The Light Before Christmas IMAX film opens Nov. 27th

Mobile, Ala. (Nov. 17, 2009) – If you’re looking for the perfect holiday outing this season, search no further than the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. New to Mobile this year is The Light Before Christmas holiday IMAX, which opens on Friday, Nov. 27th in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater.

Suitable for the entire family, The Light Before Christmas is the delightful clay-animation tale of a young girl and her brother who, after losing their way in a Christmas Eve blizzard, are rescued by a wise, gentle man who sparks their imagination with the timeless poem, The Night Before Christmas. To their astonishment, the children then find themselves as characters in the poem, where they experience the wonder and delight of Santa's visit to their home, complete with Hob the Elf and a full team of reindeer. Hoping not to be seen, the children sneak from their bedroom and watch wide-eyed as Santa carefully fills the stocking and gently tucks gifts under the glittering Christmas tree. The audience is also treated to a tour of movie-making magic as the animators show how they bring the story to life.

“Seeing this film in the IMAX Dome Theater will immerse families with the holiday spirit,” said Exploreum Assistant Director Caroline Etherton. “The Exploreum is proud to continue delivering new and exciting films this holiday season.”

Show times for The Light Before Christmas are Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Bob the Builder™ - Project: Build It is open at the Gulf Coast Exploreum through Sunday, Jan. 3rd. During this interactive exhibit, children can meet and greet Bob the Builder and visit with Wendy and the rest of the Can-Do Crew. Opening Saturday, Jan. 16th is the Exploreum’s new larger-than-life exhibit, Dinosaurs Downtown. The Exploreum’s courtyard will be transformed into a Jurassic-era habitat to welcome 10 animatronic dinos to Mobile. Dinosaurs Downtown souvenir gift cards are now on sale for the holidays.

The Exploreum’s current operating hours are Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Exploreum will not be open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Family memberships are available for only $100 and include unlimited visits to the Exploreum, discounts on IMAX films, Gift Shop purchases, camps, birthday parties and more. For more information on the Gulf Coast Exploreum, visit www.exploreum.com.