Home Care In Elk Grove, CA

Discover Krampus in Elk Grove, California! This annual alternative holiday fair celebrates the medieval Yule monster who punishes naughty kids.

ELK GROVE, Calif. — Every December, a hooved creature trots into Elk Grove, California, carrying a stick and a reputation for punishing naughty children.

Many people know the story of Santa Claus, but long before Saint Nicholas handed out presents to good boys and girls, folklore warned of an evil monster who whipped bad children with his stick. That monster is Krampus.

At this event, though, Krampus is far from frightening. He barks, poses for photos and draws screams that quickly turn into laughter. Despite the legend, he is harmless and mostly interested in pictures.

The creature’s appearance is part of A Very Krampus Christmas, an annual holiday fair hosted by Mystical Celtic Heart, a holistic and metaphysical store in Elk Grove.

“He’s celebrated all around the world with parades and with traditions. And he’s really making a big comeback, right now,” said Andrea Ramirez of Mystical Celtic Heart.

Ramirez said Krampus predates many modern Christmas traditions.

“This has been a part of Christmas for longer than Christmas has been a part of Christmas,” she said. “Krampus actually came long before the Saint Nicholas story.”

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The legend of Krampus dates back to medieval Europe. During Yule, or the winter solstice, pagans told their children stories of a child-eating monster meant to scare them into behaving.

“If you ever acted bad this year, you’re going to regret it, because Krampus will come, and he'll come on the sled with Saint Nicholas, and he’ll knock on your door and you’ll hear that hoof... knock, knock, knock,” Ramirez said. “And then, even if you don’t answer, Krampus will come in and he’ll take his big laurel tree branch, and he’ll smack you on the bottom, and he’ll rattle his chains, and he’ll grab you and throw you in his basket, and it’ll shake you around until you’re a good kid again.”

Originally, pagans gave Krampus his own holiday called “Krampus Nacht.” When Christians later adopted the story, Saint Nicholas was added to the folklore, and Krampus became Santa’s dark companion.

“They would both come to your house,” Ramirez said. “But depending on how good you were, Krampus would either take you out back or Santa would give you gifts.”

Ramirez said that in the United States, Krampus was eventually replaced by the idea of Santa giving coal to misbehaving children. In many parts of the world, however, Krampus remains a prominent figure, celebrated with parades and festivals.

“We’re bringing him back,” she said. “Krampus is here. He’s alive. He’s here to tame the naughty children of Elk Grove.”

Beyond the folklore, Ramirez said A Very Krampus Christmas is meant to serve both traditional and non-traditional holiday celebrants. The fair features a variety of eclectic vendors, offering gifts that don’t always fit the typical Christmas mold.

“We always like to think of it as like, if you have a weird cousin, odds are you can find a gift for them here,” Ramirez said.

Bridgefest is an out-of-this-world celebration welcoming alien life forms to Humboldt County.

Three officers and 82 new members were installed during the Dec. 7 ceremony establishing the new Elk Grove Moose Service Center #2731.

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - A ceremony instituting the new Elk Grove Moose Service Center #2731 was held Dec. 7 at Elk Grove Park Pavilion, drawing California-Nevada Moose Association chapter members, chairmen and 82 new members for a celebratory social gathering.

The California-Nevada Moose Association is a regional affiliate of Moose International, which unites local lodges across California and Nevada in support of community service. Its efforts include support for Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility; and Moosehaven, a senior retirement home, as well as other Moose charities through coordinated programs and events.

City officials were also on hand for the occasion, including Rancho Cordova City Councilmember Linda Budge.

Pictured from left are new Elk Grove Moose Service Center #2731 President Jason Evans being presented with the gavel by West Coast Regional Manager Mo Khan on Dec. 7.

“What a great time to strengthen our Fraternal Organization in our 5th year of continuous growth,” said CNMA President Bill Jackson in a letter. “As we look upon the new members and Officers of Lodge 2731, let us rejoice in the strength and benefits we all share with our members, communities and families as we go forward together, stronger and united.”

Jackson also credited Committee Chair John Ingrim, who spearheaded the effort to institute a Moose lodge in Elk Grove.

Further recognition came from Sacramento Valley District 4 President Will Roberts, whose congratulatory letter was also read aloud to the crowd. The new lodge was formally assigned to District 4 of the California-Nevada Moose Association, which includes Moose lodges located in Northern California cities such as Roseville, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe, Placerville and Pacifica, among others.

“The CNMA Executive Committee wishes to thank John Ingrim, the Chair of the New Lodge Development Committee and his committee members,” Roberts said. “Our sincere thanks to everyone that made this happen.”

During the ceremony, three officers were installed for the new service center: President Jason Evans, Vice President TJ Homer and Treasurer Chanty Barnhardt.

Pictured from left are new Elk Grove Moose Service Center #2731 Treasurer Chanty Barnhardt, President Jason Evans and Vice President TJ Homer.

Evans addressed the crowd as an officer of the new service center, thanking everyone who helped to bring the effort to fruition. He also noted the significance of the ceremony, saying the establishment of the service center creates new opportunities for the Elk Grove community to give back.

