If Halloween is peanut butter and Christmas is chocolate, then Old Town’s Krampusnacht is the perfect holiday Reese’s Cup. This family-friendly festival blends spooky fun with festive cheer, offering a fresh take on holiday traditions.
Krampus, a figure from European folklore, is often described as the “anti-Santa” or “death-metal Santa.” While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty, kidnapping them or beating them with sticks.
But Krampusnacht isn’t about scaring kids. (Well, maybe a little.) The mischievous, goat-like monster has become a symbol for those seeking an alternative to cookie-cutter holiday traditions. Event organizer Summer Schriner, owner of Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods and Grace Boutique of Old Town, was inspired to bring the celebration to Lansing after experiencing Krampusnacht in Austria.
“Krampus has spread across the United States in the last 10, 15 years. There are big events in Seattle, Texas and Los Angeles bringing this tradition from Austria and Bavaria to the United States. We’re thrilled to bring it to Lansing,” Schriner said at the second annual event on Saturday (Dec. 7).
With attendance growing from 2,500 last year to an estimated 6,000 this year, Krampusnacht has scaled up significantly.
“A few of us got it started last year, and this year it grew even more. The street’s closed, we’ve got a stage — two things people really wanted,” Schriner said. “We worked really hard to make that happen, but it’s all very hand-to-mouth for us. We’ve got folks walking around with buckets to help fund next year’s event.”
As the December sun set over Turner Street, the festival came alive. Families, friends and costumed enthusiasts filled Old Town, where Misfit Market vendors lined the street, offering everything from handcrafted goods to festive food and drinks. The energy was high, fueled by live music from Lansing band Splendid Chaos and the ability to carry drinks around Old Town’s social district.
“I’m just creepy by nature,” Tanya Burt of Sweet Geekery Cookies and Crochet, a vendor at the Misfit Market, said. “Geeky, creepy, all that good stuff. This event makes sense for me.”
Maryann Peyterson of Witchy Whimsicals added, “Ten or 20 years ago, people might’ve thought this was weird. Now, it’s something everyone can enjoy.”
Roaming the streets were Krampuses and other folkloric characters, each costume wildly unique and meticulously handmade. Brian Stieber of Battle Creek towered over the crowd as a Santa-like figure with goat legs and blacked-out eyes, leading his daughter, Zoey, by a chain.
“Krampus is kind of a badass,” he said. “Kids have to keep in line or he destroys them, which is perfect.”
For Todd Letts of Lansing and Adam Hancock of Ann Arbor, Krampusnacht is about self-expression and community. Dressed as an earth and fire Krampus duo, the pair shared their love for the tradition.
“There’s always a balance of good and evil,” Hancock said. “While Krampus might seem scary, he was actually St. Nicholas’ partner keeping kids in line.”
Some Krampuses found meaning in simpler joys. Milo Horness of Saginaw, a towering Krampus with piercing red eyes, praised the complimentary hot chocolate at the warming station. Horness’ journey into the Krampus suit began at his job at Factory of the Dead, a Saginaw haunted house.
The haunting tones of alpine horns, courtesy of Katzenjammer Alphorns, set the mood as the evening’s main attraction approached: the Krampus parade. Costumed Krampuses marched through the street, terrorizing and delighting the crowd in equal measure. Some swung switches playfully at attendees, while others screamed or growled, their theatrical antics drawing a mix of laughter, gasps and delighted shrieks. Children squealed with glee as adults joined in the chaos, cheering, snapping pictures and soaking up the festive mischief. The crowd was transported by the whirlwind of pageantry as Turner Street transformed into a scene out of an ancient village festival.
After the parade, the crowd gathered for a performance by the Flames ‘N Dames fire dancers. Children sat mesmerized in the front row, their faces illuminated by the spinning flames. Among them were sisters Norah and Natalee Wilford of Lansing, who later competed in the costume contest.
“Norah won the kids’ costume contest last year, and she wanted to do it again,” their mother, Chrissy, shared. “Her little sister wanted to join in, too. It’s become a new tradition for us.”
The night concluded with the much-anticipated costume contest, hosted by Thrift Witch owner and Dark Art of Michigan co-founder Tiesha King. Each Krampus brought a unique flair — one carried a live baby in its pouch, while another sported a giant paper-mâché head with jiggling eyes and a wagging tongue. The people’s choice award went to a Krampus with enormous, curling horns and unsettling eyes, while Natalee Wilford took home the silver with her whimsical pink costume.
Reflecting on the event, first-time attendee Marcela Horness said, “You’re having a good time, not stressing about credit card bills or shopping lists. Christmas is fun, too, but this is more fun.”
As the night wound down, organizer Emily Schwinghamer shared her hopes for the festival’s future.
“I hope people become more aware of Krampus and other global traditions. There’s so much folklore out there beyond what we typically celebrate,” she said.
For Schriner, the highlight was simple: “Honestly, it’s the little kids. That’s the spirit of this — it’s welcoming to families and everyone who wants a little nonsense and joy in their life this time of year.”
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