Milwaukee Krampusnacht is happening Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, 3-10pm
What da heck is a Krampus?
Krampus is a folkloric monster of Alpine tradition. Children are told that goodly Saint Nick will reward them with treats if they are good, but if they are bad they will be visited by the hideous Krampus. We celebrate this and other similar traditions like the Welsh Mari Lwyd, Italian Befana, German Belsnickel, Icelandic Yule Cat and others. Our event celebrates these characters as well as local art, music, and performance.
When is the parade?
7pm sharp. IMPORTANT PARADE RULES: stay on the sidewalks/ intersections and off of Juneau Avenue. Do not touch, grab, or manhandle the performers and make sure your kids aren’t. The performers work hard and spend a lot of money and care on their costumes. Anyone caught harassing them (or anyone else for that matter) will be kicked out and banned.
Let’s work together and have a safe and fun time.
Where can I find parking?
There is a parking garage in the event zone, 9th and Juneau. There is another garage on 9th and State St., about two blocks away. Street parking is free on Sundays, but unpredictable. Note that 9th and 11th streets are open, but Juneau between 9th and 11th will be closed.
Where can I find barking?
Nowhere. Dogs and other pets aren’t allowed at this event.
What will the weather be like?
Probably cold. Dress warmly.
Should I bring cash?
Most vendors except cards, but bring some cash– you might need it for things like raffle tickets or other items.
Where’s the bathroom?
All of the venues participating have bathrooms, we’ll also have a porta potty on 10th st.
How do I participate in the Toys for Tots drive?
Bring an unwrapped, new toy to the Great Hall, donation boxes will be set up there.
How do I participate in White Elephant?
Bring a wrapped gift $5-10 to the Great Hall, the white elephant table is set up in Capt. Pabst’s office. A volunteer will give you a ticket, exchange that for a gift any time after the parade/
Should I dress up?
Yes! Krampus themed clothes/ accessories, other characters of winter folklore, ugly sweaters, reindeer antlers, all encouraged.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes! Lots this year.
Will you be able to answer my questions about parking/ weather/ the universe the night before of day of the event by Facebook message, email, phone, or any other form of communication?
No. We will all be working very hard to set up and run the event. Show up and use your wit and wile to figure out what is going on.
Where is everything? What’s going on? Who am I?
See map below.
This seems like a pretty rad event. How can I support it?
Throwing money in our donation jars, buying raffle tickets, buying stuff from our merch table on the vendor floor all helps.
Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2025: Sunday Dec. 7 