Dallas, Texas -- Santa is trading his sleigh for a helicopter this holiday season as he makes a special airborne arrival at Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum at Dallas Love Field will welcome families to Santa Day, a festive morning celebrating the magic of the season and the excitement of aviation.
The celebration runs from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and kicks off with Santa’s arrival by Airbus helicopter at 9 a.m. Following his arrival, families can enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, cookies, free hot cocoa and a variety of family-friendly activities. The museum’s Jetsetters Coffee Lounge will also be open, offering specialty drinks and sweets for purchase.
“Santa Day is a wonderful way for families to experience the magic of the holiday season while exploring the world of aviation,” said Abigail Erickson-Torres, president and CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum. “We’re looking forward to welcoming families for a morning filled with holiday fun, special activities and a one-of-a-kind arrival from Santa.”
Guests can combine their holiday traditions with a visit to the museum’s exhibits, exploring the aircraft, people and innovations that have shaped the history of flight.
Santa Day is sponsored by Airbus, Planet Lincoln and the Dan and Gena Hamilton Fund.
Frontiers of Flight Museum has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as No. 8 on its Best Aviation Museums in the United States list. The museum welcomes more than 160,000 visitors and serves 75,000 students annually, offering opportunities to explore aviation and spaceflight through its extensive collection of aircraft, artifacts and educational programming.
Current special exhibits include “Bessie Coleman,” highlighting the groundbreaking life and legacy of the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license, and “Hindenburg: The Flying Hotel,” which explores the history of the iconic German airship.
Santa Day tickets are $25 for adults ages 13–64, $15 for children ages 3–12 and $15 for seniors ages 65 and older. Admission is free for children under 3 and museum members. Tickets can be purchased at flightmuseum.com/events/santa-day.
Museum memberships include unlimited admission to the exhibit halls for 12 months, discounts on special exhibitions, programs and museum store purchases, and more. To learn more about the museum, visit flightmuseum.com or follow it on Instagram @frontiersofflightmuseum and Facebook here.
Event Information
What: Santa Day at Frontiers of Flight Museum
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
Where: Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX 75209
Cost: $25 for adults ages 13–64, $15 for children ages 3–12 and $15 for seniors ages 65 and older. Admission is free for children under 3 and museum members.
Information: 214-350-3600 or flightmuseum.com
About Frontiers of Flight Museum
Located at Dallas Love Field, Frontiers of Flight Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and one of North Texas’s premier destinations for aviation and spaceflight history. Housed in a 100,000-square-foot facility, the museum features more than 35,000 artifacts, including rare aircraft, spacecraft and flight memorabilia that highlight the innovation and achievements shaping aerospace exploration.
Founded in 1988 and opened at its current location in 2004, the museum brings the wonder of flight to life through engaging exhibits, aerospace-STEM education programs, summer camps, planetarium experiences and community outreach. Its mission is to educate, motivate and inspire all generations through the wonder of flight.
The museum is committed to expanding access to STEM education and connecting visitors to the past, present and future of aviation. Its museum store offers local artisan goods, interactive STEM kits and aviation mementos to keep the spark of exploration alive long after a visit. To learn more or plan your visit, go to flightmuseum.com. To learn more or plan your visit, go to flightmuseum.com.
