The legend of Krampus is a centuries old Austrian tradition that emerged as a dark counter part to St. Nicholas. Instead of a jolly old man bringing gifts for children, Krampus is a goat-derived being with red eyes and fangs that frightens naughty children as punishment for their behavior. Krampus night – or Krampusnacht – is celebrated annually on Dec. 5 previewing the St. Nicholas Feast on Dec. 6.

Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Austria, Germany and other parts of Europe. Modern traditions include street festivals, known as Krampus runs, with people dressed as Krampus chasing festival goers, predominantly children. Individuals in regions across Europe maintain traditional customs by sporting heavy costumes made from real animal hide and wooden hand-carved masks. Folklore states that Krampus, aside from providing children an incentive to behave, would ward off bad winter spirits.

In recent years, Krampus has gained massive popularity in the U.S. and regions across the country have begun adopting their own Krampus related celebrations, including Illinois.

Here are a few events to check out this week to celebrate:

Crystal Lake Public Library- DIY Krampus Ornament
Crystal Lake Public Library is offering children 6th to 8th grade the opportunity to create their own Krampus holiday ornament on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
For more information, visit the library’s website.

Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House- Krampus the Fright before Christmas
Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House has transformed its infamous space into a Christmas horror fest. For one weekend only, visit the haunted house to see holiday fears come to life. The special event will run from Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday Dec. 10.
For more event and ticket information, visit the 13th Floor website.

Blue Island- Krampus Market
Blue Island will be hosting its annual Krampus Market from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Be sure to check out dozens of local artist and small business vendors at the event along with mystical tarot readers and Krampus himself.
For more information, visit their event page.

Happy Krampusnacht!

After a rigorous two-year review process, the American Alliance of Museums has accredited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, highlighting their remarkable qualifications.

The ALPLM, which received this recognition on their first application, is now among 3% of museums in the U.S. that hold this accreditation. This categorizes the ALPLM as one of the most notable museums across the country and establishes its national importance. The American Alliance of Museums noted ALPLM’s level of operation, commitment to education and the preservation of former President Abraham Lincoln’s story.

Through their exhibits, educational programs, library services and more, the ALPLM has become a pillar of Illinois and U.S. history and has tirelessly worked to become one of the top operating museums since its opening in 2005.

For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit their website.

Illinois is home to over 280 museums, including over 25 museums dedicated to art and design. Nov. 9 is ‘Go to an Art Museum Day,’ and visiting a museum sometime soon is a perfect way to celebrate this day. Here are some of the top art museums in Illinois!

The Art Institute of Chicago – Known as Chicago’s No. 1 museum, the Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879, and has grown substantially over the last century and a half. It is committed to contributing to an inspired and just society as well as advancing racial justice. In addition, the Art Institute of Chicago is mindful that their museum stands on Native American land. The museum shares collections of art across time, culture, geography and identity.

Museum of Contemporary Art – Founded in 1967, the MCA’s mission is to exhibit new and experimental art and media. It has a contemporary art collection of over 2,000 pieces. It considers contemporary art to be different from the general art world because in general art, the values of the past are enshrined, but contemporary art showcases new ideas. The museum works closely with their community to create space for dialogue, growth and learning.

National Museum of Mexican Art – The National Museum of Mexican Art was founded in 1982, and represents the Mexican community from their own point of view and their own voice. Their mission is to show appreciation and knowledge of Mexican art and culture. They have one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections, including more than 18,000 seminal pieces from ancient Mexico to present day. The museum also hosts cultural programs such as theater, dance and music.

Rockford Art Museum – Comprised of more than 2,000 works of art, the RAM has modern and contemporary art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries through today, from American Impressionist paintings to African American Art from the Black south. Its focus, however, is on regional art with an emphasis on Illinois artists. Its mission is to foster creativity and build community through visual arts.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed The Dana Thomas House in 1902 for Susan Lawrence Dana, a forward-thinking socialite living in Springfield. The home is the 72 building designed by Wright, and contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture. The house was sold to the state in 1981 and is maintained by the Historic Preservation Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria – The CAC was founded in 1996. Its mission is to advance, develop and understand contemporary art, educate diverse students, provide opportunities for viewers and artists through culturally and artistically diverse exhibitions, and enrich the community. From science fiction art to cartoons, this museum has a wide arrangement of art.

Do any of these museums sound interesting to you? If so, celebrate ‘Go to an Art Museum Day’ by popping in.

For 32 years, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a beloved tradition for Chicagoans and people across the nation that visit the Windy City for the holidays. The Magnificent Mile Light Festival is located along the heart of Michigan Avenue. The festival is hosted annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year it will be held on Nov. 18.

The history of holiday celebrations on Michigan Avenue date back to 1949 when members of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association displayed a 50 foot tall Christmas tree in Water Tower Park. The grand tree was adorned in 1,500 lights and a six foot star topper. However, the Magnificent Mile Light Festival as we know it developed after the Saks Fifth Avenue shop decided to decorate the trees outside of the their shop with white lights instead of their traditional ornaments. Soon after, other shops along Michigan Avenue began to adopt the tradition and displayed their own lights. This trend evolved into the festival which now displays 200 trees in sparkling lights with one million lights scattered along the mile.

This year, the holiday festivities that will be available include pictures with Santa, musical performances, a tree lighting ceremony and a fireworks show at the conclusion of the event. Shops along the Magnificent Mile will also be participating in the holiday activities and booths will be located in Pioneer Court. Activities will be held throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, visit their website here.

Happy holidays!

Hobnob Market is coming to Springfield this weekend – a great time to start your holiday shopping!

The market sells stylish goods with a vintage edge and clothing from boutiques. This year, there will be over 120 handmade and boutique vendors at the market.

The market will be open from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. The market is located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds inside the Expo Building.

The first Hobnob Market was hosted in November of 2012, and the event drew 800 shoppers. In the last decade, the market has grown substantially.

Hobnob Market was created by Scott and Holly Snelling. They began the market in 2012 after soul searching on how they wanted to live their lives and raise their children. They like to encourage anyone dreaming of starting a business to just do it, because while making risky decisions can be scary, but it is also often worth it.

For more information on the Hobnob Market, please visit https://hobnobmarket.com/.