Since 2017, Milwaukee Krampusnacht has celebrated the half-goat/half-demon Krampus—a.k.a. a figure from Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children and acts as a foil to the do-gooding Saint Nicholas. The annual blowout is a family-friendly night of costumes, music, food and drink, parades, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and more. Milwaukee is the city of festivals, after all, so why not an annual Krampusnacht?
Itching for Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2025? It’s coming! To various locations in the Brewery District! On Sunday, December 7, from 3-9 p.m.! Get your tickets HERE!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from the eighth annual Milwaukee Krampusnacht, courtesy of the organizers:
Best Place: The Great Hall has a music stage that will have performances by: Xposed 4heads, The Squeezettes, Extra Crispy Brass Band, Mercury Trio, and DJ Shotski. The Blue Ribbon Hall features Kid’s Krampus Hour, a Build Your Own Mari Lwyd workshop (SOLD OUT), and a set of Christmas music by the Milwaukee Theremin Society. Outside at the King’s Courtyard you’ll find Heavy Metal Krampus, Wendy Lynn Markus, and a Mari Lwyd Rap Battle. The Speakeasy, under the Great Hall, will have a gallery of tarot readers.
Witch’s Square: This small park next to Best Place will feature the Goth Barge DJs, vendors, and Krampus Court, an interactive performance to see if you’re rated “naughty” or “nice.”
Pilot Project: A huge vendor floor in the Venue and Barrel Room sections of the bar, food and drink, including a special Krampusnacht Tripel Acht made for the event, DJ Kittens, and a Yeti Gaming Lounge on the mezzanine, where people can sign up for a tabletop game session.
Barley Room: Another big vendor floor across the street from Pilot Project in the 1125 building, this floor also has a pop-up AFMG Cafe.
Amped: Yule Cat Alley karaoke, performances by The Courtesan and Cabin Boy (Krampus Carol Sing-a-long), Tamarind Belly Dance, and Full Frontal Puppetry presents: The More On Christmas, plus a Creepytime Village diorama display, food and drink.
Brewhouse Inn/ On Tap: The event’s official hotel is the Brewhouse Inn. On Tap will be open for food and drink and out front of the building will be the 10th Street Christkindl Market, featuring vendors and food trucks.
Our beloved American Ghost Walks Krampus Parade is at 7 p.m. sharp and marches on Juneau Ave. from 9th to 11th and back.
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