Suffice to say, this year’s Polar Express celebration at The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon in Medford will be the biggest to date.

That’s because, TCMSO director Sunny Spicer said on Wednesday, every year’s event is bigger than the one before.

“We look so forward to this all year long. We’re just always adding little details and coming up with new ideas. It really brings out the creativity of our staff, our board and all our partners,” Spicer said.

“It’s just so much fun — we secretly might be having more fun than the kids — but I’m just always amazed when I walk through right before we start and find all the new things we’ve added for the year.”

Marking its 16th year, the Polar Express has become a signature event for the downtown Medford attraction. Spearheaded by former education director Jennifer Skinner, the event — set to run all weekend — is themed after the popular 1985 Chris Van Allsburg children’s book about a young boy awakened by the sound of a train on Christmas Eve who embarks on an adventure.

An equally popular animated movie inspired by the book was released in 2004.

In keeping with the story line — a boy runs outside when he hears a train and is led aboard the majestic Polar Express — PJ-clad children will be treated to a holiday tale by a costumed train conductor, a cup of hot chocolate and an array of wintertime adventures.

Spicer said that Skinner, a “more-is-more kind of gal” who died unexpectedly in November 2020, would be impressed with her event’s tremendous growth. New this year, the event will feature past favorites in addition to some new activities. Spicer’s favorite this year, a larger scale “sock skating” faux ice rink, will be “installed” in the museum’s newly constructed outdoor classroom.

The space was a boost this year for the Oregon Center for Creative Learning, which operates the museum and an extensive preschool program in the region.

“We had a small sock skating rink last year, inside. It was a big hit so now we’re going to have a nice, big one outside,” Spicer said.

“We’re also going to have multiple different live performers this year.”

Spicer said band students from North Medford High School will play in various areas of the museum during the event, including inside the Annex building, where “Whoville hairstyles” will be given to pajama-clad children.

“Weather permitting, we have a number of other surprises planned, including a mini golf setup planned and a donut-themed reindeer game,” Spicer said.

It’s all gonna be just very cute and a ton of fun. This will be our biggest to date, like we say every year.”

In addition to the added activities, Spicer said the event will feature additional sensory-friendly sessions for families with that need. Sensory friendly sessions feature lights turned down, no live music and smaller crowds. Spanish language readings of “The Polar Express” will also be offered. Spicer noted, “We’re always working to be very inclusive and make sure that as many of our families can enjoy the event as possible.”

Tickets are still available for the weekend event. The museum is at 413 W. Main Street in Medford.

This event also includes hot chocolate, cookie decorating, crafts and all featured activities. “Boarding” times are in 2-hour slots are between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. with sensory-friendly times offered from 9 to 10 a.m.

Tickets — $22 for children, $12 for adults and discounted rates for museum members — can be purchased online at tcmso.org. For further details, see tcmso.org or call 541-772-9922.

Spicer said the event, each year, is a true indicator for her that the holidays have arrived.

“We looked forward all year to doing this,” she said.

“It’s pretty special to watch the kids experience this… to see their expressions.”