The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation presents

Santa lands at the museumMission: Merry

A free photo with Santa for every child who comes through our doors, and a prize for every one of them to take home.

Saturday, December 5 · 12–3 PMFree for families
Vintage illustration of a winking Santa Claus ringing a brass bell
WhenSaturday, Dec. 5, 2026

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

WhereAirborne & Special Operations Museum

Downtown Fayetteville, NC

WhoFamilies with children

Military and local families welcome

CostFree

Thanks to our sponsors

What’s in storeA morning of holiday cheer

Mission: Merry brings Fort Bragg and Fayetteville families to the museum for a festive day with Santa. Here’s what every child can look forward to.

  • Time with Santa

    Kids share their wish lists and take a free Santa photo home.

  • A prize for every child

    No child leaves empty-handed.

  • Christmas at the museum

    A festive day among the stories of our Airborne and Special Operations heroes.

A pile of wrapped presents in red stripes, kraft paper and green with bows
A prize for every child
Vintage illustration of a smiling Santa waving a green mitten beside a string of sleigh bells
Santa’s on his way!
The museum entrance decorated with a large Christmas wreath
Decked out for the season
The Iron Mike statue on a snowy night, lit by warm streetlights
Iron Mike in the snow
Close-up of the Iron Mike statue dusted with snow
Standing watch, all winter

Christmas at the museumA tradition returns

It’s been many years since the museum hosted an event like this. Mission: Merry is part of a bigger effort to re-energize our community around the museum and the people it honors.

Families can visit Santa, explore the galleries and spend the afternoon among the stories of Airborne and Special Operations Soldiers, with Iron Mike keeping watch outside.

Every dollar raised at the event and in the gift shop that day helps the museum keep telling the stories of our Airborne and Special Operations troops.

Why it mattersNo family should have to choose between the budget and a photo with Santa.

  • Free for every family

    Sponsors cover the cost, so every child gets a photo and a prize at no charge.

  • Every dollar tells their story

    All proceeds from the event and the gift shop that day support the museum’s mission.

With thanks toOur Sponsors

  • Your logo could be next.
    Become a sponsor
Supported in part by a grant fromFayetteville-Cumberland County Arts Council

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation is a non-federal entity. It is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and has no governmental status.