A Quad Cities Fun Holiday Tradition Returns To The Putnam Museum

The Putnam Museum and Science Center is thrilled to bring back a tradition that has been going on for a decade now: Polar Express Pajama Party. This event includes four days of fun at which families will enjoy the holiday classic, Polar Express 3D, on the GIANT Screen in the comfort of their pajamas and take part in activities for all ages.

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The Polar Express Pajama Party at the Putnam Museum and Science Center returns on Thursday, December 15th, and ends on Sunday, December 18th. The four-day holiday tradition for Quad Citians has a bunch of activities for everyone including:

• Face painting
• A hot chocolate bar
• A make-and-take sleigh bell station
• A lights-out adventure through the museum
• And more!

Putnam president and CEO Rachael Mullins said about this 10-year QC tradition,

“The Polar Express Pajama Party is a beloved holiday tradition within the Quad City community and we are excited to welcome it back for another year."

Amanda Crosby, event organizer, and Visitor Services Manager, is delighted that the event will be back to full capacity this year after several years of modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crosby said in the press release,

“This is an incredible event that families across the Quad Cities look forward to each year. We’re so excited for people to make more special memories this holiday season at the Putnam!” 

For families who can’t make the Putnam's in-person party dates, or who want to continue the holiday magic after the party ends, the Putnam will also have at-home kits available. 

The basic kit will be $34.99, and the deluxe box kit will be $74.99. Each kit includes everything necessary to have a Polar Express Pajama Party at home, including an Amazon gift card to stream the movie.

These kits can be ordered by calling the Putnam Museum at 563-336-7285. All of the details and a list of what comes in the kits can be found at putnam.org/polar-express.

The Putnam will be showing The Polar Express throughout the season beginning after Thanksgiving. For showtimes, visit the museum’s website or see below about showtimes during the Polar Express Pajama Party and event times:

• 2022 Events are as follows:
• Thurs. Dec. 15th
  • Movie time - 7 p.m.
  • Event - 5:00-7:00 p.m.
• Fri. Dec. 16th
  • Movie times - 3:30 p.m., 6:00 PMp.m., 8:15 p.m.
  • Event - 2:00-9:00 p.m.
• Sat. Dec. 17th
  • Movie times - 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:15 p.m.
  • Event - 2:00-9:00 p.m.
• Sun. Dec. 18th
  • Movie times - 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
  • Event - 12:00-6:00 p.m.

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Tickets are on sale and prices are $16 for adults, and $14 for youth, with a VIP package option for $30. General ticket holders will be able to pick their movie and participate in all activities. VIP ticket holders will be able to pick their movie, participate in all activities, have priority seating for the movie, and receive a VIP package, including exclusive Polar Express memorabilia. 

Tickets for movie showings and the Polar Express Pajama Party can be bought and found at putnam.org/polar-express.

The Polar Express Pajama Parties are made possible by Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Davenport and Whitey’s Ice Cream.