Kamloops Krampus started almost two years ago on my best friend’s back porch. Sparked from an idea to fill a need for something out of the ordinary, the first annual Kamloops Krampus Parade and Market saw hundreds of people come on out to the park to watch and join in with dozens of costumed Krampus and kindred spirits. The costumed group wound its way through Riverside Park and ascended the hill to the Sandman Arena where the Krampus market filled the Kia Lounge with vendors of all kinds.
And now it’s happening again.
We focus quite a bit on Krampus lore. Krampus represents both accountability and celebration. He brings art, performance, community, and a sense that we can honour both the light and the dark without fear. For many people, that alone is comforting. This time of year is not always easy for everyone and having space for something a little different gives people room to not only breathe, but have cause for celebration!
Co-founder, Kristina Erickson, has been passionate about Krampus long before Kamloops Krampus was even started. “I’ve always loved monsters. I’ve been following the Krampus lore for over a decade now. Every year I would hunt down videos of the Krampus parades all over the world and marvel in the costumes and the celebrations,” Erickson said. “When I first heard Krampus was the dark counterpoint to St Nick, I had to know more!”
Erickson went on to explain what draws her and so many others into these traditions. “There is something old and pure about ancient Pagan traditions. People celebrated Yule, the winter solstice, and with it the dark part of the year. Krampus comes to deal with the wicked and drive away the evil spirits of winter. To me, that was very comforting.” And from the response that Kamloops Krampus has received during workshops, classes, and events throughout the past year, many in the community agree.
What started as a simple idea between two people who love folklore and community events has grown into not just the annual Parade and Market, but a community of people who are excited about and learning about folklore. Families, students, artists, volunteers, people who grew up with the celebrations of Krampus, and those who have never heard of it before but are super keen to dive in, have all become part of the growing Kamloops Krampus crew
Now, as we get ready for our second parade and market on December 6, 2025, I feel even more sure about why this event matters. It is free, family-friendly, and open to anyone who wants to be part of it.
The parade participants will gather at the Riverside Park Bandshell at 4 p.m. and come 5 p.m., they will wind their way to the Kia Lounge at the Sandman Centre, where the Krampus Market runs until 9:00 p.m.
Get dressed up, bring your bells, your drums, and your sense of adventure! Or just sit back and watch the parade, and maybe browse the over 25 vendors we will have at the market in the Kia Lounge from 5–9 p.m.
People come for the costumes and to shop at the market, but they stay for the sense of community. This year, Kamloops Krampus will also be collecting toys and gifts for Christmas Amalgamated. These can be dropped off at the Krampus table at the Market itself.
At the end of the day, events like this remind us that community spirit grows when people show up and take part. It does not come from big budgets. It comes from makers, volunteers, families, and curious folks who come out in the cold to be part of something fun. As Erickson said, “It’s our hope to see this wild tradition grow and give back to the community in a fun and different way.”
Juli Harland is the co-founder of Kamloops Krampus.