Christkindl weekend in historic downtown Frankfort offers several family activities.
One highlight is the free Christkindl Lantern Parade, which departs Dec. 2 from the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum.
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“It gets families involved,” said Judy Schultz, director of the Frankfort Area Historical Society (www.frankforthistoricalsociety.org).
“Frankfort is such a historical town. This lantern parade harkens back to the old days when lanterns were used. It brings that spirit to the evening.”
The free lanterns are provided by Frankfort resident Mark Adams, of Proforma Lakeshore Print & Promotions.
“The parents bring their children. We have the lanterns here. It’s die-cut heavy cardboard that we fold into the lantern shape. They’re lightweight. They’re very safe for the children,” said Schultz, of Frankfort.
“They get to take the lanterns home and decorate them as they wish. We put glow sticks in the lanterns so when they walk down Kansas Street it makes a pretty sight with the children walking. Kris Kringle leads the parade down to Breidert Green.
“It’s a nice Christmassy effect.”
Families can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies before a bonfire on the Green, where they can have their picture taken with Kris Kringle.
In addition to fostering the holiday spirit, the Christkindl Lantern Parade can help people to discover the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum.
“We are down at the end of the retail district. A lot of people don’t even know we’re here,” Schultz said.
“I’m really happy to open our doors to more people and show them our beautiful museum and really introduce them to the history of Frankfort. It’s another way to introduce us to the people.”
Through Dec. 31, the museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays depending on volunteer availability so advance call is recommended. Other days and times for groups and small tours are available by appointment.
“All the artifacts in the museum are from Frankfort. They were used by the people of Frankfort years ago. The oldest item that was donated to us is a rocking horse. It’s all wooden and carved circa 1850,” Schultz said.
“We have clothing. We have tools. We have some arrowheads from Hickory Creek. We have a barbershop and a Victorian parlor setup. We’ll be decorated with our garlands and bows for Christmas.”
The 32nd annual Christkindl celebration from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 2 and noon-3 p.m. Dec. 3 is sponsored by the Frankfort Historic Business Alliance, the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and the village for Frankfort.
Activities on both days include horse-drawn wagon rides from noon-3 p.m., letter writing to Santa from 1-4 p.m., Santa’s Secret Workshop featuring a $2 gift market for children and gift wrapping by elf helpers from 1-4 p.m., cookie decorating and hot cocoa stations.
Dec. 2 includes Girl Scouts caroling at noon on the Breidert Green stage, a Home Depot craft station from noon-2 p.m. and holiday cut-out photos from noon-4 p.m. while Dec. 3 includes a live reindeer visit from noon-3 p.m. at Breidert Green and holiday cut-out photos from noon-3 p.m.
“It’s a holiday that just brings people together,” Schultz said. “That’s probably the best part. Everyone is happy to be together and celebrating and enjoying the season and being with family.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Christkindl Lantern Parade
When: 4:45 p.m. Dec. 2
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Where: departs from the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum, 132 Kansas St., Frankfort
Cost: free
Information: 815-469-6541