Freelance writer from Milwaukee, I'm the author of non-fiction books Heroes in the Night, Monster Hunters, Apocalypse Any Day Now and forthcoming Wisconsin Legends & Lore and American Madness. I write a weekly column called "Tea's Weird Week" at teakrulos.com.
We were not frugal enough and had some unexpected costs, so we are short of having money would like to invest in Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2025.
There’s an easy way to help us– buy some of our fantastic merch. There’s two ways to do this: place an order and choose the “pick-up” and swing by Lion’s Tooth bookshop (2421 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee) on Sunday, Dec. 22 between 12-4pm to pick up your order (Square will say it’s ready a different day and time: IGNORE THAT). Lion’s Tooth has a lot of other great gift options! We also do have a shipping option on most items: https://milwaukee-para-con.square.site/
Here’s what we have: 2024 Design (pictured below) by Stinky Goblin Emporium 2024 T-shirts: available in all sizes except Medium. 2024 Hoodies: we have S, 2XL, 3XL left. 2024 poster: just a few left! https://milwaukee-para-con.square.site/
“I’m a Krampus in the Morning Mug” dateless 15oz ceramic mug These arrived after the event. Pick-up only (we don’t want to attempt to ship). https://milwaukee-para-con.square.site/
“Krampington” T-shirt design by David Beyer White ink on red shirt: we have S-2XL available. Red ink on grey shirt: we have S-XL and 3XL available. https://milwaukee-para-con.square.site/
Two of our oldest Krampusnacht traditions are the white elephant gift exchange and our Toys for Tots drive. Both of these can be found in the Best Place Great Hall.
Toys for Tots: we are proud to say that since 2018 we’ve been able to collect hundreds of donations for the Marine Toys for Tots Program. The program’s primary goal is “through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s economically disadvantaged children.” Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate– we will have donation boxes set up somewhere in the entrance to the Great Hall (this is also where our indoor music stage is). More info on Toys for Tots (including donation info): https://www.toysfortots.org/
Capt. Pabst’s White Elephant Gift Exchange: in the corner of the Great Hall, you’ll see what used to be the office of Captain Frederic Pabst, founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. Bring a wrapped gift, we recommend somewhere in the $5-$10 range. Unusual is great, of course. Bring it into the office between 3-7pm and you’ll be handed a ticket proving you brought something. Stop by between 7-8 to claim your gift. Have fun and keep an eye out for the Ghost of Capt. Pabst, who is said to be still hanging around.
Look for the white elephant sign in the window/ by door of Capt. Pabst’s Office.
UPDATE: KID’S KRAMPUS HOUR 2024 IS SOLD OUT. Now with More Build Bricks and Polka! Sponsored by Northwoods Bricks.
We are still working on getting General Admission tickets live (we’re looking for the best ticketing system to get people checked in quickly) but meanwhile, we have our Kid’s Krampus Hour tickets live.
Our Kid’s Krampus Hour dates back to 2018 and is a Krampusnacht favorite. This year we’re offering even more bang for your buck (which had a high ratio to begin with).
Kid’s Krampus Hour: 3:30-5pm, Northwoods Bricks Activities Room (Blue Ribbon Hall in Best Place, 917 W. Juneau Ave.) Ticket $15.75 (plus fees) includes admission for one child to Kid’s Krampus Hour and one free General Admission ticket for accompanying parent/ guardian: https://milwaukeekrampusnacht.ticketbud.com/milwaukee-krampusnacht-2024
Ticket includes:
-A visit by St. Nick and Krampus (and helpers), who will hand out a mini Hodag brick set from our sponsor Northwoods Bricks, and a treat stocking provided by Feral House.
-Access to the Northwoods Bricks Cryptid Build Station.
-Materials and instruction to make multiple Krampus crafts and a coloring sheet by Kristin Sorrentino Artistry.
-A quick dance lesson to dance for a song spun by DJ Shotski.
Fun! Tickets are limited and will sell out, so get yours TODAY!
Sunday is the big day! We’re so excited! Please take a minute to read through this and check out the links, it’ll make your Krampusnacht experience a good one.
This year we have three locations where you can check in with your ticket and get a wristband. Print or pull up your ticket on your phone (if you lost it, we can look it up) and check in at either Pilot Project, Barley Room (where our two indoor vendor floors are located) or Best Place’s Great Hall (which is where we have live music).
If you got a ticket for Kid’s Krampus, Chad Lewis or Al Ridenour presentations, you will be on a check in list at Blue Ribbon Hall. Same with Santa Claus Conquers the Martians screening– you’ll be on the list at No Studios. If you didn’t get tickets to those special activities, we do still have some left: Tickets & Accommodations – Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2023: Sunday Dec. 3!
Event Flow This event is designed to have you walk around and check stuff out. Hear a ghost story or live music at No Studios, dance with Goth Barge at On Tap and check out the outdoor market on 10th St., sing karaoke and check out our model house contest at Amped, enjoy music, entertainment and the Saint Nick Speakeasy at Best Place, shop our vendor floors at Barley Room and Pilot Project. See map and schedule attached.
