Celebrate 50th anniversary of Apollo 8 mission at Full Moon Fest Dec. 22

On Saturday, Dec. 22, the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago, will be open until 9 p.m. to celebrate its first Full Moon Fest, celebrating the last full moon of 2018, and culminating a month-long schedule of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission.

Museum of Science and Industry is partnering with the Adler Planetarium to offer multiple telescopes in its Smart Park, give guests the chance to chat with astronomers about the brightest object in our sky, and learn how to make their own space slime.

Guests can also tour Moon Room 1968, Museum of Science and Industry's newest pop-up exhibit, that puts guests into a midcentury living room to experience the Apollo 8 mission like millions of people across the country. Type a letter to the Apollo 8 crew and remember your visit with a 1960s holiday photo opportunity and retro-themed store offering vintage Museum of Science and Industry gear, rotary phones and throwback toys.

On Dec. 22, the entire museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate Full Moon Fest, a perfect opportunity to explore special exhibitions and experiences including:

• Journey to Space: Watch stunning imagery and expert commentary illustrate NASA's challenges including exploring deep space and sending a manned craft to Mars. This limited-time run is showing in the Giant Dome Theater. An additional ticket purchase is required.

• Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light: Explore more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers that represent Chicago's diverse communities and the traditions they celebrate. Included with museum entry.

• The Science Behind Pixar: Go behind the scenes of the filmmaking process through hands-on activities inspired by some of Pixar's most treasured films, from "Toy Story" to "Inside Out." An additional ticket purchase is required.

Full Moon Fest activities begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22.

The Full Moon Fest, Moon Room 1968, and Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light are included with museum entry. Specialized experiences including "The Science Behind Pixar" and Giant Dome Theater films require an additional ticket purchase.

For information, visit msichicago.org/fullmoonfest.