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Other Christmas Activities

Spirits of Christmas: The Dark Side of the Holiday Season

Guests enjoy a buffet dinner and an evening presentation by author Troy Taylor exploring the dark traditions of the holiday season. The event delves into historic winter lore, holiday monsters such as Krampus and Belsnickel, and ghost stories of winter tragedies. Visitors can also explore the exhibits of the American Oddities Museum and purchase signed books at the on-site bookstore.

What to Expect

Dinner event exploring eerie holiday folklore and ghost stories with Troy Taylor.

Event Details

Ages

Adults

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

American Hauntings

Food & Drink

The buffet includes two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread, and drinks.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ (2/5)

Best For

Adults interested in eerie holiday folklore

Vibe

Eerie and atmospheric

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$$

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

None

Location

American Oddities Museum
301 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002
Alton, IL
62002

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $48 per person, dinner included. The buffet dinner includes two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread, and drinks. Books are available for purchase at the museum bookstore. – Get tickets
  • Hours: Doors open at 6:00 PM; dinner starts at 7:00 PM. The event heading also lists 7:00 PM.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive when the doors open so you have time to browse the American Oddities Museum before the buffet dinner begins.
  • Come hungry, since admission includes a buffet dinner with two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread and drinks.
  • Budget for a book or two from the American Hauntings Bookstore in the museum, since Troy Taylor will sign them on the night.
  • Book ahead rather than walking in, because this is a private dinner event at the museum for booked guests.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dinner included?

Yes. A buffet dinner comes with admission. It has two meats, two vegetables, pasta, salad, bread and drinks.

What is the presentation about?

Author Troy Taylor looks back at old Christmas customs and monsters like Krampus, the Yule Cat, Belsnickel and Perchta. He also tells stories of murder, tragedy and death in the holiday season that left spirits behind. The stories come from his book ONE BLEAK MIDWINTER'S NIGHT.

Can we look around the museum?

Yes. It's a private event in the American Oddities Museum, and the museum opens early so guests can browse before dinner.

Can I get books signed?

Yes. The American Hauntings Bookstore is inside the museum. You can buy books there and have Troy Taylor sign them.

Can I just show up?

It's a private event, so book your spot in advance through the event's booking link.

Tags

otherseasonal activitiesholiday traditionfamily friendlyguided toursfood truckscommunity celebrationcultural eventsfestive foodholiday entertainment

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team