Milwaukee's Wildest Christmas party is here! 

Sunday, December 4, 2022 3-9pm at the

Best Place and surrounding Brewery District.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

(and sign up for the American Ghost Walks parade at 7pm!)

Erna Meets Krampus…Again!

From Krampusnacht organizer and American Ghost Walks guide and writer, Tea Krulos:

One of my favorite things about directing Milwaukee Krampusnacht is to see the range of people who enjoy and participate in it– they range from German cultural groups to goths and metalheads to families looking for a fun activity together. It’s fun for all ages and walks of life. This year we got a craft vendor floor and market, music, activities, a Dead Man’s Carnival circus stage, and, an event highlight– the American Ghost Walks Krampus Parade, so there’s something for everyone.

I love to hear stories from those who have a connection to the tradition from the past. In 2018, an attendee named Lisa brought her friend Erna to the event and shared this delightful story with us on Facebook:

Hey all, I just wanted to say thanks so much for this awesome event! I brought my 92 year old friend Erna, who emigrated from Austria (Krampus' homeland!) as a young woman right after WWII. Erna remembers being visited by the Krampus as a little girl.

She says she found out later that when St. Nicholas and Krampus arrived, one of her parents would slip St. Nicholas a note with details of when she and her siblings had been naughty throughout the year, and St. Nicholas would secretly read it quickly and then confront the children with their misbehavior.

If the children did not take responsibility and apologize and promise to be good from then on, they were threatened with Krampus abduction! She still remembers being frightened/excited when she and her siblings heard the combination of chains and bells outside their home announcing the arrival of St. Nicholas and Krampus, and then her parents would round the children up and make them sit in a row of chairs in the living room waiting to meet their visitors. Hahaha!

Again, thank you so much. Erna had the time of her life!

Thank you, Lisa and Erna, we hope to see you at Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2022! You can find more info on tickets, schedule, parade registration, accommodations, and more at: milwaukeekrampusnacht.com