You can usually hear him coming, as the soft steps of his bare human foot alternate with the clip-clop of his cloven hoof. His name is Krampus, and he’s the terror of Austria and the Alpine region around Christmastime.
Legend also says that Krampus loves Sonoran hot dogs.
In other words, you can catch the big creepy dude hanging out in the Old Pueblo this holiday season. So, if you think your Christmas experience needs a little touch of Halloween, here are a few Krampus-themed events happening in Tucson.
Casa Video & Film Bar
2905 E. Speedway Blvd.
Wednesday, December 11
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, the 41-year-old local video store and bar is showing the 2015 horror/comedy “Krampus.” Plus, Samurai Teppan Steak & Sushi will be serving food out on Casa’s patio (starting at/around 6 p.m.)(the movie starts at 7 p.m.)
“Happy Holidays Tucson! We will be open and have regular hours on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Day,” the Casa Video team also shared. “To those without or not able to be with their families, come and celebrate with our family. If you’re looking for last-minute presents and stocking stuffers we’ve got gift cards, T-shirts, hats, and hundreds of used DVDs and Blu-rays for sale for any movie lover. Also, we’ve got hundreds of beers in bottles and cans to mix and match in six-packs!”
Krampus Nacht Market
236 S. Scott Ave.
Friday, December 13
Going down on the patio next to Owls Club in downtown Tucson, the Krampus Nacht Market is bringing at least 30 vendors, flash tattoos, music, and drag performances from 3 – 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13. Plus, Talega Coffee will be open, serving hot beverages, and food will be provided by Mr. Bulgogi (Korean barbecue) and Brucedog (a popular hot dog stand that’s been around since the ’80s).
Also, Krampus will be on the premises taking free photos with whoever dares.
Nexus Occult Books & Oddities
4865 E. Speedway Blvd.
Multiple Dates
Free photos with Krampus! Nexus Occult Books & Oddities is hosting the scary guy from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, and then again on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22.
All ages and pets are welcome. Also, Cuppa GoGo is next door so grab a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte, or any other festive beverage before or after your photoshoot.
How It Works:
- Come to Nexus Occult Books anytime between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on one of the dates listed above
- There will be an elf to assist with taking your picture
- We will use your smartphone or camera to take the picture
- Pictures are taken on a first-come, first-served basis
- Sign in at the register
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
