For you readers who have never heard of the Krampus, think of him as Germany’s brutal answer to Santa Claus. A grotesque horned monster, the Krampus makes it his job to punish all the bad children every year. In fact, some yarns claim he places the misbehaving kids in his sack and carries them away to his secret lair. What pleasant dreams the little ones must have after hearing that tale.
So for those brave enough to hang with this Alpine legend, here are 4 places to meet the Krampus this holiday season. I sure hope you weren’t naughty this year…
2nd Annual Krampus Fest in Chicago
For one day only this Sunday, December 7th, you can chill in the Windy City with a bevy of artisans, bakers, and other crafty individuals who make handmade Krampus-themed goodies. Along with lots of delicious German food, you can also check out a Krampus Parade and Pub Crawl. Although there is alcohol in some parts of the event, Krampus Fest is designed as an all-ages (and free!) event, so be sure to bring the kiddos to truly terrify them with Krampus stories. Just in time for the holiday season!
Krampusfest in Los Angeles
While most Krampus festivities only last one day, the Los Angeles event started at the end of November with a one-day talk about all things Krampus, just to whet the appetite. Between now and December 13th, there will be everything from the Krampus Ball and the Krampus on Parade to an Austrian Krampus play known ominously as St. Nicholas 1888: A Kinder-Horror Holiday. For those of you on the West Coast, this is one Krampus event you don’t want to miss.
Krampus Night in Bloomington, Indiana
Just because you’ll normally find the Krampus in the big city, that doesn’t mean small towns can’t get in on the fun too. On December 6th, Bloomington’s Krampus Night will include a Krampus Bazaar featuring concessions and Photos with Krampus and a Krampus Rampage in which the “creatures” will run free-range through downtown. Attendees can also choose whether to wear a “Naughty” or “Nice” sticker. But beware: the Krampus might come after those with the Naughty stickers.
The Krampus Run in Munich, Germany
For those who want a taste of the Krampus in his native land, then Munich’s annual Krampus Run is just the thing. An official Krampus brigade dons their creepy Krampus costumes and races across the Christmas Market. As shoppers peruse for gifts, they don’t know just where the Krampus will show up. Naughty indeed.
For even more monstrous revelry, be sure to check out the official Krampus events page.
Happy haunting!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.