Kick up your hooves at the Cream City Hostel

November 6, 2019

Photos by Peter DiAntoni

The Third Annual Milwaukee Krampusnacht is happening Thursday, December 5 at the Bavarian Bierhaus. This is a new annual tradition in Milwaukee, but Krampus has old-world roots. Children in European countries like Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia were warned that Saint Nick, who delivered treats to good children, was accompanied by a monster who would punish bad children, Krampus (also known by other names in other regions). Krampus is the fear of the dangerous, dark winter forests. Other cultures have similar traditions-- the child-eating ogress of Iceland, Gryla, who stalks around the holiday, La Befana, a witch that delivers gifts to Italian children on Epiphany (January 5), and the Mari Lwyd, a skeletal horse with Christmas ornament eyeballs that goes door-to-door in Wales as just a couple examples.

Milwaukee Krampusnacht is a new take on an old classic. The event features food and drink from the Bavarian Bierhaus, live music (this year there are performances by The Foragers, The Squeezettes, The Courtesan and The Cabin Boy, and Xposed 4heads), a charity toy drive for Toys for Tots, Kid's Krampus Hour, the American Science & Surplus Krampus Parade, and outdoor Bells & Chains Tavern (with games), and a Krampus Holiday Market with 20 talented vendors. You can find more event information, details, and tickets here: https://milwaukeeparacon.com/krampus/

The hostel is a great homebase for your Krampusnacht visit. We recently had some special guests-- Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit, a group of local Krampus performers who participate in Krampusnacht and other events. They stopped by to check out our facilities and we're glad to say we're Krampus approved!

We’re offering a 10% discount if you use the code Krampus on check out. This discount code is good for December 4th-8th in case you’re making Krampusnacht a mini-vacation. You can book here: creamcityhostel.com

Here’s some things Krampusnacht attendees will like:

-Locker space for each person in each room (and the staff is able to store larger items for you).

-Comfortable beds, each with their own light and outlet.

-We’re close to the Bavarian Bierhaus, about 4 miles/ 10 minute drive. If you don’t want to drive, join the bicycle Ride to Krampusnacht (CLICK HERE)– the hostel rents bikes on site. The number 15 bus goes from the hostel to the Bierhaus.

-Knowledgable staff of Krampus fans can direct you on places close by to get something to eat and other needs.

Milwaukee Krampusnacht info and tickets can be found here: www.milwaukeeparacon.com/krampus