EAA grounds plan multiple upcoming events for the holidays

The EAA Aviation Museum brings excitement and joy to the holiday season in Northeast Wisconsin with several events scheduled between Thanksgiving and the new year.

The museum will welcome everyone on December 7 for its traditional Christmas in the Air open house. The annual event features performances from local music, choral, and dance groups. Santa Claus will arrive by helicopter (weather permitting) at noon followed by a tree lighting ceremony and photos. Children can also write letters to Santa that he will take with him on his flight back to the North Pole. Christmas in the Air is presented by Festival Foods with additional support from Bright Orthodontics, Discover Oshkosh, First impressions Pediatric Dentistry, & The Taqueria.

EAA’s annual Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet on December 13 honors the spirit and achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright. This year’s speaker is Paul Dye, the longest-serving flight director in NASA history. Dye will recount his experiences serving in a leadership role for 38 space shuttle missions. He will also hold a book signing after his presentation. More information on the banquet and how to purchase tickets is available at EAA.org/Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet is sponsored by Bravo Golf.

Beginning on November 29, the EAA grounds hosts the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights for the second consecutive year. Visitors can take in the holiday spirit as they drive through the grounds viewing the light displays along the route. The event will be open daily from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through December 31.  Santa will be available for visits from November 29 to December 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. More information about the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights can be found at Oshkoshcol.org.

The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights path will also be part of the route for the 22nd Race for the Light 5K Run/Walk presented by and benefiting Oshkosh Area United Way, on December 7 at 4:30 p.m. The route begins at the EAA Youth Education Center and takes runners through the Celebration of Lights display to the finish line. Online registration costs $35 and includes a T-shirt and a set of jingle bells.