Get ready for ‘The Polar Express’ at Depot Christmas Open House
COOKEVILLE – Pajamas are encouraged, and hot, hot, hot chocolate is a must at the Cookeville Depot Museum’s Polar Express-themed Christmas Open House on Dec. 2.
No “tickets” necessary.
“Our themes have varied through the years, and we couldn’t resist revisiting this enduring holiday classic,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said. “It’s so perfect for our setting.”
The free event takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the depot grounds at 116 W. Broad St.
Highlights include a holiday-themed model train layout; cookies and hot chocolate; the reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” by the conductor himself; a balloon artist; caroling by the Tech Chorale’s all-men’s acapella group Mentonation; a Santa selfie station; games; and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and his elves. (Santa takes a cookie break from noon-1 p.m.)
Thompson said families look forward to the event every year.
“The depot at Christmas is so nostalgic and gives everyone that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling,” she said.
“Our annual open house is a community favorite because Cookeville knows it can count on this event for great photo ops, fun activities for the kids, delicious treats, and, of course, it’s all free.”
The Cookeville Depot, built by the Tennessee Central Railway in 1909, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, call 931-528-8570.
Photo:
Aiden Moran, 3 visits the Cookeville Depot in anticipation of the museum’s Christmas Open House on Dec. 2. This year’s theme is “The Polar Express.”
