The Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino, CA, is putting a festive twist on its popular Junior Aviators’ Day this year. On Saturday, December 6, families can spend the day inside the museum exploring historic aircraft, watching special demonstrations, and enjoying a handful of holiday-themed surprises, including a visit from Santa, who’s scheduled to touch down at the museum rather than come down a chimney. Kids will have plenty to do, including a chance to meet Santa, experience a historic aircraft take flight, and even ride a vintage plane, and more. Individuals of all age groups can indulge in activities and make memories of a lifetime. The museum opens at 9 a.m., and children 11 and under get in free for the day, which makes it an easy, low-pressure outing if you’re looking for something seasonal that isn’t the usual holiday routine. If you want the full rundown about what’s flying, what’s happening on the ground, and how the day is planned, keep reading. There’s quite a bit packed into this event.
Santa Claus is Coming to Planes of Fame
Santa is trading his sleigh for something a little louder this year. He’ll be touching down at Planes of Fame on Saturday morning in a 1940 Boeing-Stearman biplane, giving his reindeer a well-earned break before the big night. He’s expected around 10:30 a.m., and will make a few passes over the museum, perfect for photos, before landing. From there, he’ll hop into a WWII-era Jeep and head to the Pond Hangar, where he’ll meet kids and pose for pictures. Since Santa can only stay a few hours, the museum is setting up timed photo slots between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A professional photo with St. Nick is $25, and anyone can hop in, including parents, grandparents, kids, and the whole crew. After your picture is taken, you’ll get a link to download it and share it however you like. Please note that reservations are recommended, and the museum offers discounted admission for those booking a Santa photo. Get your tickets here.
Holiday Fun for our “Junior Aviator’s Day” at the Museum
The museum will be dressed up for the holidays, and visitors can expect a full lineup of seasonal activities. Along with the decorations, there will be plenty for kids to do, especially with this year’s Junior Aviator’s Day getting a festive twist. Kisa can dive into hands-on projects throughout the day. Model-building workshops will show them how to put together and design a scale aircraft, and there’s an easy water-bottle airplane craft for the little ones. They can try their hand at aircraft recognition, attempt a carrier-deck landing, learn the basics of riveting, or jump into coloring and other creative stations. There will also be lots of themed photo spots for families looking to capture the moment.
Hangar Talk – Holiday Edition at 11:00 a.m.
In the Maloney Hangar, the museum will be conducting a fast-paced one-hour edition of “Hangar Talk.” The special Holiday Edition of the “Hangar Talk” brings together three engaging stories that span courage, compassion, and exploration. Guests will hear about the unexpected Christmas truce of 1914, during WWI, when soldiers paused the fighting to share a moment of peace; learn how animals, like carrier pigeons, loyal dogs, and stalwart horses played remarkable roles alongside troops; and take a quick trip through aviation history with the pilots who dared to fly around the world. It’s a perfect way to celebrate this holiday season and the spirit of exploration.
On the Hot Ramp: The P-38 Lightning Takes Flight at 12:15
At 12:15 p.m., visitors can head out to the Museum’s Hot Ramp for a close look at one of World War II’s most recognizable fighters, the Lockheed P-38 “Lightning”. Scott Cassels will give a short talk about what made the aircraft so distinctive in combat and why it remains a favorite among aviation fans. Moments later, the crowd will feel the rumble as both Allison engines fire up right in front of them, a perfect setup for photos and video. The Lightning will then taxi out and lift off for a low, sweeping pass over the Museum before returning to the field. After the flight, pilot Chris Fahey will be on hand to answer questions and share what it’s like to fly this remarkable warbird.
Take a Ride in a Vintage Warbird!
Kids of all age groups will also have a chance to go up in the air themselves. The Cal Aerofab Academy will be offering 20-minute rides in three of their vintage aircraft throughout the day: the Piper L-4 “Grasshopper” (1 passenger @ $195), the Boeing-Stearman PT-17 “Kaydet” (1 passenger @ $395), and the North American T-6 (1 passenger @ $695). Flights can be reserved on-site during the event. Additionally, if you want gifts like toys, apparel, and aviation-themed books for yourself or your loved ones, the museum’s gift shop will be fully stocked. There will also be several food trucks serving a variety of bites throughout the day. Also, the B-17 “Flying Fortress” will be open for visits, and museum guides will be available to help stories of the past come alive during the event. For more information and to support Planes of Fame Air Museum, visit www.planesoffame.org.
