Planes, Trains and Santa 2024

Join us for a festive Thanksgiving weekend at the Military Aviation Museum for our annual "Planes, Trains, and Santa" family event!

New for 2024

To keep the experience special for the little ones, we are limiting each day to 1300 guests. Be sure to purchase your tickets early before each day gets sold out!

Each day at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting, Santa arrives at the museum in a vintage airplane (as the reindeer need their rest for the big night!). Don't miss the opportunity to capture a memorable photo with Santa, admire numerous vintage airplanes, and be astounded by the hangar loaded with trains.

Train experiences are provided by the Hampton Roads Model Railroad Clubs, and are perfect for kids and adults alike. Kids Run Trains will be on hand to give everyone a chance to try their hand at model railroading!

In the spirit of giving, Santa and the Marine Corps Reserves will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots, spreading holiday cheer to those in need. Santa himself expressed his excitement about his visit: "I'm thrilled to reunite with all the children and families at the museum again this year. My Elves and I have been hard at work crafting a new, even more magical sleigh, and I can't wait to fill it with holiday joy for all the children I meet at Planes, Trains, and Santa!"

Make your holiday shopping effortless by exploring our Museum Gift Store, where you'll discover special gifts for everyone on your list. This day promises a host of fun-filled activities for the entire family, creating lasting memories this holiday season!

A day of fun-filled activities for the entire family!

Make and Take Pom-Pom Ornaments, Holiday Propeller Pinwheels, Holiday Beaded Jewelry (make a necklace or bracelet with holiday themed beads!), Get a Christmas Themed Temporary Tattoo or make a button at our Warbird Coloring & Button Making station.

Also returning this year are two of last year’s most popular activities:

• Holiday Cards for Service Members – Make a holiday card, and include your warm wishes for a service member during the season! The Museum will collect the cards and see that they are sent to service members overseas.
• Reindeer Ornaments – Create a fun and festive reindeer with various decorations and of course, googly eyes! Whether its Dasher, Dancer, Rudolph or a completely new reindeer of your own devising, this craft is fun for the whole family.

All children 13 and under get in free all weekend with a paid parent or guardian. Regular prices apply for guests 14 and older. Museum members get in free!

Buy your tickets now online. The museum is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving Day.

All guests with active memberships or pre-purchased tickets get priority access to sit with Santa! Having a portrait taken includes a photo printed on-site, and is at the additional cost of $10.00 per family.

Host or Publisher Military Aviation Museum