MADISON – At Madison Public Library, the “Once Upon a Winter’s Night” after-hours event will bring beloved characters in children’s literature alive for boys and girls to enjoy.

Relying heavily on fairy tales, the lighthearted evening on Jan. 24 will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in Auditorium 1 and 2.

“Join us for this special family-friendly party. We’ll celebrate fairy tales through a puppet show, crafts, dancing, viewing a movie and more,” Youth Services Librarian Lisa Blackmon said. “Meet real princesses and learn new dances.”

Family members of all ages can enjoy the festivities.

“Once Upon a Winter’s Night is one of Madison Public Library’s biggest events of the year. It is a special opportunity to visit the library after hours as well as interact with Elsa, Anna and Snow White. We will also have Alabama Youth Ballet performing a selection of dance from ‘Cinderella,’” Blackmon said.

Blackmon and other librarians will tell fairy tales in dramatic fashion and add a twist with enchanting puppet shows. In years past, the program has included presentations for “Falling for Rapunzel,” “The Paper Bag Princess” and “The Sunflower Sword.”

Boys and girls can apply their creativity in craft sessions, possibility making a magic wand or decorating a crown.

The librarians encourage guests to wear their pajamas. The boys and girls also can choose to masquerade as a favorite character from a book, fable or fairy tale.

Guests can take the floor for informal dancing that will include group dances that will be simple enough for the library’s youngest patrons to learn and enjoy. Guests can expect the visiting ‘princesses’ to glide on the dance floor and sign autographs for the admiring children.

The library staff will serve snacks to the partygoers. In case of inclement weather, the weather date will be Feb. 7.

All ages are welcome to attend “Once Upon a Winter’s Night.” The night of fun and fairy-tale fantasy is free.

As many as 400 people have attended the event in previous years. Madison Public Library’s address is 142 Plaza Blvd. For more information, call 256-461-0046, email madison@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org.