Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum announced the return of its beloved holiday tradition, Christmas at the Hangar, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event transforms historic Hangar #1 into a festive wonderland filled with holiday cheer, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Guests will enjoy a full day of holiday magic, beginning with a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Throughout the decorated hangar, families will also discover festive backdrops perfect for creating one-of-a-kind holiday card photos. Star Wars fans of all ages will be thrilled to encounter the 501st Northeast Remnant and the Mandalorian Mercs’ Raquor’daan Clan for unforgettable character meet-and-greets and photo ops. Guests are reminded to dress for cold weather as the hangar is not climate-controlled, and that friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to join in the festivities. Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate provided by Stowaways and cookies from Cape May Peanut Butter Company (while supplies last), while children enjoy craft tables, free face painting and caricatures, and, new this year, a festive trackless train ride with a small donation. Live holiday music will fill the hangar throughout the day, while local food trucks and a beer and wine garden keep everyone satisfied with seasonal flavors.
Holiday shopping opportunities abound as well. Guests will receive 20% off all purchases in the museum gift shop, the perfect chance to find aviation-themed, military-inspired, and patriotic gifts while supporting a local nonprofit. Local vendors will also be on hand with one-of-a-kind handcrafted holiday items. Visitors can try their luck at winning one of many raffle baskets filled with holiday treats and treasures. Whether you keep a basket for yourself or regift it, each one is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer while also supporting the museum.
“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.”
The magic of Christmas at the Hangar is made possible through the generosity of our community partners and sponsors, the creativity of local vendors, and the dedication of our volunteers. Funding has also been made possible 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 is dedicated to the 42 aviators who perished while training at NAS Wildwood between 1943 and 1945. For complete details on Christmas at the Hangar, as well as holiday hours and daily schedules, visit www.usnasw.org.
