Polar Express Pajama Party events set for Dec. 5-6

By Sherry Lucas

Get ready to bundle up and settle in, as the Polar Express Pajama Party returns to the Olde Towne Depot for its sixth yearly outing.
The festive holiday gathering is geared toward children ages eight and younger and their families, but open to all. Enjoy the beloved 2004 Christmas movie The Polar Express in a cozy setting, with one showing on Friday, December 5, and two showings on Saturday, December 6.

The animated film about a boy’s magical Christmas Eve adventure aboard a train bound for the North Pole has delighted viewers for decades with its themes of friendship, courage and the Christmas spirit. The movie is based on the children’s book by award-winning writer/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote Jumanji.

With a train at the story’s center, the movie is a natural fit for Olde Towne Depot fun, and Turner the Train rides beforehand get everybody on the right track. Bring blankets and pillows for cuddly comfort for the movie showings.

“Last year, we added the individual ‘train cars’ for the children — cardboard boxes painted and decorated to look like train cars. They were a hit!” Main Street Clinton Assistant Director and Olde Towne Depot Manager Ashley Hammack said.

“We are planning to bring them back again this year. We’ve already started creating them!”

This year’s schedule includes three options, two night showings and one matinee. Friday, December 5, begins with train rides from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6, includes a matinee opportunity of train rides from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m., and the movie beginning at 2:30 p.m., along with another evening option of train rides from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m., and the movie beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Turner The Train

Tickets, which are $10 each, can be purchased on the Olde Towne Depot website, OldeTowneDepot.com. Space is limited to about sixty people per showing, and children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Cocoa, cookies, and a cute little bell are included. All attendees will need a ticket for the event.

The Polar Express Pajama Party

Friday, December 5:
Train rides from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 6
Session I:
Train rides from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Movie starts at 2:30 p.m.

Session II:
Train rides from 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Movie starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $10
OldeTowneDepot.com