Planes, Trains and Santa 2026 at Military Aviation Museum – Virginia Beach, VA

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

Please Note:

To keep the experience special for little ones, we are limiting attendance to 1,300 guests per day. Be sure to purchase your tickets early before each day sells out! Tickets will not be available at the door on sold-out days.

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.

Kids and adults will marvel at intricate model train displays winding through villages, detailed landscapes, and miniature towns adorned with twinkling lights. These detailed model trains, complete with tiny passengers and holiday cargo, capture the magic of the season as they chug along the tracks, spreading cheer to onlookers of all ages. Perfect for families, the exhibit combines nostalgia with holiday spirit, making it a charming seasonal tradition.

In the spirit of giving, we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and donations for the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters , spreading holiday cheer to those in need.

In addition, we are also supporting the Armed Forces YMCA Patriot Pantry food donation drive (Food Assistance - Hampton Roads ASYMCA). You are welcome to bring your canned or boxed non-perishable food donation when you come to visit us Thanksgiving weekend.

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 Ornaments, Holiday Propeller Pinwheels, Holiday Beaded Jewelry (make a necklace or bracelet with holiday themed beads!), grab some crayons for coloring fun, or make a button at our 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.
• Write a Letter to Santa - The perfect time to make out a wish list, make your list for Santa and decorate with fun stickers! The Musem will collect your lists and Air Mail them to the North Pole!

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.