Nov 18, 2024 - Things to Do

Lazarus icon "Mr. Tree" is home for the holidays

Alissa Widman Neese

A historic black-and-white photo of a child speaking with "Mr. Tree," a massive talking tree puppet, alongside a woman in a fox onesie — A child talks to the original "Mr. Tree" in the Lazarus store. Photo: Courtesy of Columbus Metropolitan Library

The Main Library will showcase a special, sentimental guest at its Holiday Open House on Wednesday.

Flashback: "Mr. Tree," a massive talking puppet at the former downtown Lazarus department store, was a beloved Christmastime tradition in the '70s and '80s.

Children could ask the tree a question and it would answer, according to library archives.

The latest: Columbus artist Todd Reed recreated the iconic tree last year using a mold of the original in hopes of reviving the tradition this holiday season.

Worthy of your time: A timelapse video of the restoration process.

Stop by: Wednesday's open house will also feature hot chocolate, carols, crafts, the Huntington Holiday Train and live reindeer.

6-8pm, 96 S. Grant Ave. Free admission and parking!

📬 Do you remember Mr. Tree? Email us at [email protected] with your memories.

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Lazarus icon "Mr. Tree" is home for the holidays

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