Looking for a way to relieve stress during final exams? Perhaps you are in need of some holiday cheer?

With the fall semester drawing to a close, Rowan University’s Edelman Planetarium is currently presenting its “Laser Holiday Magic” show. This event is open to students, the Glassboro community and beyond.

Audience members at this past Saturday’s show ranged in age from young children to grandparents. The planetarium was decked out in holiday décor, including a lit Christmas tree, holiday garland and a nutcracker.

Upon entering, the atmosphere was festive, with people wearing Santa hats. The laughter of children filled the dome. The lights dimmed to darkness and the sense of excitement quickly built. Christmas music complimented sparks of colorful lasers projected onto the 40-foot diameter dome screen. Each song was represented by its own unique display of lights. Timed with the rhythm of each song, some displays were of comforting holiday scenes and characters. Others were pulsing, ever-changing geometric shapes and lines of every color on the spectrum.

The “Laser Holiday Magic” show was a mixture of classic songs and holiday characters, such as Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Snow Miser and many more. A highlight of the show was the appearance of the animated character Snow Miser. This classic holiday figure was accompanied by dancing penguins that sang along with him to the 1974 song “Snow Miser” from “The Year Without a Santa Claus.” The Snow Miser, along with an array of other Christmas movie characters, seemed to engender a pleasant feeling of nostalgia among the audience. 

Another captivating moment occurred when the room was filled with the “Russian Dance” song from “Nutcracker Suite.” While this played, the little girl Clara was projected, twirling onto the screen. The music slowly grew louder, alluding to the fight between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The laser images and story snippets shown lined up seamlessly with the emotion of the music.

A cheerful mix of holiday songs also played, including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Joy to the World” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Some in the audience could be heard singing along. At the end of the show, when the lights rose, the audience applauded and left with their spirits lifted.

Those interested in attending the “Laser Holiday Magic” show can catch it at the Edelman Planetarium now through Dec. 16. 

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