy climes of Pluto with the rambunctious ringmaster, The Great Schiaparelli, in his wondrous observatorium. Blending humour, science and high-stakes daring, this thrilling experience is perfect for aspiring astronauts aged seven and up.

There’s also the chance to settle in for a festive evening of discovery with The Royal Institution’s Christmas Lectures Live (Sat 13 Dec, 6pm, £8). Broadcast directly to Jodrell Bank’s Space Dome, Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock leads a fascinating exploration of cosmic questions with scientists and astronauts from around the world.

As the nights draw in, Jodrell Bank’s evening events light up the new year with opportunities to delve deeper into our glittering nocturnal tapestry. Budding photographers can snap the cosmos with Step Into Astrophotography (Wed 19 Nov, Wed 21 Jan, 7.30pm, from £33), an insightful and engaging session led by astronomer, astrophotographer, and Jodrell Bank’s Head of Computing, Dr. Anthony Holloway.

Opening with an introductory lecture, the course blends expert tuition, practical guidance and a rare chance to photograph the stars against one of the most iconic backdrops in the country. No previous knowledge is required to attend this session, but you will need to bring a DSLR or Compact System Camera with full manual controls and a tripod.

Taking place on select dates in the new year, Jodrell’s wildly popular Astro Nights (Sat 31 Jan, Sat 7 Mar, from £13.50) returns with another interactive odyssey across the stars, with a programme featuring hands-on stargazing, expert-led talks and stunning views of the entrancing after-dark vista, set against the backdrop of the legendary Lovell Telescope.

On Thu 29 Jan, the University of Manchester’s Professor René Breton presents a unique Lovell Lecture in which the audience can chart their own path through space. Be the Astronomer: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Discovery in the Sky offers attendees a chance to explore the universe, with an interactive talk that uncovers the excitement of discovery at the heart of modern astronomy.

Running on the first Sunday of each month, Jodrell Bank’s relaxed mornings (10am) offer a calmer way to start the day for guests who require it, with reduced noise and and light levels, a designated quiet space and a relaxed screening of Introduction to Jodrell Bank.

From festive terrestrial tales to star-hopping creative adventures and exhilarating new exhibitions, Jodrell Bank’s winter season offers something extraordinary for every imaginative explorer.

All tickets include 12 months of free return visits when booked online. Find out more about Jodrell Bank’s upcoming programme and book your visit below.