“I know that the community of Elk Grove will be thankful for a lot of the future events that we are going to provide and some of the teams that we will be building with the different community organizations here,” Evans said.

To learn more about the California-Nevada Moose Association, visit ca-nvmoose.org.

A ceremony instituting the new Elk Grove Moose Service Center #2731 was held Dec. 7 at Elk Grove Park Pavilion, drawing California-Nevada Moose Association chapter members and chairmen.

Looking for dazzling decoratings this holiday season?

The Sacramento Bee has put together a guide to the best holiday lights in the Sacramento area, based on past submissions from readers and previous Bee coverage:

The Bee’s guide includes classic destinations such as the Fab Forties in Sacramento as well as private homes whose owners want to bring cheer to locals.

Here’s where to go:

Curtis Park

Around 20,000 lights dazzle along with many handmade figurines and structures including Santa’s workshop and a nativity display, the home’s owners told The Bee.

There’s even a playhouse that’s been transformed into a gingerbread house, with the owner’s family represented as gingerbread people.

The display is “tasteful yet intense” according to the owners.

New attractions this year include a mailbox for Santa’s letters and a photo-op for visitors who want to take “elfies.”

Durfee Way

With about 2.5 miles of lights along the Pocket Canal Parkway, this stretch of land is filled with holiday spirit.

There’s also a living Christmas tree at Portuguese Park.

Tioga Way

This year’s display features little village of stories — some sacred, some silly, all joyful — stitched together.

Highlights include wreaths on upstairs windows, a Christmas tree traced along the roofline, a garland-wrapped porch and a peaceful nativity scene.

On the lawn, Santa’s sleigh is parked beside the Macy’s mailbox, waiting for letters to the big guy. Nearby, Snoopy and Woodstock perch among wrapped presents, a cheerful nod to cozy Christmases, while a happy snowman stands watch over it all.

“The best part is watching families pause, roll down their windows, and point out their favorites,” the home’s owners told The Bee. “Every wave and smile makes the hours worth it.”

South Avenue

The Landry family’s “truly grand spectacle of light” features more than 27,000 brilliant lights.

Guests can explore a walk-through archway and stand beside a striking, seven-foot-tall illuminated cross.

Elk Grove

More than 80,000 lights, penguins and reindeer are featured in the Groza family’s colorful holiday display, which features elements that dance to the music.

The lights are synchronized to 25 songs that provide approximately 1.5 hours of entertainment.

Most Fridays and Saturdays the family passes out candy canes upon request.

If you’re watching the show from the comfort of your car, tune your radio to 107.9 FM. The sound is also broadcast on stereo speakers.

Fab Forties Christmas Lights

Sacramento’s Fab Forties houses have been a local highlight for years due to their historical significance and architectural designs, according to the Visit Sacramento website.

During the holiday season, houses in the area are decorated with dazzling lights and displays.

Old Sacramento Waterfront Holiday Tree

Beautiful holiday lights are in store for visitors of Old Sacramento during the holiday season.

Visitors to the waterfront area can enjoy free Theatre of Lights performances on select nights, featuring an immersive retelling of classic holiday poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” as well as stories of Sacramento pioneers.

The Pocket

Witness a 73-foot redwood tree bedazzled with more than 10,000 lights as well as wall-to-wall inflatables.

Natomas Park

Houses in the community are showing off their holiday cheer with decorations and lights strung along sidewalks.

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Elk Grove Unified School District, the fourth-largest school district in California, has found their newest superintendent.

The board selected David Reilly, who has served as the district’s associate superintendent for a decade. Beginning Jan. 1, Reilly will replace retiring superintendent Christopher Hoffman, who has led the district since 2014.

As associate superintendent, Reilly was “instrumental” in advancing both standard and special education programs, according to a district news release.

Board President Michael Vargas said that Reilly’s was an especially prudent choice as the district faces economic challenges.

“At any other time, David’s decades of experience as an educator, his passion for learning, and his dedication to our district would make him an outstanding leader for our district,” said Vargas. “But, in this unique moment, when budgets are tight, economic uncertainty is high, and social change is constant, David is uniquely qualified to take the helm. Not only has he delivered real results for our students in his time at EGUSD, but he has earned the trust and support of our teachers, staff and education partners.”

Reilly has received vocal support from Elk Grove Unified labor union leaders and community partner EG Speaks, a non-profit group that advocates for kids with disabilities in the district.

“Mr. Reilly’s decade with the District has shown his commitment to Elk Grove Unified School District,” teachers union president James Sutter said. “He has been tasked with many difficult situations over the years and has always stepped up to the plate.”

Reilly will start at a base salary of $352,365 plus benefits and is eligible to move up the salary schedule in July.

Outgoing superintendent Hoffman was a student, teacher and vice principal in the district before returning to lead the district in 2014. As of 2023, Hoffman was the highest paid superintendent in the state, earning $441,092 plus benefits that year.

Elk Grove Unified serves 63,000 students, covering 320 square miles within the cities of Elk Grove, Sacramento and Rancho Cordova, as well as the unincorporated area of Sacramento County.