The USS Midway Museum is lighting up San Diego Bay again this winter, and the ship's flight deck is getting a new character for the 2026 season: a talking Christmas tree. The Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration returns on select nights from November 27 through December 30, running each evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with last entry at 7:30 p.m.
According to midway.org, this year's celebration promises more than a million sparkling lights strung across the retired aircraft carrier, along with festive entertainment and family activities. Tickets go on sale September 29 and, per the museum's event page, will be sold exclusively online — there will be no on-site ticket purchases this year. Midway Members get a break on the price, receiving 20% off ticket costs.
The USS Midway Museum shared a video on Facebook.
Meet Admiral Evergreen, the Ship's Newest Recruit
The headline addition for 2026 is a new talking Christmas tree named Admiral Evergreen, whose call sign — in keeping with the ship's naval theme — is Tinsel. The museum's event page bills the character as a fresh face among the holiday cheer, joining the returning cast of scavenger hunts, reindeer games and nightly Christmas carol performances that have become Jingle Jets staples.
Dog owners have reason to circle their calendars this year. Jingle Jets is set to offer two Bring Your Dog Nights, along with a limited Dog Bowl giveaway for attendees.
What Returning Visitors Can Expect
A recap published by Midway Currents described guests using a Midway Magic Wand for a Magical Penguin Search, hunting for five holiday penguins hidden around the ship, plus a Santa Claus meet-and-greet, carolers and holiday treats.
The 2026 promotional materials tout more than a million lights, up from the over 750,000 twinkling lights listed in a Point Loma Nazarene University guide alongside music and treats.
Rain Won't Cancel the Show
Families planning around San Diego's unpredictable December weather should note that Jingle Jets is a rain-or-shine event, according to midway.org, and tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable once purchased. The event returns for its select-night run through December 30, giving visitors roughly five weeks to catch the lights before the season wraps.
With tickets set to go live in just days, holiday planners eyeing a bay-side light show will want to move quickly once sales open online.
