TRENTON, NJ - Celebrate the holiday season at the New Jersey State Museum Planetarium with the return of Laser Nutcracker Spectacular in brilliant three-dimensional laser light. The State Museum Planetarium will present this classic show with dazzling 3D visuals, sounds and colors.

"The Laser Nutcracker Spectacular show captures the festive spirit of the holiday season with amazing laser animation and magnificent visual effects. It is sure to delight audiences of all ages," said Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells.

In addition to the classical music from Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet, the program features numerous seasonal favorites including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and more. 

The Laser Nutcracker Spectacular show will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. beginning Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Tickets are $6 per person, which includes 3D glasses, and may be purchased at the Planetarium Box Office at time of the show. Members of the Friends of the New Jersey State Museum receive one dollar off on each ticket up to a maximum of four.

The State Museum Planetarium is the largest planetarium facility in New Jersey, comfortably seating 150 visitors in specially designed reclining seats that transport audiences to astronomical destinations. The new Full Dome Video displays precision projection of more than 6000 stars and immerses audiences within images covering the entire 360 degree inner dome. This cutting-edge digital technology allows Planetarium visitors to feel the sensation of zooming through the Solar System and beyond.

In addition to the holiday shows, the Planetarium will continue to offer a schedule of traditional sky and laser programs, made possible by the generous support of the Prudential Foundation.

One World, One Sky - 2:00 PM (40 minutes); Ages: 3-6 with adult;
Big Bird's adventure begins on Sesame Street when Elmo's friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on an exciting discovery of the sun, moon and stars. They also learn about the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and the North Star (Polaris). Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu then take an imaginary trip to the Moon where they learn that the Moon is a very different place from the Earth. When they imagine themselves back on Earth, they celebrate the idea that even though they live in two different countries, they still share the same sky. They even pick the North Star as their friendship star to always remind them of their shared joy of looking up at the sky together. Made possible by the Sesame Street Workshop and the National Science Foundation.

Extreme Planets - 4:00 PM (40 minutes); Ages: General Audience
For centuries, humans have wondered whether we are alone in the Universe. Now, we are one step closer to knowing the answer. With the discovery of the first planet orbiting another star, we now know that planets are not unique to our Solar System. In fact, these "extra solar" planets now appear to be quite common. The Planetarium's inaugural presentation explores what makes a planet "Earth-like" and takes an immersive full dome tour of several worlds that just might fit the conditions we're looking for. From water worlds to molten landscapes, inhabitable moons to planets with multiple suns, these exotic worlds are not just science fiction anymore!

Saturday and Sundays Presentations:

1 pm Laser Nutcracker 3D (laser show)
2 pm One World, One Sky (sky show)
3 pm Laser Nutcracker 3D (laser show)
4 pm Extreme Planets (sky show)

Laser Show Admission
$6 per person (includes 3D glasses)
Groups 15 or more: $5 per person
Friends of the NJSM receive $1 off per ticket up to a maximum of four.

Sky Show Admission
Adults: $5 per person
Child: $4 per person (twelve and under)
Groups of 15 or more: $4 per person
Friends of the NJSM receive $1 off per ticket up to a maximum of four.

The New Jersey State Museums serves the life-long educational needs of residents and visitors through its collections, exhibitions, programs, publications and scholarships in science, history, and the arts. Within a broad context, the Museum explores the natural and cultural diversity of New Jersey, past and present. The Museum is located at 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ . For information about the New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, visit www.newjerseystatemuseum.org  or call the recorded information line at 609-292-6464.