Illustration of a santa visit scene (The Polar Express)
Christmas Shows

The Polar Express

Guests can wear their pajamas and explore a decorated lobby featuring live carolers, visits with Santa Claus, and complimentary hot cocoa from Candlestick Bakery. Afterward, audience members stroll into Hainkel Hall to watch The Polar Express on the big screen.

What to Expect

Holiday movie screening with Santa, carolers, and free hot cocoa.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Hammond

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts

Food & Drink

Free hot cocoa from Candlestick Bakery is offered in the lobby.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and fans of the polar express

Vibe

Festive and cozy

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts
220 E Thomas St, Hammond, LA 70401
Hammond, LA
70401

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults $20; students/children $15. Phone orders have a $3 convenience fee. – Get tickets
  • Hours: Lobby festivities begin at 6 pm; screening at 7pm.
  • Accessibility: Special needs seating is available by contacting the box office directly.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive in time for lobby festivities, which begin at 6 p.m., before the 7 p.m. screening starts.
  • Wear pajamas if you want to join the event's invited dress-up tradition and feel at home during this holiday screening.
  • Buy tickets at the box office or by phone; phone orders carry a $3 fee, and outside box office hours tickets are available one hour before performances.
  • For special-needs seating, contact the box office at 985-549-2787 to arrange the seating you need.
  • Decide carefully before purchasing, because all ticket sales are final and exchanges or refunds aren't available.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Students and children have discounted tickets.
  • Santa Claus appears at the December 4 event.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can guests do in the lobby before the film?

Explore the decorated lobby, meet Santa, listen to live carolers and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa.

What is shown in Hainkel Hall?

The Polar Express is screened on the big screen after the lobby festivities.

Is this suitable for children?

Students and children have a ticket category, and the event includes Santa and a screening of The Polar Express.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available online, by phone or in person at the box office. Outside normal box office hours, tickets are available shortly before performances.

Can I request special-needs seating?

Yes. Contact the box office directly to arrange special-needs seating.

Tags

movies and theater entertainmentfamily friendlySanta visitsholiday traditionseasonal activitiesfestive foodcommunity celebration

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team