Santa’s evil twin invades RVA for Second Annual Krampusnacht celebration

by | Dec 3, 2014 | POLITICS

‘Tis the season for Santa to come to town and bring gifts for all the nice kids of RVA–but what happens to the kids that have spent this past year being naughty? That job is left for Krampus, Santa’s dark companion.

‘Tis the season for Santa to come to town and bring gifts for all the nice kids of RVA–but what happens to the kids that have spent this past year being naughty? That job is left for Krampus, Santa’s dark companion. Krampus is a terrifying devil-like creature, complete with horns, hooves and a monstrous tongue, who swats naughty children with switches and rusty chains before putting them in baskets and dragging them to hell. Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

Richmond certainly is, and this Saturday RVA will be celebrating its 2nd annual Krampusnacht march by bringing “Christmas terror to Carytown.” Anyone who’s intrigued and willing is welcome to participate this Saturday, the 6th. Volunteers who want to walk are asked to arrive at Portrait House by 5:30pm in costume, but make sure you check the rules for participation first. In other words, don your whips and chains, but don’t beat any innocent onlookers, please.


Photo by Scott P. Yates

This event may not quite rival the Carytown Zombie Walk as yet, but make no mistake, it will certainly be a sight. Last year’s inaugural Krampusnacht Carytown Christmas terror event was a rousing success, as you can see from the pic above. Check out our coverage of last year’s edition of the event for more details and delightfully frightful images.

There will be a costume contest before the march on Saturday evening, and after participants have completed a full loop around Carytown, an after-party with schnapps and craft beer will be held at Portrait House. And there’s good news for those of you that don’t want to give up the Krampus spirit after the march, Krampus-related events will be celebrated all winter long!

One of the events happening this month will be “Yuletide Monsters: A Krampus Art Show.” The opening reception actually takes place the night before the Krampusnacht parade, on Dec. 5th, from 6-10pm at 9WG Studios (9 W. Grace St). Art will remain on display through Dec. 29th. The exhibition features 25 artists, featuring work from Mickael Broth, James Callahan (Barf Comics), Bizhan Khodabandeh, Will Towles, Parker Galore, and a whole lot more! Come check it out, then get involved in the show this Saturday night in Carytown, because nothing says holiday spirit in RVA like terrifying others with horns and whips!

Marilyn Drew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Former GayRVA editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine editor for print and web. Anxiety expert, proud trans woman, happily married.




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