A holiday laser show at the Planetarium: it's been a Rochester family tradition for over a decade. This year, the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium sparkles with a brand-new show - Holiday Laser 2001, opening Friday, November 23 and running through Tuesday, January 1.

Many traditions share the season of celebration in this bright new combination of holiday music, dazzling laser light and unique visual effects projected on the four-story-high Star Theater dome.

Long-time favorites such as the Russian Dance from Tchaikovksy's "Nutcracker" and "Winter" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons play alongside "My Only Wish" by Britney Spears, the cheerful stereo spectacular "Sun Valley Ski Run" by 1950's lounge artist Esquivel and Count Basie's swinging treatment of "Jingle Bells."

The diverse play list also includes the French Canadian Christmas carol "Twas in the Moon of Winter Time" sung by the Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter; "Seven Principles," a Kwanzaa song performed by the vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock; and the warm and contemplative "Song of the Well" from the Israeli Melodies suite by Julius Chajes, all choreographed with stars and light effects.

Holiday Laser 2001 is suitable for all ages. Showtimes are Friday, November 23 at 3 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; November 24 - December 23, Friday, 7:15 p.m., Saturday, 3 and 7:15 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m.; and December 24 - January 1 (except December 25) daily at 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change; call 271-1880 or check www.rmsc.org to confirm.