ORLANDO, Fla. – St. Nicholas comes this week, and so does his devilish partner, the Krampus.
This goat-like figure, European legends say, takes care of the naughty children who don’t get presents from St. Nicholas. They may be placed in a sack and beaten with switches for their year-round transgressions.
Recommended Videos
Villages in Austria, southern Germany and Switzerland still honor the Krampus with the Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, a march of monstrous, goat-costumed people through the streets, on Dec. 5 (Krampusnacht), with Dec. 6 as St. Nicholas Day.
This version of Krampus can be traced back to the 1700s, according to Al Ridenour in his seminal work, “The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas.”
But the beginnings of the Krampus myth can be found in folk stories throughout central and eastern Europe.
Americans imported Krampus traditions more recently. They’re a symbol of the more ancient, dark side of the season when people would tell each other ghost stories on long, cold winter nights, and the spirits abounded.
Here in Central Florida, events range from traditional Krampus Runs to breakfast with Krampus, to festivals, pub crawls, art shows and, at Gatorland, the Krampus Croc. These events don’t just take place this week but throughout the month.
Here’s where you can find Krampus events in Central Florida.
Thursday, Dec. 5
SANFORD
Krampusnacht 2024 - The Ultimate Battle of Evil vs. Good
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Magnolia Square, Historic Downtown Sanford
What: Hollerbach’s German Restaurant is once against playing host to Krampus and St. Nicholas. New this year, the main event is a pro-wrestling tourney with a Christmas market, a half-time metal show by Varanger, and lots of food. This event is free.
Guests are still encouraged to dress up in their best Krampus costumes.
The restaurant says this event is not suitable for children.
Then on Friday, Dec. 6, Hollerbach’s will host a more family-friendly St. Nicholas Day where the man in red takes pictures and distributes Advent calendars.
Head to Hollerbach’s website to find more info.
KISSIMMEE
Krampus Con
When: Various events from Dec. 5 through Dec. 21
Where: Krush Brau Park and Biergarten, 2198 Four Winds Blvd.
What: Krush Brau Park is once again hosting a festival of Krampus events for all ages. It all kicks off with KrampusNacht on Thursday, Dec. 5, with a Krampus March along West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Guests are encouraged to don their Krampus costumes and join in the fun.
Other events include an art show, a Great Krampus Ball, a Haunted House, Kakes with Krampus (a family-friendly character breakfast), and more. Some of the events are already sold out. Head to the Krampus Con website to get more information and to buy tickets.
Saturday, Dec. 7
ORLANDO
Gatorland Holiday Ho, Ho Ho-Down
When: Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22
Where: Gatorland Orlando, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
What: Gatorland every year celebrates a very Florida Christmas, featuring Gator Claus and Krampus Croc for meet-and-greets. Guests can also check out holiday displays and an arts and crafts market while visiting all of the animals. The Ho-Down takes place on weekends throughout December. Learn more about the holiday event HERE.
COCOA
4th Annual Photos With Krampus
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The Sea Witch of Cocoa Village on 118 Harris Street
What: The Sea Witch of Cocoa Village is a store featuring spiritual products and also hosts a historic ghost walk. Every year, Krampus visits the store to take pictures with friends, family and pets. The photos are free.
Sunday, Dec. 8
ORLANDO
Krampusfest
When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Plaza Live! 425 N. Bumby Ave.
What: The free festival is back in The Milk District. come in costume and check out the Christmas market and festival. Get your photo taken with Krampus, take part in the Krampuslauf, see live music and enjoy other activities. The event is family-friendly in the afternoon, but children need an adult chaperone once the sun goes down. Head to The Milk District website for more details.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: