Typical of the German temperament, it is unfair for Santa Claus to reward good little children and let naughty brats go unpunished. Whereas kindly, bearded St. Nick has a sack full of presents on Christmas, the hairy, horned Krampus demon beats rascals with a birch rod and carries them away in his sack. Celebrate Krampusnacht in 2015 with a host of activities in the Chicago area.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6cVyoMH4QE]
On December 4. Legendary Pictures releases Krampus in theaters. A dysfunctional family holiday unleashes the power of the Yule Ghoul. The horror-comedy features Adam Scott, Toni Collette and David Koechner. PG-13.
That same evening, Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin hosts its Krampuslauf open reception. Krampus-themed art will be available. The studio is at 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin, IL.
On December 5, Martyr’s holds its 3rd annual Krampusfest. The Holiday Artisan Market will run from 12pm-5pm. Costumes are encouraged for the 6pm parade on Lincoln Ave from Berenice to Irving Park. There will be live music and a pub-crawl from 6pm-8pm. Martyr’s is at 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL.
Further to the south on December 5, there will be a one-night extravaganza with a procession from Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar at 960 W 31st Street to Co-Prosperity Sphere at 3219 S Morgan Street, Chicago, IL. Merry-makers will head out from Maria’s at 7:30pm. They will parade down the street to the Co-Prosperity Sphere for revelries from 8pm to 1am. There will be Krampus-inspired art by Monte Beauchamp, EC Brown, Stephanie Burke, Sean DeSantis, Justine Harlan, Angela Lopez, Celeste Neuhaus, Edra Soto, Kevin Jennings, Frank Pollard and Catie Olson. There will be a Suggested Donation of $10 that includes drink ticket, or $5 with Krampus-related costume that will include a drink ticket. Must be 21 to enter. Costumes are encouraged!
Give yourself the gift of song on December 7 at Café Mustache’s Blue Mondays: Krampusnacht. A cappella punk rock choir the Blue Ribbon Glee Club presents its first Monday of the month residency. Old-timey mad scientist musicians The White City Rippers will skewer holiday favorites. Kent Lambert of Roommate plays a solo set. Expect a real, live Krampus too! Café Mustache is located at 2313 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL. The free show starts at 8pm!
Township hosts its first Krampus Mart on December 13. The alternative holiday handmade market will have over 15 vendors and music by DJ Scary Lady Sarah. Township is at 2200-2202 N California Ave, Chicago, IL. Free!
Let’s make this the best Krampusnacht ever!
1 Comment.
Hey! Love the listing of all the Krampus events! Just wanted to add one more that I’m involved in…
This holiday season Strangeloop Theatre presents Krampus! written by Company Member Jacyln Jensen and Mike Wozniak.
It isn’t enough that a family has to deal with the usual drama that comes with Christmas, but the Murray family has to do it in the isolation of a cabin in the woods, during a snow storm with a holiday devil running amok and only some peppermint schnaps to get them through it. Will there be enough Christmas spirit for all to survive?
On Monday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 8, you can find Krampus! at Mary’s Attic in Andersonville (5400 N. Clark St., Chicago, 60640). And on Monday, December 14, and Tuesday, December 15, Krampus! will be at Underground Wonder Bar in River North (710 N. Clark St., Chicago 60654). All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 in advance via Brown Paper Tickets or $12 at the door.