Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum to Host Free Holiday Event

The Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum will host Christmas at the Hangar. This free, family-friendly holiday event inside Hangar No. 1 at the NASW Aviation Museum, located at the Cape May Airport at 500 Forrestal Road, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of the event, Hangar No. 1 will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas lights on aircraft, festive backdrops, a World War II-era Hellcat display, and photo opportunities with Santa available all day.

Star Wars fans of all ages will be pleased to find the 501st Northeast Remnant and the Mandalorian Mercs' Raquor'daan Clan on hand for character meet-and-greets and photo ops.

Family activities include crafts, face painting, caricatures, a trackless train ride, and live music. Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate provided by Stowaways and cookies from Cape May Peanut Butter Company (while supplies last). A beer and wine garden will be available for adults.

Guests attending the event can enjoy 20% off holiday purchases on aviation-, military-, and patriotic-themed gifts at the museum's gift shop. Additionally, local vendors will offer handmade items and holiday raffle baskets.

Event organizers told the Cape May County Herald that attendees should dress for cold weather, as the hangar is not climate-controlled. Leashed dogs are welcome.

“This event has become a special way for us to bring the community together inside historic Hangar No. 1 during the holiday season,” said Austin Myers, communications manager at NASW, in a statement shared with the Cape May County Herald. “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.”

NASW's partners and sponsors support the event. Funding is provided 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.