Anderson County Museum Throwing Polar Express Pajama Party

The Anderson County Museum will host a pajama party with the reading of the book The Polar Express on December 8 beginning at 1 p.m. Be sure to arrive early - the “train” will leave at exactly 1 p.m.

We will meet surprise guests and many new friends along the way. The classic Christmas movie, starring Tom Hanks, will be played for those who enjoy the film version! Light refreshments will be served, and a craft will be available for children to enjoy.

The program is free for all ages. Be sure to wear your pajamas as we read the beloved Christmas book that reminds us what the season is really about!

The Polar Express is a children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg in 1985. The book won a Caldecott Medal, which is an award for most distinguished children’s picture book, for children’s literature one year after its publication in 1986. Now most people, adult and children alike, consider this story to be one of the classic Christmas stories for family. In 2007, the book was named one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children” by an online poll and in a 2012 poll by School Library Journal, it was one of the “Top 100 Picture Books” of all time.

The Polar Express book was adapted into a 2004 motion capture, computer animated fantasy film of the same name starring Tom Hanks, who plays six roles in the film, including the conductor of the train and Santa Claus, which is considered to be a classic Christmas film for all ages. The book and the movie both capture the essence of believing in Christmas at any age and knowing the Christmas spirit can still be alive “for all who truly believe.”

The Anderson County Museum is at 202 East Greenville Street, in downtown Anderson. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Museum Store hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Reading and Research Room is open 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and by appointment. ACM is handicap accessible and admission is free. Donations are always welcome. For more information, contact the Anderson County Museum at (864) 260-4737.