Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls

December 5th Downtown Sioux Falls

Who is krampus?

Krampus comes from Alpine folklore, long before movies or pop culture got their hands on him. He’s not a demon, not a devil, and not part of any religious fear story. He’s a winter creature, part goat, part spirit, part old-world warning, who travels during the holiday season to deal with mischief and keep kids mindful.

Traditionally, Krampus walks alongside Saint Nicholas. One rewards the good. The other handles the troublemakers. It’s all done with humor and pageantry, not terror.

Krampus is loud, strange, and a little intimidating, but he’s also part of a long cultural tradition that celebrates balance. Light and dark. Rewards and consequences. Winter and warmth. It’s not about fear, it’s about folklore.

That’s the version we bring to Sioux Falls.

Every December 5th

Krampus returns to downtown Sioux Falls for photo ops, a short Krampuslauf, and a night of old-world winter mischief. Join us at Federal Plaza on 12th and Phillips. Free, fun, and folklore-friendly.

About Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls

Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls is our city’s own take on the old-world Alpine tradition, brought to life right in the heart of downtown. Every December, our Krampus troupe steps out into the cold with masks, fur-covered costumes, bells, chains, and all the folklore energy that makes this tradition unforgettable. It’s part history, part street theater, and part winter mischief.

Activities

This event isn’t a festival or a market. It’s a live appearance inspired by centuries of European folklore, where Krampus walks the streets, interacts with families, poses for photos, and brings a playful edge to the holiday season. Everything is designed to stay true to the original roots, no Hollywood tropes, no horror-show theatrics, and no jump scares for kids. Just authentic, handcrafted characters and a chance to meet them up close.

Tickets

Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls is free to attend, and we keep it that way. We do offer a small amount of merch on-site to help cover materials, and yearly expenses, but the event itself is all about the experience. Whether you're into folklore, winter traditions, or just want a memorable photo, Krampusnacht brings something unique to Sioux Falls every year.

Krampuslauf

Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls also includes our own version of a Krampuslauf, the traditional “Krampus run” found throughout Alpine villages. Ours isn’t a race and it’s not chaotic — it’s a short, playful walk where our Krampuses roam the plaza, jingle their bells, rattle their chains, and interact with the crowd in character. It’s meant to feel like a living piece of folklore moving through the streets.

The Krampuslauf gives people a chance to see the costumes in motion, take photos, and get that classic old-world experience without things ever getting unsafe or out of hand. It’s energetic, it’s weird, and it’s fun to watch. Like everything we do, it stays fully within the spirit of the tradition: loud enough to turn heads, but always playful and respectful of families and kids.

Who is krampus?

Every December 5th

About Us

About Krampusnacht of Sioux Falls

Activities

Tickets

Krampuslauf

Instagram

Connect With Us

This website uses cookies.