For those fascinated by German folklore and its connection to the holiday season, a devilish good time is sure to be had in the German American Heritage Center's December 6 presentation of Krampus: The Roots & Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil, the Davenport venue's virtual program in which historian Al Ridenour will recount the origins and resurgence of this fabled figure in Germany, Austria, and throughout the world.

For the first time since 2019, visitors can experience the wonders of a traditional Victorian holiday season in Moline's unique Deere-family homes through 19th Century Christmas, the Butterworth Center's and Deere-Wiman House's eagerly anticipated December 4 event boasting litany of yuletide treats including live music performances, interactive tours, make-and-take activities, refreshments, and, of course, a special visit by Santa Claus.

In a beloved seasonal tradition, family audiences are invited to the Vibrant Arena at the MARK from December 1 through 4 to experience the wonderful world of Disney – on Ice – in the brand-new touring sensation Into the Magic, with the Moline venue transformed into an enormous skating rink and some of the studio's most beloved characters joining Mickey Mouse and friends for an unforgettable adventure.

A seasonal followup to the popular exhibit housed at the Putnam Museum & Science Center this past summer, Build! Create! Innovate! Winter Edition will, through February 28, introduce visitors of all ages to matters of problem solving and abstract thinking using mathematics, physics, and design with the fun, simple building materials known as KEVA blocks.

In a special November 29 Bettendorf Public Library program hosted by the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities, a professor emeritus of Augustana College will offer fascinating history and insight on largely unknown and frequently misunderstood regions overseas, with  Dr. Norman Moline presenting The Southern African Mosaic: Perspectives on Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, & Zimbabwe.

Before the Rock Island Public Library became a literally public library, there was a subscription library that started in 1855. And on November 29 at the downtown branch, the informative and engaging program A Library Is Born: RIPL the Prequel will take participants back to the very beginning, detailing the process that led to the building's 1872 opening as Illinois' first truly public library.

A must-see yuletide event designed to usher in the magic of the season, the touring sensation Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland makes a stop at Davenport's Adler Theatre on November 26, this jaw-dropping showcase for gifted acrobats an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away, resulting in a fun-filled, unforgettable seasonal experience.

For fans of family-friendly improv comedy, our long local nightmare is about to be over. Because as of November 11 and 12, after a three-year hiatus, ComedySportz Quad Cities finally returns to the area with opening-weekend shows at the organization's new home base: the newly refurbished Spotlight Studio located on the lower level of Moline venue the Spotlight Theatre.

On November 12, visitors to Davenport's German American Heritage Center are invited to travel virtually to Munich, Germany, and learn about both the origins of the Nazi Party and the history lessons we are still learning today with In the Footsteps of Hitler: A Walking Tour of Munich, an insightful and informative program taking place both in-person and via Zoom, and hosted by Kirkwood Community College's Dr. Robinson Yost and Dr. Laura Yost.

Held in honor of the centennial of the building's creation, the Moline Public Library presentation The History of Moline's LeClaire Hotel will find Moline Preservation Society President Brandon Tidwell sharing a fascinating historical overview of the hotel's history, including its esteemed inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

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