Davenport’s Putnam Museum Hosts The Polar Express Pajama Party

Here's how you know you have a hit on your hands: You have to let people know it's coming way in advance so they don't miss out. If it was the day before, eh, not much interest, maybe, and we hope people show up.

When you announce this in mid-November, you're letting people know to get on this holiday train before it leaves the station without you.

Ah, to be a kid again.  If I'm being honest, I still kinda am. My wife says I act like a 2 through 5-year-old, depending on what temper tantrum I'm having.  Any time you get to romp around places like this after hours is a lot of fun.

Where Can You Experience Serious Family Fun?

If you're ready to kick off the holiday season, and I'm not talking half-heartedly, I'm talking all in, I'll let you in on a little secret that was just press released. Ok, so maybe it's a little less of a secret now.

The Putnam Museum is about to bring the magic of Christmas to life with their 18th Annual Polar Express Pajama Party from December 19th to December 22nd, 2024. If you're looking for an event that combines cozy pajamas, hot cocoa, and a dose of holiday cheer, this is the place to be. Here’s the lowdown on what’s in store:

🎄 What’s Happening at the Pajama Party?

Since 2007, the Polar Express Pajama Party has been the go-to festive event for families, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! Here's what you can look forward to:

• Hot Cocoa Bar – Need we say more? Sip and savor that sweet, chocolaty goodness.
• Face Painting – Transform into your favorite winter character, or just go all out with some festive designs!
• Crafts – Get creative and make something to take home (because who doesn’t love a little DIY magic?).
• “Lights Out” Scavenger Hunt – Take on the exhibits in the dark (cue the mystery music!) and see if you can find all the hidden treasures.
• Goodie Bags with Ornaments – Take home an exclusive ornament as a reminder of your unforgettable experience.

But the real showstopper is the screening of The Polar Express itself—on the GIANT Screen, where you can relive the holiday classic starring Tom Hanks.

🐻 New for 2024: Meet JP the Polar Bear!

This year is the Year of the Polar Bear, and we’re not just talking about your average bear. Meet JP, the museum’s brand-new mascot (he's named after Joseph Duncan Putnam, the museum’s founder). JP will be making his grand debut at the event. He's ready for your family photos, and will be hanging out during a brand-new winter story time event. How cute is that?

Let's be honest, it'll be much nicer meeting JP the Polar Bear, because JP will take a picture with you.  Most random polar bears might bite your face or leg off. Hmm, picture to share for years to come, or face or leg missing due to polar bear mauling?  JP sounds like a winner to me.

🎟️ Tickets: Get ‘Em While They’re Hot!

Tickets go on sale November 15th and they sell out fast, so set your alarm! Here’s the scoop:

• General Admission: $16 per person (you get the full Polar Express experience!)
• VIP Tickets: $35 per person (think priority seating for the movie, plus exclusive Polar PJ merchandise that changes every year—trust us, you want the good stuff).

🌟 Sensory Friendly Screening (December 15th)

For families with sensory sensitivities, the museum is offering a Sensory Friendly Polar Express screening on December 15th. In partnership with the Autism Society Quad Cities, this screening will have dimmed lights, lowered volume, and will be shown in 2D. Guests are encouraged to move around and make noise—because let's face it, sometimes the best way to enjoy a movie is by being totally relaxed and free to be yourself. Note that this version of the event doesn’t include the same activities, goodie bags, or extras as the main pajama party.

⏰ When Can You Get Tickets?

Mark your calendars: November 15th is the day you can snag your tickets on the Putnam Museum website. Be warned, this event is popular—so if you snooze, you might lose your chance to experience the holiday magic!

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While the museum will be closed during the Pajama Party times, you can still visit 7 days a week (with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm), so there’s plenty of time to explore when it’s not party time.

For all the details and to grab your tickets, head over to the Putnam Museum’s Polar Express Pajama Party page.

🎅 Why You Should Go

The Polar Express Pajama Party is the holiday event you don’t want to miss. It’s the perfect way to create lasting family memories—whether you’re sipping cocoa, painting your face like a reindeer, hunting for hidden treasures, or just enjoying the magic of the movie on the giant screen. And with JP the Polar Bear joining the festivities, it’s bound to be an extra special year.

Please note that if you're made up to look like a reindeer with face paint, and it startles your grandmother, she probably had a run-in with one a number of years ago and it might still be a trigger for some angst.

Tickets are going to disappear fast, so get yours soon and get ready for a magical time at the museum! 🎉