Want to meet ‘Krampus’ in Elk Grove? How to celebrate an unorthodox holiday event in Old Town
An Elk Grove small business is hosting a free event this weekend that puts an unusual twist on celebrating the holiday season.
Christmas folktales and songs are notorious for figures keeping a list, checking it twice and finding out which children have been naughty and which have been nice.
In holiday fables, the children who have been “nice” throughout the year expect to receive presents from Santa Claus.
But the kids who made the “naughty” list — or simply aren’t showing their Christmas spirit — will be met by Krampus and his dark elves from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Mystical Celtic Heart, a metaphysical supply store in Old Town Elk Grove, 9031 Elk Grove Blvd.
“It’s really cool, obviously very different from a lot of the holiday markets … it’s like a darker market,” said Marcus Cox, a customer service officer with Mystical Celtic Heart.
The event is the business’ third annual “A Very Krampus Christmas.”
Cox described Krampus as a “darker Santa.”
“He’s the antithesis of Santa Claus,” Cox said. “He’s got horns. He’s a large figure. He’s got more of a very dark face, he’s basically the opposite of Santa.”
Krampus began as an old German fable about a figure who punishes children who are placed on the naughty list, lose their Christmas spirit or stop believing in Christmas.
Cox said Saturday’s free event will be “super fun.”
There will be music and handmade crafted goods sold by local vendors, as well as food options including hot dogs, hot links, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, pozole and Mexican hot chocolate.
Photo opportunities will be available for those who desire to take a picture and have a meet-and-greet with Krampus and his elves.
“It’s completely family friendly,” Cox said. “But for the most part, it’s just a really fun and different way to celebrate Christmas and keep the Christmas spirit alive…that’s really what Krampus is charged with, is to keep people believing in the Christmas spirit.”
Supporting local businesses
Mystical Celtic Heart and other vendors will be selling gifts such ranging from everyday items to some dark and unusual gifts. Wares will include clothes, shoes, herbs and resin, mists, oils and more.
There will be specials and deals throughout the weekend for attendees to do some holiday shopping.
The local vendors plan to be in attendance during Saturday’s A Very Krampus Christmas event, according to the Mystical Celtic Heart website.
▪ Readings by the Witchy Housewife
▪ Holiday Mavens
▪ Anna Maize Spirituals
▪ It’s Glorious
▪ Creature Sauce Co.
▪ Burnt Finger Productions
▪ Color Street: Rebecca’s Manis On-the-Go
▪ Abra Apothecary
▪ Crissytina Creations
▪ Numa Designs