Merch/ Raffle If you pre-ordered merch from us, you can pick that up at our booth right by the registration table at Barley Room. We have t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, buttons and magnets, posters, Krampus horn knit hats and more. We also are raffling off six baskets with items from our wonderful vendors and you can buy raffle tickets at all 3 registration tables. You can see a list of all our vendors here: 2023 Vendors – Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2023: Sunday Dec. 3!
Food/Drink We worked hard this year to get adequate food options. You can find food/drink at Best Place, Pilot Project, Barley Room, Amped, and On Tap. No Studio’s cafe/ bar is also open and we have a few food trucks out on 10th St, so bring an appetite! Lots of great drink specials throughout and Pilot Project is selling six-packs of a special Biere de Krampus they made for us! See details on food/drink options here: Cheers! Food and Drink – Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2023: Sunday Dec. 3!
Parade The American Ghost Walks Krampus Parade is at 7pm sharp, marching on Juneau Avenue from 9th to 11th and back down. Please stay out of the street. Some of our performers have limited visibility and they put a lot of work and money into their costumes, so cheer them on but don’t mess with them and keep an eye on your kids so they don’t grab at them. It’s going to be our biggest one yet!
Weather We are seeing a forecast of on-and-off drizzly rain in the afternoon, hopefully it clears up. The show goes on. Dress appropriately. There’s plenty of indoor space but like we said it’s designed for you to walk from venue to venue. Update: GOOD NEWS! Most forecasts predict rain will be done by 3, right when the event starts. Magnificent!
Have Fun Last year, the Brewery District businesses complimented us on what a nice, fun crowd we had. Be good to each other– if you see someone lost and you know the way, tell them, lend a helping hand if you can. If it’s crowded, be patient. This event is not organized by a big production company, just a growing group of people that wants to have a helluva good time. We look forward to seeing you there!
Unveiling Milwaukee’s New Sinister (but Charming) Holiday Tradition: The Krampus Creepy Holiday Village Contest
Milwaukee, WI – Sunday, December 3: Get ready to experience the dark side of the holiday season as the first-ever Krampus Creepy Holiday Village Contest descends upon Amped, in Milwaukee’s Brewery District! In collaboration with National Diorama Month, this spine-chilling event invites creative minds from across the city to participate in a unique holiday village building contest, all in the name of charity at Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2023.
Event Details: Participants are challenged to craft a building (base must not be bigger than 12″ by 12″ and no more than 18″ tall), encapsulating the essence of Krampus, the enigmatic figure from European folklore (or any winter time horror theme). These miniature masterpieces will come together to form the sinister yet captivating “Krampus Creepy Holiday Village.” This event encourages a fusion of holiday, yule, and folklore traditions, allowing participants to let their imagination run wild. Entrants receive free general admission to Milwaukee Krampusnacht!
Judges: A panel of three local “celebrity” judges, renowned for their keen eye for creativity and innovation, will evaluate the entries. Their discerning tastes will determine the winners of this one-of-a-kind contest, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the event. There will also be a “popular choice” category where people can pay $1 to vote for their favorite entries. Winners will receive an award and a special gift basket.
Charitable Cause: In the spirit of giving, all proceeds from the Krampus Creepy Holiday Village Contest will be donated to Toys For Tots, a charitable organization dedicated to delivering joy to children during the holiday season. By participating in this event, contestants and attendees alike will contribute to making the holidays brighter for those in need. There is also a toy drive across the street from Amped at Best Place’s Great Hall (just bring new, unwrapped toys to donate).
Event Location: The event will take place at Amped (910 W. Juneau Ave.) in Milwaukee’s Brewery District, a fitting backdrop for this unconventional celebration. Surrounded by the city’s vibrant atmosphere, attendees can immerse themselves in the sinister charm of the Krampus Creepy Holiday Village, which will be on display at Amped. Amped’s bar will be open as well as their karaoke.
Event Date and Time: Entrants should drop their creations off between 2-3pm at Amped on Sunday, Dec. 3. Voting/ viewing open til 8pm, contest winners will be announced at Amped at 8:30pm.
About National Diorama Month: National Diorama Month is a celebration of creativity, encouraging artists and enthusiasts to explore the art of diorama-making. This event aims to inspire individuals to express their artistic talents and showcase their unique perspectives through miniature scenes and displays.
About Milwaukee Krampusnacht: Krampus, a mythical creature from European folklore, is often depicted as a horned, anthropomorphic figure who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season. While Krampus may be feared, he has become an intriguing and beloved character in modern holiday celebrations. At Milwaukee Krampusnacht, this folklore is celebrated, along with local art, music, performance, craft vendors, food and drink.
Join us in embracing the darker side of the holidays, supporting a worthy cause, and celebrating the art of diorama-making at the Krampus Creepy Holiday Village Contest. Let your creativity roam free and become a part of Milwaukee’s most sinister holiday tradition!
Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2025: Sunday Dec. 7 