On Sunday, the city’s holiday market party season stalwart (get it?!) returns to the Milk District when Krampusfest returns to Plaza Live (425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando).
Known for its large collection of holiday stalls (both traditional and quirky), this wonderfully quirky gathering runs from 2pm to 9pm. After 6pm, the event is free and only for those 18 and older, so events range from fun to naughty. At that moment, the horn sounds.
“Krampusfest is a welcoming event for everyone, including families, so we let parents decide whether they wanted to participate in a year-end celebration that was a little more ‘adult’ in costumes and content,” says Angie Fawkes, Executive Director of Milk District.
She said gift vendors cover all walks of life.
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“You’ll find traditional items like locally made honey, vintage apparel, jewelry, décor and other crafts, to crafts like taxidermy,” Foulkes says. “It’s truly a rainbow of weirdness. It’s a quirky party with things you won’t find anywhere else during the holiday season.”
Also on deck is a wide range of dining options including, but not limited to, A Lo Cubano Kitchen, Bertsos Bakeshop, Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery, Chillin’ Tacos, Coterie Coffee, Gringos Locos, Katsu Cream, Maxtro’s, Phat Ash Bakes, Baba Yaga, Schnitz and Giggles, Smoke & Donuts, Swine & Sons, The Pass Kitchen, The Knot and more.
“It’s not a party without good food and drinks. It’s all part of the Krampusfest experience. It’s not a traditional holiday event, so you won’t find traditional holiday food. We have a wide range of local options, and we prioritize great community partners.”
When asked about KrampusFest, Matthias Wagner of Schnitz & Giggles laughs and reports that it was “the best one-day event in truck history.”
Wagner was born and raised in Germany, but Krampus didn’t even exist in northern Bavaria, where he grew up.
“It’s more of a southern Bavarian and Austrian tradition,” he says with a laugh, noting that he first heard of Krampus while watching American television.
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“Where I grew up, there was Knecht Rupprecht, who was like a sidekick to St. Nicholas,” he explains. “In Germany, December 6th is St. Nicholas’ Day, where St. Nicholas goes from door to door to reward good children, and Knecht Rupprecht punishes bad children. He carries a stick and wears a robe…like an evil Gandalf.”
Despite the lack of connection, Wagner is a big fan of Krampusfest, and the German-inspired event will likely see guests feast on German cuisine.
“This was the best one-day event we have ever held,” Wagner says. “I love it.”
The same goes for the Phat Ash Bakes gang. This is their fourth year participating.
“We love going against the grain, and Krampusfest definitely fits the bill,” says Fat Ash’s Israel Erazo. “We love being part of the alternative culture in this city, we love having fun, and Krampus is very upbeat.”
Cookie fans take note. This year, the event-exclusive Krampus cookie is back, but like the Spectrum Monster himself, this cookie won’t be back until next year.
“Krampus cookies are black velvet cookies with blood red icing on the sides,” Erazo says. “We did it last year and it was very well received. And we’re the only place to do it.”
This year’s live entertainment includes Goblin Party, the locally acclaimed Bloody Jug Band (“It’s like swamp rock,” says Folks, “a very unique sound,” Folks says)’s Discovery of the Plaza Live Battle of the Bands. Bad Santa and Angry Elves round out the lineup, but that’s just on stage.
Other entertainers include local performing arts group Phantasmagoria, who will bring belly dancers and sword swallowers, among others, and Slider Syndicate, who will return after their critically acclaimed debut in 2024.
Costumed participants gather for the Krampsnauf Parade. Admission is free and Krampus himself will lead the way. At this parade, revelers can check out all the cosplays and vote by applause for their favorite of the night. Winners receive prizes of up to $250.
“KrampusFest is a community event and while it is free to attend, the best way to enjoy it is to purchase VIP tickets,” Foulkes said.
For $85 in advance and $90 the day of the event, VIP attendees will receive a customized stainless steel tankard featuring 2025 artwork, an event T-shirt, stickers, a signed paper crown horn, and a wristband giving VIP access to the indoor bar and restrooms. Perhaps best of all, VIPs are guaranteed a ticket to a photo shoot with Krampus, photographed by popular local portrait photographer David Lawrence. (VIP access-only wristbands for bar/restroom access only are available for purchase for $20.)
In the years since its founding, Foulkes said Krampusfest has developed a strong following, including people from out of town and out of state.
“Krampsfest started as this little punk rock idea we discussed over drinks, but it has now become one of Orlando’s most anticipated holiday traditions and our signature event,” Foulkes says. “The fact that it continues to grow and still feels incredibly ‘us’ is something we’re really proud of.”
VIP tickets: givebutter.com/KrampusFest2025
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