Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles
"An evening of folkloric holiday traditions with author Al Ridenour, featuring pre-show cocktail hour, music, costumed Krampuses and more! KRAMPUS NIGHT AT PRS An Evening of Folkloric Holiday Traditions with Author Al Ridenour, featuring Pre-Show Cocktail Hour, Live German Holiday Songs, Costumed Krampuses and Screening of Rideour's Krampus Video Highlight Reel! Join us at PRS for an evening celebrating everyone’s favorite Alpine monster, with author and Krampus expert Al Ridenour and friends. Ridenour is the author of The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas (Feral House, 2016), the only in-depth English-language study of the folkloric creature. Now in its second printing, it has been praised by critics including the LA Times’ Elizabeth Hand, who found the book “gleefully erudite,” remarking that it “deserves to become a classic.” He’ll give an illustrated presentation each evening revealing how the often-misunderstood figure of the Krampus is connected to centuries-old witchcraft beliefs and an older, darker understanding of the Christmas season as a time offering access to the spirit world. Presented in partnership with Krampus Los Angeles! COSTUMED KRAMPUSES A contingent of horned and switch-wielding devils from KRAMPUS LOS ANGELES, the troupe founded by Ridenour, will also be on hand to sniff out exactly who has been naughty this year! Photo ops galore! Mind the switches! VIDEO SHORTS Ridenour will also present a quirky collection of short European Krampus videos, featuring DIY horror shorts crafted by Krampus troupes, Krampus disco shows, Krampus music videos for metal bands, workshops for those traumatized by the creature, and other oddities. Der Struwwelpeter will also be back by popular demand. Alongside the Krampus clips, a short excerpt will be included from this rare 1955 film presented in its entirety last year. Based on the 1845 children’s book by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman, Der Struwwelpeter presents charming tableaux precisely mirroring Hoffman’s original illustrations of naughty children meeting terrible ends. LIVE MUSIC The evening will also feature an appearance by renowned singer Christina Linhardt performing traditional St. Nicholas songs associated with the Krampus. BOAST OF THE KRAMPUS A horned and chain-rattling devil mounts the stage for a brief soliloquy full of threats and brimstone. The rhymed text, translated by Ridenour, is taken from a 19th-century Austrian “Nicholas Play,” a traditional folk play recognized as a source of the modern Krampus. VENDORS AND COCKTAILS ON THE PATIO In addition to the auditorium presentation, attendees will enjoy a pre-show cocktail hour featuring traditional German Glühwein during which they can peruse the PRS bookshop and the wares of local artisans crafting Krampus candles, chocolates, and related items. BOOK SIGNING Signed copies of The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas will be available at the PRS bookstore before and after the event. Author Ridenour will be available for personal inscriptions immediately after his presentation. COME IN COSTUME & WIN A PRIZE We encourage attendees to don their finest creepy apparel and folkloric costumes, with crowd favorites receiving prizes! ABOUT KRAMPUS LOS ANGELES In 2013, as co-founder of Krampus Los Angeles, Ridenour helped gather a troupe of Krampus performers, crafted suits and went on to organize an ongoing series of parades and themed shows known as LA Krampusfest. Over the years, Krampus Los Angeles has appeared alongside the first Europeans visitors to appear stateside in traditional Krampus costumes (2014), hosted an entire 15-person troupe from the state of Salzburg (2015), and presented a 19th-century Austrian Krampus-Nicholas play (2015-17). Many of the current troupe members now wear suits obtained from European artisans."