COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A classic holiday attraction that was once part of the Downtown Lazarus department store will appear at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

A replica of Mr. Tree, the “talking tree,” will be on display at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch at 96 S. Grant Ave. The tree will be in the lobby for its upcoming Holiday Open House on Nov. 20, according to Ben Zenitsky, media specialist at CML.

A local artist, Todd Reed, recreated the tree, which was a holiday fixture in the 1970s and ’80s at the department store. The original Mr. Tree was created by Columbus art legend Gordon Keith, who died in 2015.

Mr. Tree made its return to a new generation in 2023 after being missing for years. Reed’s craftmanship brought the tree back to life and appeared next to the nativity outside of St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral on East Broad Street.

Along with Mr. Tree, patrons can also check out several other holiday festivities at the library’s Open House, including the return of the Huntington Holiday Train. The 600-square-foot train was built in 1992 and originally displayed in the lobby of the Huntington building at Broad and High streets. This will be the train’s 14th year on display at the library.

Families can also enjoy singalong carols, and even a visit from a live reindeer and a special guest, according to the library. The Open House is from 6 to 8 p.m.