Halloween is past, sure, and Christmas is coming, but it isn’t just the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also one of the spookiest. In addition to being a great time for ghost stories, it’s also when people all around the world celebrate with creepy Christmas traditions, The best known of which may be Krampus, and Americans have definitely embraced him. He factors into a lot of the creepy holiday horror fun that crops up. Let’s check out some of what 2022 has to offer.
1. Nov. 26-27, 2022: Horror for the Holidays
Location: Palmer Events Center, Austin, Texas
Description: They state it best on their website: “Horror For The Holidays Art & Gift Bazaar is especially made for horror fans and features hordes of vendors selling horror, gothic and dark merchandise.”
But besides tons of vendors, they’ll also have stage shows, an evil Santa to get your photo taken with, and a Krampus parade!
Website: https://www.bloodovertexas.com/next-event
2. Dec. 2-4, 2022: Krampus Kon
Location: Merritt Square Mall, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Description: Vendors will provide plenty of shopping in between panels, playing in the Gamer Room, or screening films for the film fest.
Website: https://krampuskon.com
3. Dec. 3, 2022: Krampus Run 5K
Location: Grissom High School, Huntsville, AL
Description: This is pretty much a regular 5K…with the exception that Krampus will be on the prowl during it. (That might be the only way you’d get me to run —if Krampus was after me!)
Registration includes a memento from Krampus to hang on your Christmas tree, and after the race runners are invited to join Krampus at Das Stahl Bierhaus for photos with the beast, food, and Krampus-themed beer. (For those who are old enough to imbibe.)
Website: https://www.huntsville.org/event/krampus-run-5k/47020
4. Dec. 3, 2022: Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses)
Location: Principal Park, Des Moines, IA
Description: This free event features a parade of “Krampi” and their handlers parading through Christkindlmarket Des Moines, led by none other than Saint Nicholas himself. (Hey, someone has to be on hand to keep the Krampuses in check!)
Website: https://www.unation.com/event/krampuslauf-running-of-the-krampuses-12618385
5. Dec. 3, 2022: Black Forest Krampusnacht Festival
Location: Pocono Whitewater Rafting, Jim Thorpe, PA
Description: The first thing I envisioned when I saw the location was a bunch of Krampuses on a river. Not exactly. They’ll be sticking to dry ground, where bonfires (for s’mores and storytelling) will be lit. There will also be both food and shopping vendors set up.
6. Dec. 9, 2022: Krampus Nacht 2022
Location: The American German Club, Lake Worth, FL
Description: On December 10, the American German Club will host a Christkindlmarkt. The night before is reserved to “showcase a ‘Krampuslauf’ (aka Krampus Run), a parade of many Krampus creatures having wild fun.” In addition, they’ll have a DJ spinning the hits for dancing, a coal-lifting contest, and tons of photo ops to get a selfie with one of the many Krampuses that’ll be lurking about.
Website: https://www.americangermanclub.org/events-calendar/krampus-nacht-2022
7. Dec. 10, 2022: Blood on the Snow Vampire/Krampus Ball
Location: Photo City Music Hall, Rochester, NY
Description: Attendees dressed in formal, goth, fetish, all black or costumes will dance the night away to DJs spinning Goth, Industrial and EBM at this spooktacular seasonal ball.
Website: https://photocitymusichall.com/events/2022/12/10/blood-on-the-snow-vampire-krampus-ball-2022
8. Dec. 17-18, 2022: TerrorFest – Conroe, TX
Location: Conroe, TX
Description: TerrorFest is combining legendary Rock ‘n Rollers with cult classic horror movie and TV celebrities. Attendees will be able to meet cult classic guests such as Robert Mukes (House of 1000 Corpses), Peggy Miley (Stranger Things), and Oliver Robins (Poltergeist). The convention will even be filming a short horror film with acting opportunities available for attendees.
They’ll also get to see David Ellefson (Megadeth), Richie Ramone (Ramones), and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath & Dio) judging the TerrorFest Battle of the Bands.
Website: https://www.terrorfest.net
Check-In
Is there any creepy holiday horror fun happening near you or that you’re planning to attend? If you know of something I don’t have on the list, please shout. I’ll happily update this post as need be!
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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There aren’t any creepy holiday events near me, but doesn’t the Krampus Nacht sound fun?
We don’t have creepy Christmas events here in the UK but those sound fun, especially the vampire ball!
YES!!!! lol
Agreed, Spooky Mrs. Green!!! It sounds so gothically romantic and wonderful!