Memphis is kicking off the holiday season with one of its most heartwarming traditions, and after six long years, it’s officially back.
On Friday, December 5, Delta Air Lines and Memphis International Airport (MEM) will once again host the beloved Fantasy Flight, offering patients from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their families a once-in-a-lifetime “flight” to the North Pole.
And yes… Santa will be waiting at the gate. 🎅✨
A Holiday Tradition Returns
This is the first Fantasy Flight since 2019, marking a meaningful and emotional return for airport staff, flight crews, volunteers, and — most importantly — St. Jude families.
Kids will arrive at 4:30PM to check in just like real passengers, complete with:
✈️ Special boarding passes
✈️ A dedicated security screening experience
✈️ A Delta aircraft waiting to whisk them away
At 5:30PM, the plane will taxi around the runway for a “journey to the North Pole,” before pulling up to a festively decorated gate where Santa, elves, and special guests will greet them with cheers, gifts, and holiday magic.
What’s on the Flight?
This is a fully decked-out Christmas experience in the sky (well… almost). Kids will get to enjoy:
🎵 Christmas carols
🎁 Games and surprises
📖 A special reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
🎅 A North Pole–style arrival celebration
This year marks the 11th Fantasy Flight hosted by Delta Air Lines and the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), with essential support from TSA and airport partners.
From the Airport: “We’re thrilled.”
MSCAA President and CEO Terry Blue shared just how much this tradition means to the airport community:
“We are thrilled to resume this wonderful holiday event. We’re so grateful for our partners at Delta Air Lines and the many airport employees and tenant partners who work to make this happen. More importantly, we’re excited to once again bring holiday joy to these children and their families!”
Why It Matters
The Fantasy Flight is a moment of escape and joy for families who often spend their holidays in and out of treatment.
It’s a reminder of what makes Memphis special: the community, the compassion, the creativity, and the willingness to show up for one another.
Welcome back, Fantasy Flight! We missed you. ❤️
Stay tuned into Choose901 for more Memphis holiday good news and ways you can support St. Jude families this season.
