Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is delighted to announce the return of its beloved holiday tradition, Christmas at the Hangar, taking place Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration transforms historic Hangar #1 into a festive showcase filled with holiday cheer, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Visitors can look forward to a full day of holiday magic, beginning with a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Throughout the decorated hangar, families will find festive backdrops perfect for creating unique holiday card photos. Fans of Star Wars will be excited to encounter the 501st Northeast Remnant and the Mandalorian Mercs’ Raquor’daan Clan, offering unforgettable character interactions and photo ops.
Guests are encouraged to dress warmly, as the hangar is not climate-controlled. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun. Complimentary hot chocolate from Stowaways and cookies from Cape May Peanut Butter Company (while supplies last) will help keep visitors warm, while children enjoy craft tables, free face painting, caricatures, and—new this year—a festive trackless train ride available with a small donation. Live holiday music will fill the hangar throughout the day, accompanied by local food trucks and a beer and wine garden offering seasonal bites and beverages.
Holiday shopping opportunities will abound. Guests will receive 20% off all purchases in the museum gift shop—a perfect chance to find aviation-themed, military-inspired, and patriotic gifts while supporting a local nonprofit. Local vendors will also offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Visitors can try their luck with raffle baskets filled with holiday treats and treasures, perfect for keeping or gifting. “This event has become a special way for us to bring the community together inside historic Hangar #1 during the holiday season,” said Austin Myers, Communications Manager at NASW. “It’s a chance for families to create new traditions, support local businesses, and enjoy a day of festive fun while celebrating history and community. And let’s be honest—an F6F Hellcat with its propeller wrapped in Christmas lights doesn’t look too shabby on a Christmas card.”
Christmas at the Hangar is made possible through the generosity of community partners and sponsors, the creativity of local vendors, and the dedication of volunteers. Funding has also been provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport. The site once served as a World War II dive-bomber training center and honors the 42 aviators who perished while training at NAS Wildwood between 1943 and 1945. For complete details on Christmas at the Hangar, including holiday hours and daily schedules, visit www.usnasw.org
