Decked out from bow to stern with more than 1 million twinkling and shimmering lights, the USS Midway Museum’s “Jingle Jets” celebrated thex holidays with its third annual festive lighting experience.
“I loved seeing all the lights,” said Angelica Suarez, who was visiting for the first time with her two daughters. “I had no idea that they could do something like this on a Navy ship. It’s actually quite beautiful.”
As San Diego’s most unique holiday tradition, Midway was again transformed from a mighty warship into a winter wonderland, bringing an exceptional holiday spirit, with an aviation twist, to the San Diego Bayfront.
“We really wanted to enhance the visual experience even more than in our first two years of Jingle Jets,” said Mark Berlin, Midway’s director of operations and guest services. “This year we had more than 1 million lights on the ship, the planes and throughout our decks.”
“I found the experience very nostalgic,” said Sean Priestly, who was visiting with his family from Orange County. “We really enjoyed hearing the Christmas carolers. All the lights on the ship and the planes made me feel a bit like a kid again.”
New for 2025 was the museum’s “Holiday Dancing Light Show.” Guests experienced illumination magic as Midway’s flight deck was transformed into a breathtaking stage of synchronized lights and festive music. This dazzling light show took place every evening, every hour on the hour leaving museum visitors in awe.
Midway also introduced its new “Magical Penguin Search” scavenger hunt for the young and the young at heart. Guests were able to obtain a Midway Magic Wand once on board, and following a set of clues, set off to find five holiday penguins hiding around the ship. Waving your magic wand in front of the penguins launched a special personal light show.
“We thought it was very cool lighting up the penguins with our magic wands,” said Jarred Demurest, who enjoyed the scavenger hunt with his brother Jason. “I especially liked lighting up Santa and the fighter jet on the flight deck.”
For some guests, the visit to Midway during Jingle Jets allowed them to reflect on the past service of their family members.
“I’m proud to be the daughter of a Navy man,” said Jeanie Muhlestein, who visited with four generations of her family. “My dad came to this country and then served our country. He joined the Navy and served during World War II until 1945.”
Jingle Jets once again provided the opportunity for guests to send notes of thanks to those currently serving in the military on active duty. More than 3,000 letters written during the holiday event were given to the Navy to deliver to sailors and Marines deployed around the world.
“Thanks for helping to keep us safe,” said the Murray family in a letter written to a Navy sailor. “My family greatly appreciates your sacrifices. We have three little children that greatly respect the USA, the military and all the men and women who keep it going.”
Along with the new experiences, Jingle Jets continued to celebrate the holidays with a Santa Claus meet and greet, holiday music DJ and dance floor, a Christmas-themed virtual reality ride, model train displays, Santa’s Sweethearts Christmas carolers, cookie decorating, holiday treats and seasonal merchandise.
“Jingle Jets is truly a one-of-a-kind holiday extravaganza,” said Cheryl Carlson, Midway’s director of special events. “We were very excited to bring back this new San Diego holiday tradition, and this year was bigger and brighter than ever.”
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