ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Christmas time is here, but in some cultures, it\u2019s not all happiness and cheer.<\/p>\n
For centuries, winter has been a time for scary stories as people gave form to their fears of the dark. From Gryla in Iceland to the Kallikantzari in Greece, many of the stories seem to be intended as a last-ditch effort to scare naughty children straight.<\/p>\n
[HOLIDAY GUIDE: Central Florida light displays, parades, events to get in the spirit this 2025 season<\/a>]<\/p>\n Take the Central European legend of the Krampus.<\/p>\n This goat-like figure, European legends say, takes care of the naughty children who don\u2019t get presents from St. Nicholas (after all, he\u2019s a jolly old soul, he can\u2019t be out there punishing children). They may be placed in a sack and beaten with switches for their year-round transgressions. <\/p>\n [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it\u2019s FREE)<\/a> | PINIT! Share your photos<\/a>] <\/p>\n There are villages in Austria, southern Germany and Switzerland that still honor the Krampus with the Krampuslauf, or Krampus run, a march of monstrous, goat-costumed people through the streets, on Dec. 5 (Krampusnacht), with Dec. 6 as St. Nicholas Day.<\/p>\n Americans imported Krampus traditions more recently. Here in Central Florida, events range from traditional Krampus Runs to breakfast with Krampus, to festivals, pub crawls, art shows and, at Gatorland, the Krampus Croc. These events don\u2019t just take place this week but throughout the month.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where you can find Krampus-related events in Central Florida.<\/p>\n Now through Dec. 21<\/p>\n CASSELBERRY<\/p>\n Creepmass at SpookyCat Press<\/p>\n When: All day<\/p>\n Where: SpookyCat Press store, 893 S.R. 436<\/p>\n What: SpookyCat Press is a homegrown company selling Goth and horror-themed art and products like shirts, bags, and stationery. The husband-and-wife-run company just recently opened a brick-and-mortar store, featuring their Creepmas and Krampus collections, with special promotions now through Dec. 21. Check out the store\u2019s website for more info.<\/a><\/p>\n Thursday, Dec. 4<\/p>\n SANFORD<\/p>\n Krampusnacht 2025 – St. Nick vs. Krampus 2<\/p>\n When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Magnolia Square, Historic Downtown Sanford<\/p>\n What: Hollerbach\u2019s German Restaurant is once again playing host to frenemies Krampus and St. Nicholas. The main event is a pro-wrestling tourney with a Krampus market, a live metal performances by Varanger and Mangy Bones, and lots of food. This event is free.<\/p>\n Guests are still encouraged to dress up in their best Krampus costumes.<\/p>\n The restaurant says this event is not suitable for children.<\/p>\n Then on Saturday, Dec. 6, Hollerbach\u2019s will host a more family-friendly St. Nicholas Day where the man in red takes pictures and distributes Advent calendars. There will also be live holiday polka music.<\/p>\n Head to Hollerbach\u2019s website<\/a> to find more info.<\/p>\n Friday, Dec. 5<\/p>\n KISSIMMEE<\/p>\n Krampus Con<\/p>\n When: Various events from Dec. 5 through Dec. 21<\/p>\n Where: Krush Brau Park and Biergarten, 2198 Four Winds Blvd.<\/p>\n What: Krush Brau Park is once again hosting a festival of Krampus events for all ages. It all kicks off with KrampusNacht on Thursday, Dec. 5, with a Krampus March along West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Guests are encouraged to don their Krampus costumes and join in the fun.<\/p>\n Other events include an art show, a Great Krampus Ball, a Haunted House, Kakes with Krampus (a family-friendly character breakfast), and more. Some of the events are already sold out. Head to the Krampus Con website<\/a> to get more information and to buy tickets.<\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 6<\/p>\n Gatorland Holiday Ho, Ho Ho-Down<\/p>\n When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21<\/p>\n Where: Gatorland Orlando, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail<\/p>\n What: Gatorland every year celebrates a very Florida Christmas, featuring Gator Claus and Krampus Croc for meet-and-greets. Guests can also check out holiday displays and an arts and crafts market while visiting all of the animals. The Ho-Down takes place on weekends throughout December. Learn more about the holiday event HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n Sunday, Dec. 7<\/p>\n ORLANDO<\/p>\n KrampusFest 2025<\/p>\n When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: The Plaza LIVE and around The Milk District, Bumby Avenue.<\/p>\n What: KrampusFest returns to The Plaza LIVE for its sixth year with its largest market yet: more than 170 vendors featuring artisans and oddities, food and spectacle. Live entertainment will be available all day, along with professional photos with Krampus and a Krampuslauf parade.<\/p>\n Children are welcome in the daytime hours, but once the sun goes down, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.<\/p>\n KrampusFest is free, but VIP packages are also available. Details are on the KrampusFest website.<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, Dec. 20<\/p>\n ORLANDO<\/p>\n Killer Krampus Party!<\/p>\n When: Starting at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: VAULT 5421 inside Gods & Monsters, 5421 International Dr., Orlando<\/p>\n What: Gods & Monsters comic book store is throwing a party inside its speakeasy, VAULT 5421. The bar will be running Krampus-related movies and cosplay performances. Both the bar and the store are offering specials. Guests are encouraged to dress up.<\/p>\n