Since 2017, Milwaukee Krampusnacht has honored the deliciously dark Krampus tradition with local art, music, performers, food and drink.

Krampus is a monster of folklore that originates from the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria and other parts of Europe. Basically, he's the opposite of St. Nick who enjoys terrorizing naughty children.

Milwaukee Krampusnacht takes place Sunday, Dec. 4 from 3 to 9 p.m. The creepy fun moves this year to the Brewery District and will be spread across venues between 9th and 11th Streets on Juneau Avenue in Downtown Milwaukee. 

Here are some of the happenings this year:

• Best Place's Blue Ribbon Hall hosts a Kid’s Krampus Hour,  Krampuskarten (card) making workshop, presentation by author Chad Lewis on “Legends and Folklore of Winter” and a party with The Squeezettes and Xposed 4heads.
• Best Place’s Great Hall will feature the American Science & Surplus Krampus Holiday Market with two dozen craft vendors. An additional dozen vendors will be found in the Krampus Market Square next to the Great Hall. The basement, Saint Nick’s Speakeasy, will have Karaoke with Morgan, tarot reader Kozmic Krystel and the Awkward Nerd Events photo booth.
• On Tap will host “Onkel Belsnickel’s Party Patio” featuring DJs Ryan and Wendy, a guest set by hip-hop artist Puerto Wiccan and monster-themed games.
• Central Waters Brewing and their new food partners Trouble Maker’s Cocina will serve food and drink. The Dead Man’s Carnival 11th Street Stage will be outside featuring music, circus and belly dance performance.
• The American Ghost Walks Krampus March takes place at 7 p.m. and goes from 9th to 11th Streets on Juneau, then down the other side of Juneau from 11th back to 9th.

General admission tickets are $5 (plus service fees), special activities require a separate ticket. Tickets and more specific information is available here.