💌 Hey AV Fam! The holidays are just around the corner, and the Antelope Valley is buzzing with that busy, magical energy only this time of year brings. Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer are popping up all around town, bringing cheer to every corner. From nostalgic moments like tree lightings and bike giveaways to exciting local news and fun events, there’s so much to see, do, and celebrate as we cozy up and enjoy the season in the AV.

Let’s dive into all the fun happenings around the valley this week!⤵️

🚨 Top Stories: Flight Test Museum goes public; iLEAD renewed.
🌹 Community News: Lancaster Christmas bike giveaway spreads holiday cheer.
🍴 AV Eats: La Papillon Steak & Seafood: big flavors, cozy vibes.
⚽ Sports News: AVC & local high school basketball highlights.
🎭 AV Happenings: Holiday shows, live music, workshops & festive fun.

Top Stories

✈️Preserving the Antelope Valley’s Aviation Roots

Aviation history is taking flight in the Antelope Valley.

The Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base holds more than 80 years of flight testing history, including legendary aircraft and one of a kind aerospace stories. The catch? The museum has been closed to the public since 2001 due to base security.

Now, the Flight Test Historical Foundation is working to change that.

The nonprofit is raising funds to move the museum outside the base gates so everyone can visit. A massive new hangar is already taking shape near the west gate on Rosamond Boulevard, and once complete, it will bring aviation history back into public view.

The future museum will feature more than 80 historic aircraft, rare artifacts, and a new STEM Education Center. Local students from kindergarten through high school will get hands-on learning experiences focused on flight, science, and engineering.

Rising construction costs mean about $1.5 million is still needed to finish the project. To help close the gap, the foundation offers a Friend Program for supporters who want to preserve Edwards Air Force Base history and inspire future pilots and engineers.

Why this matters:

Edwards Air Force Base is a huge part of the Antelope Valley’s identity and economy. Moving the Flight Test Museum outside the base gates means locals, families, and visitors can finally access this history. It also creates hands on STEM learning opportunities for AV students, helps inspire future pilots and engineers, and keeps the Antelope Valley’s role in aviation front and center for the next generation.

You can support the cause by shopping at the museum gift shop, where all proceeds go back to the foundation.

Want to be part of AV aviation history? Learn more or become a Friend at flighttestmuseum.org/become-a-friend.

 🏫 iLEAD Lancaster Gets the Green Light

Good news for local families.

The Lancaster School District governing board has approved a five year charter renewal for iLEAD Lancaster Charter School. The decision was made at the board’s Nov. 18 meeting and keeps the 13 year old school operating through June 30, 2031.

The board held a public hearing before the vote and approved the renewal 4 to 0. One board member was absent.

District staff shared that iLEAD qualifies for a full five year renewal under California Department of Education guidelines. The school is classified as middle performing, which makes it eligible, and its academic results are in line with nearby schools and state averages.

iLEAD’s learning model also checked all the right boxes. The school uses project based learning, focuses on social emotional growth, and creates individualized learning plans for students. District officials said the program follows the same guidelines required of all schools in the district.

The school also demonstrated it has the capacity to keep the program going. iLEAD has been operating in Lancaster since 2012 and enrollment has remained steady, averaging about 768 students over the past five years.

Financially, the school is in good shape. Officials reported no audit findings and confirmed the school is fiscally sound. iLEAD also met all 15 state required elements for charter renewal, including governance, student outcomes, staffing, and discipline policies.

Board members also discussed recent state test results. iLEAD saw gains in English language arts, held steady in math, and reduced chronic absenteeism. Fischer noted it was a good year with room to keep improving.

Several iLEAD board members and parents spoke during public comment to thank the district for approving the renewal.

For now, iLEAD Lancaster is set to keep serving students and families for another five years. Win-win!

Sports News

AVC College

🏀 Men’s Basketball
AVC 84 Vs. Porterville 44
Record: 6-5

🏀 Women’s Basketball
AVC 75 Vs. San Diego City 50
Record: 4-6

🏫High School Sports

AV High Basketball Scores:

Antelope Valley 46 (0-8) Palmdale (5-5) 68
Paraclete (3-7) 48 Vs. Taft 50
Eastside (8-1) 44 Vs. Highland (3-7) 36
Littlerock (6-2) 46 Vs. Lancaster (1-11) 30
Rosamond (5-7) 39 Vs. California City 51
Knight (8-2) 60 Vs. Quartz Hill (8-7) 40

Event Spotlight

🎄 Event Spotlight: 2025 Holiday Show A Season to Shine

AV Fam, get ready for a night full of sparkle, talent, and holiday magic. Extensions Performing Arts Academy is bringing the festive spirit to the stage with its 2025 Holiday Show, A Season to Shine, and this is one you will not want to miss.

This special holiday recital is a one-night-only celebration that captures the joy of the season in a way their year-end concert does not. Expect high-energy performances, beautiful choreography, and moments that will have you smiling the entire evening as students light up the stage with their hard work and passion.

📅 Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM
📍 Antelope Valley College Performing Arts Theater
🎟 Tickets are $22 each

Seating is limited, and tickets are first-come, first-served, so plan ahead. If you are looking for a feel-good holiday outing that supports local talent and celebrates the season, this show is the perfect way to shine into the holidays.

ℹ️ More Details

Upcoming Events

🎶 Concerts & Live Events 🎤

• AV WINTER BASH "FENIX FLEXIN, RJMRLA, EKE & MORE - Dec 14

  📍 45000 Vly Central Wy
  🕓 7PM - 11PM
  🔗 Event details

• The Nutcracker - Dec 14

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 2PM & 7PM
  🔗 Event details

• The Business Connectors Mixer - Dec 19

  📍 Rio Restaurant - 630 W Lancaster Blvd
  🕓 4PM & 6PM
  🔗 Event details

• Santana Magic: The Ultimate Santana Tribute - Dec 24

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

• NYE Decades Night DJ Night with DJ Bootleg & DJ Wabbit - 31

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 9:30PM
  🔗 Event details

• Mariachi Rock Revolution - Jan 24

  📍 Lancaster Performing Arts Center
  🕓 8PM
  🔗 Event details

Weekly Weather

📅 Sun, Dec 14 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 69° / Low: 35°
📅 Mon, Dec 15 – ☀️ Sunny & Warm | High: 69° / Low: 34°
📅 Tue, Dec 16 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 73° / Low: 50°
📅 Wed, Dec 17 – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy & Breezy | High: 68° / Low: 42°
📅 Thu, Dec 18 – ☀️ Warm & Mostly Sunny | High: 69° / Low: 39°
📅 Fri, Dec 19 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny & Warm | High: 73° / Low: 45°
📅 Sat, Dec 20 – 🌤️ Partly Sunny & Mild | High: 71° / Low: 45°
📅 Sun, Dec 21 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 67° / Low: 44°