We see the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, the lighting of luminarias in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah.

The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice, not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. It takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe, to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing, and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus all drop by, as well.

Naturally, there is some astronomy in Season of Light. Audiences learn a selection of Northern Hemisphere winter constellations and find out why we even have seasons as we demonstrate the Sun's path across the sky throughout the year and the Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun. And, of course, the program explores the possible astronomical explanations for a "Star of Bethlehem" in the last quarter of the show: comets, meteors, novae and supernovae, and planetary conjunctions.

Season of Light is visually rich, culturally inclusive, musically satisfying (with over 20 holiday songs), and soothing as a warm drink on a cold winter's night and the perfect program for that end-of-the-year program slot.

SHOW TIMES (November 23 – December 23)
Wednesdays: 3:30 pm
Saturdays/vacation days/holidays: 3:30 pm
Sundays: 3:30 pm
View daily schedule

Suggested ages: 8 years old and up
This show was created by Loch Ness Productions