Krampus in Milwaukee 2024

An anthropomorphic character from Alpine folklore, Krampus, follows Saint Nicholas while he's on his way to reward well-behaved children. Krampus, normally presented in the form of a demonic creature with horns and fangs, plays the role of his evil companion and punishes naughty children. Despite his spookiness, Krampus is celebrated all over Bavaria, Austria, Germany, and Italy, with his influence transferring across the ocean. Milwaukee, a city with a high number of residents with German ancestry, annually throws a traditional Kampuslauf parade and Kampusnacht celebration.

Krampusnacht in the Brewery District (December 1, 2024)

Held by organizers of the Milwaukee Paranormal Conference, Krampusnacht is the biggest Krampus party in the city. Besides Krampus, the event celebrates other spooky folkloric characters and traditions, including witch Befana from Italy, Mari Lwyd custom from Wales, vicious Yule Cat from Iceland, and many more. Attendees dress up in themed costumes, embodying the mythological figures.

Featuring over 50 holiday vendors, selling hand-made gifts and souvenirs, the festival is also perfect for grabbing some Christmas presents for your loved ones. Other entertainment includes karaoke, games, scavenger hunt, and White Elephant Exchange, where you can bring a $10 toy to the venue and exchange it for a gift after the parade.

Music Lineup

Exciting live music accompanies the entire event, bringing even more merriment to an already joyful celebration. This year's lineup features dark wave artists Goth Barge DJs, Xposed 4Heads, DJ Shotski, with a selection of polka music, The Squeezettes, and other performers.

Location

The festivities span throughout downtown Milwaukee, in the Brewery District, mainly on Juneau Avenue between 9th and 11th Street. The activities take place in multiple venues, including Best Place, OnMilwaukee Great Hall Stage, Captain Pabst’s Office, Saint Nick’s Speakeasy, On Tap, and The Hodag Store Activities Room in Blue Ribbon Hall.

Schedule & Admission

Krampusnacht runs from 3 pm until 10 pm and requires a general admission ticket. Goth Barge DJs are set to perform from 5 pm to 10 pm at the On Tap bar. Additional tickets may be needed for some events.

Krampus Parade (December 1, 2024)

A highlight of the Krampusnacht celebration, the Krampus parade draws in hundreds of costumed performers and thousands of spectators, observing the festivities. The event kicks off at 7 pm from 9th Street on Juneau Avenue. The participants head to 11th Street, then return back to 9th Street. While the event is open to everyone, you need to register beforehand. Spectators are advised to stay off the road and watch the spectacle from the sidewalks, as well as treat participants with respect.

What to See in Milwaukee

If it's your first visit to Milwaukee, you're in luck! The city is filled with unexpected surprises, beautiful architecture, and underrated landmarks. With its ornate decorations and stunning visages of the dome, Basilica of St. Josaphat is easily in the same league as the many European cathedrals. Renaissance Pabst Mansion in downtown Milwaukee offers fascinating tours into the city's past. The mansion is open from 10 am until 4 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday. Classic guided tour tickets for adults cost $17, but there are many other options.

Christmas in Milwaukee

Besides the Halloween-esque Krampus celebration, Milwaukee welcomes you with traditional charm of Christmas. The city's parks and botanical gardens light up with Christmas lights all the way into early January. Active enthusiasts hop on their bikes and enjoy sights of Milwaukee during the annual Santa Cycle Rampage. Continue holiday celebration at Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival in Pere Marquette Park, where dazzling lights illuminate the night.

Krampus in the USA

While inherently an Alpine tradition, Krampus seeped into the Christmas scene of the USA and is regularly celebrated all over the country. Traditional Krampuslauf parades are the most common way to welcome St. Nicholas and its ominous companion. However, many cities also host Krampusnacht parties, book signings, and costumed events.

Visitor Feedback

Rove.me reached out to several participants and spectators of the Milwaukee Krampusnacht and Krampus Parade. We wanted to learn about their overall experience at the events, organizational aspects, and the atmosphere. Additionally, our goal was to find out if the visitors would recommend these events to others.

Rachel from the Chicago suburbs went to the Krampusnacht in 2023 with her husband and some of their friends. She shared her insights on this spooky Christmas celebration, "We really enjoyed the diversity of the vendors and the overall atmosphere they catered. They ensured the quality of the festival was maintained in a manner consistent to any other festival in the Milwaukee area." The only thing Rachel feels could be better is the food vendors since they weren't adequately prepared for the number of folks attending.

She also had a chance to attend the Milwaukee Krampus parade and said, "The parade was super! Absolutely a highlight. I really look forward to attending this year as well!"