Christmas at the Hangar Is Flying Back Into Cape May County
Get ready because Santa is trading in his sleigh for a vintage fighter plane.
One of Cape May County’s holiday traditions is officially returning. Christmas at the Hangar is coming back to Naval Air Station Wildwood on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and it is gearing up to be bigger, brighter, and jollier than ever.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside historic Hangar 1 at the Cape May Airport.
Christmas at the Hangar Is Flying Back Into Cape May County
Hangar 1 transforms into a full blown holiday wonderland every year and 2025 will be no different.
Picture twinkling lights draped over propellers, giant holiday backdrops set up between aircraft, and families snapping the perfect Christmas card photo next to a World War Two era Hellcat.
Santa Claus will be hanging out all day waiting for photos and wish lists. The museum is also reminding everyone to dress warm because this is an authentic hangar and not exactly a toasty North Pole workshop.
Friendly pups on leashes are encouraged to join their families for the festivities too.
Stormtroopers, Mandalorians, and More
If you have ever wondered what Christmas would look like if Star Wars crashed the party, this is your chance.
The 501st Northeast Remnant and the Mandalorian Mercs Raquor’daan Clan are returning. These are the same groups you see at big conventions and movie premieres and yes, the costumes are the real deal.
You can grab photos with stormtroopers, bounty hunters, and who knows who else might show up. It is one of the most popular parts of the entire event.
Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Crafts, Face Painting, and a Train Ride
Christmas at the Hangar leans hard into the family fun. Kids can decorate crafts, get their faces painted, and even sit for a free caricature drawing.
New this year is a festive little trackless train that will happily tote kids around for a small donation.
Everyone can keep warm with free hot chocolate from Stowaways and cookies from Cape May Peanut Butter Company while supplies last.
Live holiday music will fill the hangar throughout the day, turning the space into a giant echoing soundtrack of Christmas cheer.
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Just outside the hangar, some of the area’s favorite food trucks will be serving up warm comfort food. Adults can enjoy a beer and wine garden offering local brews and seasonal flavors.
The NASW gift shop is rolling out a full twenty percent discount for anyone looking to check off their holiday shopping list early. It is loaded with aviation themed and patriotic gifts that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Local vendors will also be set up around the hangar selling handcrafted holiday items.
Before you leave, do not forget to drop tickets into the raffle baskets. Each one is stuffed with holiday goodies and makes an unforgettable gift, even if that gift is to yourself.
Austin Myers, Communications Manager at NASW, summed up the spirit of the event perfectly.
“This event has become a special way for us to bring the community together inside historic Hangar 1 during the holiday season,” Myers said. “It is 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 does not look too shabby on a Christmas card.”
Event Details
Christmas at the Hangar
Saturday, November 29, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Hangar 1 at the Cape May Airport
Admission is free
More details and holiday schedules can be found at usnasw.org