Thanks to everyone who purchased advance tickets, the Krampus Ball is now sold out. Unfortunately, there will be no walk-up tickets available at the door. However, there are three more Krampusfest events this year: The Krampuslauf Thursday, December 10, Krampus at Alpine Village, Saturday, December 12, and the Traditional Krampus Play and Films, Sunday, December 13. As all Krampusfest events traditionally sell out, some quite far in advance, we strongly recommend advance ticket purchase to avoid disappointment. The Traditional Krampus Play and Films is exclusively advance tickets. The Krampuslauf is free and unticketed.
Krampus Ball this Saturday, Dec. 5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015.
ADVANCE TICKETS QUICKLY SELLING OUT. VERY LIMITED WALK-UP PURCHASE MAY BE AVAILABLE.
Held once again in our chalet-style venue in Highland Park, the Krampus Ball, is the scariest costume party this side of the Alps. Tonight it falls on Krampusnacht, the night the devils are summoned by St. Nicholas from their secret cave on Mount Lee, and marched toward Highland Park where the naughty and nice are assembled for judgment. Tradition says we dress to the “neins” for this night of reckoning, so we encourage whatever Krampus couture’s within your budget — lederhosen or dirndl, some Victorian fanciness, or just some sprigs of pagan holly – it’s up to you. While we await St. Nick’s judgment, we’ll pass the time with entertainment including classic German tales of errant children musically and theatrically interpreted by cabaret artist Christina Linhardt and vaudevillian “Tuba” Heatherton. You’ll have a chance to embrace your inner Bavarian as GTEV D’Oberlandler returns with their folkloric Schuhplattler dances, 10-foot alphorns, accordions, and tuned cowbells. Linda Herman and the Raving Polka roll out the barrel, and get your oompah running. Things get truly witchy when Tatzelwurm takes the stage. Performing in horns and hides and smelling faintly of the Black Death, this experimental neofolk ensemble makes the sort of music Odin puts on mixtapes for his Valkyries. There will also be the diabolically pleasing shimmying of Miss Krampest Storm, treats and blessings from St. Nicholas, and other surprises, the most terrifying being the arrival of the Krampus Los Angeles Troupe. When you hear that clatter of bells outside, you’ll wish you’d been good; nearly two dozen fantastically outfitted Krampusses and related demons are about to storm in, sweeping everyone into a furry maelstrom of horns and flicking switches.
Highland Park Ebell Club 131 S Ave 57 Los Angeles, CA 90042, Doors: 7:30pm, Show: 8pm-12am, $20 (Advance tickets strongly recommended; this event sells out early every year.)
2013 Krampus Ball 2013 photos. 2014 Krampus Ball 2014 photos.
RSVP on Facebook. See who’s going.
Traditional Krampus-Nicholas Play Returns
Back by popular demand, we’ll again present an English-language production of an authentic 19th-century Alpine “Nicholas play,” style of folk play presented on St. Nicholas day featuring the Krampus (and believed to be an original source of the tradition). In 2014 UNESCO recognized the “Nicholas play” (Nikolausspiel) as an element of Austria’s “intangible cultural heritage,” or in the parlance of the UN, a “Human Treasure.” Our December 13 Los Angeles presentation is a composite of several village plays, incorporating not only the Krampus and Nicholas, but also a juicy tirade by the Prince of Hell, the “Lucifer Sermon,” usually presented as a standalone act, as well as “Death and the Youth” featuring an exceedingly clueless young man stalked by a remorseless Reaper. Below are photos from the 2014 production set in the Gothic revival Church of the Angels, our venue again in 2015. More info on the play and tickets here.
Krampus Slideshow with Costumes 11/28
Saturday, November 28, 2015
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY: Tickets for 6pm. Tickets for 8pm.
The Krampus, the dark companion to St. Nicholas once known only in German-speaking Europe, is currently experiencing dubious fame as an American movie star. Learn the myths behind the myths, as Al Ridenour of Krampus Los Angeles explores the authentic folklore and contemporary practice with slides, video, and appearances by a cavalcade of costumed associates.
Wildly out of step with our modern, gentle Christmas, the Krampus is actually far from shocking when viewed against his historic backdrop. Tonight, we’ll learn about the creature’s relationship to centuries-old witchcraft beliefs and explore the old, darker notion of the Christmas season as one offering access to the spirit world. In Germany and Austria, on these nights, ghost armies once rode the skies, witches gathered for their sabbaths, and magicians might transform themselves into werewolves. Even the Catholic saints could turn into monstrous apparitions — the hammer wielding “Bloody Thomas” of St. Thomas Night, the Luz, threatening children with her sickle on St. Lucy’s, and the moss-faced crones who even today chase young people with switches on St. Barbara’s Night. The Krampus and nearly a dozen of these monstrous relatives (including the towering goat-like Habergeiß) will be marshaled through the Goethe-Institut auditorium by Al Ridenour, co-producer, with Al Guerrero, of the Los Angeles Krampusfest, now in its third year. This 2015 Goethe-Institut presentation includes costumes and imagery not shown in 2014.
After the lecture there will be mulled wine (Glühwein) and a chance to take photos with performers and socialize in the Goethe Institut reception area.
The Goethe Institut, 5750 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100. PARKING: From Wilshire turn south on Courtyard Place for underground parking (only $1 with validation).
RSVP on Facebook. See who’s going.
Krampus Ball Details Announced
The Third Annual Los Angeles Krampus Ball
Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Held once again in our chalet-style venue in Highland Park, the Krampus Ball, is the scariest costume party this side of the Alps. Tonight it falls on Krampusnacht, the night the devils are summoned by St. Nicholas from their secret cave on Mount Lee, and marched toward Highland Park where the naughty and nice are assembled for judgment. Tradition says we dress to the “neins” for this night of reckoning, so we encourage whatever Krampus couture’s within your budget — lederhosen or dirndl, some Victorian fanciness, or just some sprigs of pagan holly – it’s up to you. While we await St. Nick’s judgment, we’ll pass the time with entertainment including classic German tales of errant children musically and theatrically interpreted by cabaret artist Christina Linhardt and vaudevillian “Tuba” Heatherton. You’ll have a chance to embrace your inner Bavarian as GTEV D’Oberlandler returns with their folkloric Schuhplattler dances, 10-foot alphorns, accordions, and tuned cowbells. Linda Herman and the Raving Polka roll out the barrel, and get your oompah running. Things get truly witchy when Tatzelwurm takes the stage. Performing in horns and hides and smelling faintly of the Black Death, this experimental neofolk ensemble makes the sort of music Odin puts on mixtapes for his Valkyries. There will also be the diabolically pleasing shimmying of Miss Krampest Storm, treats and blessings from St. Nicholas, and other surprises, the most terrifying being the arrival of the Krampus Los Angeles Troupe. When you hear that clatter of bells outside, you’ll wish you’d been good; nearly two dozen fantastically outfitted Krampusses and related demons are about to storm in, sweeping everyone into a furry maelstrom of horns and flicking switches.
KRAMPUS BALL: Highland Park Ebell Club, 131 S Ave 57 Los Angeles, CA 90042, Doors: 7:30pm, Show: 8pm-12am, $20 (Advance tickets strongly recommended; this event sells out early every year.)
2013 Krampus Ball 2013 photos. 2014 Krampus Ball 2014 photos.
RSVP on Facebook. See who’s going.