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The Creepmas Parade is an annual outdoor costume parade that takes place in early December in Duluth. This year, the big night is December 6!
Our mission is to provide the community with an annual event where participants can learn about folklore, while admiring traditions and creating new memories.
The parade is inspired by Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, which is a traditional European celebration. Read more about Krampus under the Our Inspiration section.
Creepmas is a macabre, gothic, and spooky way to celebrate the winter holiday season. It takes the aesthetic of Halloween and carries it throughout December.
The Creepmas Parade is a blend of these traditions and aesthetics. It is an eccentric celebration full of avant-garde costumes. People are encouraged to respectfully dress up as the winter myths, cryptids, or any creature that resonates with them.
Let your imagination run free to create the costume of your spooky dreams. Bells are the unifying piece of our parade and we encourage everyone to jingle and jangle along the parade route. Learn more about why we wear bells.
Our Inspiration
Our Inspiration
Our parade is inspired by the rich, dark, and fascinating traditions of Krampus festivals celebrated throughout parts of Europe, particularly in Austria, Germany, and surrounding Alpine regions. Dating back to the 12th century, festivals take place in early December and feature the figure of Krampus, a horned, fearsome creature who punishes misbehaving children, often accompanying Saint Nicholas.
Historically, Krampus festivities were known for their wild energy, handmade costumes, and rowdy street processions. They served as a form of cultural rebellion, often pushing against societal norms and authority. Krampus celebrations were even banned by the Nazi regime. The banning only added to the spirit of resistance and folk identity that surrounds the tradition today.
Traditionally, Krampus figures carried sticks and struck children as part of the performance. This parade will not include any hitting, chasing, or frightening behavior. Read more about our values on The Creepmas Code page.
Through ths parade, we celebrate costume making, community expression, and winter folklore. Let’s honor the heart of the Krampus tradition while leaving behind the elements that don't align with our values of safety and respect.
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