TechFest and the University of Aberdeen are delighted to be an official livestream venue for this year’s Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution. Join us to watch the lectures come to life in real time. Join leading space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock as she takes us on an epic voyage through time and space.
This event is perfect for all the family - children and people of all ages can come and watch the magic of the Lectures unfold in real time as they’re filmed in front of an audience in the Ri’s Theatre in London. They’ll have the chance to get involved with hands-on activities and be the first to discover the mysteries of the Universe before the 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES are broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer in late December.
Maggie will explore the extraordinary breakthroughs that have revolutionised our understanding of the universe, enabling us to see ever further into space, and ever further back in time.
Maggie helped develop the James Webb Telescope, the most powerful space telescope ever created – which launched on Christmas day 2021 before travelling a million miles to begin its orbit of the sun. Unpacking James Webb’s latest breathtaking images, Maggie will reveal how this “time-travelling” telescope is now rewriting the story of the Big Bang and allowing us to witness the birth of the first stars and galaxies that followed.
As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, Maggie will investigate how manned spaceflight has transformed our relationship with our nearest neighbour – and with our home planet. And, delving further back in time, she’ll explore how the night sky has always held a fascination for humanity - investigating what the moon and stars meant to ancient societies across the world.
Maggie will also explain how the latest space technologies – from probes and orbiters to the most recent Mars rovers - are shedding astonishing new light on the planets in our solar system. And we’ll discover why in 2025 we’re on the cusp of even more remarkable discoveries about our universe.
Event Information
Date: Thursday, 11th December, 2025
Venue: Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, Bedford Rd, Aberdeen AB24 3AA
Doors open at: 5:15pm (Interactive activities with scientists from the University of Aberdeen)
Live stream from London: 6pm – 8pm ;
This event is suitable for age 11+, adults, teens and student audiences. Please note under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are on sale now; LINK TO COME SOON
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range are the CHRISTMAS LECTURES suitable for?
The CHRISTMAS LECTURES are aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, however they are accessible for people of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge. They are typically watched by families together – a Christmas family tradition on the BBC.
Will Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock be there in person?
No, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will not be present in person, but you will be able to watch her presentation via the livestream on the big screen.
Will you get to see the behind the scenes of the RI Christmas lectures?
Yes, you will get full access to behind the scenes and watch the Royal Institute as they film the Christmas Lecture live from their Historic Theatre in London.
When does the event start?
Doors will open at 5.15pm where you can grab a bite to eat with refreshments being served. Seated for 6pm at the start of the livestream.
Will there be a chance to meet any researchers?
Yes we are delighted to be partnering with the University of Aberdeen. University researchers will showcase their work throughout the evening giving members of the public a chance to interact with their exhibits and ask questions.
Where is the event taking place?
The Christmas Lectures will be live streamed from Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, Bedford Rd, Aberdeen AB24 3AA
Driving
Parking after 5pm is free on the University of Aberdeen campus. The nearest Car park to the Sir Duncan Rice Library can be accessed from Bedford Road.
Public transport
You can reach the Sir Duncan Rice Library by bus. For buses, the most direct route is the First Bus 19 which stops right outside on Bedford Road. Other buses like 20, 1, 1A, 1B, 2, and 9U also stop on or near the university campus and are within a 5-minute walk
When will the CHRISTMAS LECTURES be on tv?
The 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES to be broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer in late December. Exact broadcast details will be confirmed when the BBC announce their Christmas schedules in early December.
How can I watch past CHRISTMAS LECTURES?
You can watch our archive of Christmas lectures here on the RI’s website: https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures/watch-royal-institution-christmas-lectures-archive
If you have any questions about this event, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
