ELF MATTERS
krampus 2025
Whitbykrampus run
WKR ELF
WKR returns following a full successful 10th celebratory year which included an epic battle with the elements through Storm Daragh. Krampus prevailed and now into the 11th year (ELF) expect more attractions across the town bringing the community together and providing for visitors an alternative magical experience to the festive season.
Expect an event with Fearful Folklore and Festive Mayhem. The streets of Whitby are about to echo once more with bells, chains, and the unmistakable clatter of cloven hooves. Whitby Krampus Run is one of the UK's most striking and atmospheric winter folklore events, The celebration promises to be bigger, bolder, and beastlier than ever before.
Rooted in Alpine tradition and uniquely reimagined for Whitby's old world charm with local folklore and history, the Krampus Run brings to life the darker side of Yuletide. While Saint Nicholas rewards the good, Krampus punishes the naughty-and in Whitby, he does so with style.
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Each year, the Whitby Krampus Run has grown in scale and spectacle, drawing in participants and spectators from across the UK and beyond. What began as a grassroots celebration of European folklore has become a powerful community tradition-and a one-of-a-kind winter festival experience.
"Krampus has become part of Whitby's cultural calendar in a way we could never have imagined when we started," says Laurence Mitchell, founder of the Whitby Krampus Run. "It's about folklore, creativity, and a little bit of catharsis at the darkest time of the year. We're proud to see it continue into its second decade." - Adds Co-founder Elaine Edmunds.
Whether you come to cheer, fear, or just marvel at the spectacle, the 11th Whitby Krampus Run invites you to experience a winter tradition like no other.
This year Whitby Krampus Run is thrilled to announce its collaboration, support and sponsorship with the Royal Hotel Whitby, which will play host to the much anticipated Krampus Ball at night and stalls in the day. This partnership marks a significant celebration of local tradition, folklore, and community spirit, as one of Whitby's most iconic venues opens its doors to the wild revelry of Krampusnacht.
Two nights of entertainment at The Royal Hotel.
Friday a chance to meet Krampus and the Krew.
A free evening of entertainment from The Three Wise(ish) men with their close up magic and music from Seven Headed Raven and SYD.31
On Saturday The Krampus Ball, a highlight of the festivities, draws visitors from across the UK and beyond for an evening of music, mischief, and mythological mayhem. Featuring The Tengu Taiko Drummers at Whitby Brewery and The Midsommars and Gadorcræft at The Roya Hotel Balroom.
The Royal Hotel's commitment to supporting unique cultural events like this ensures a magical and memorable experience for all who attend.
MORE INFO ABOUT FULL WEEKEND'S PROGRAM COMING SOON
Krampus at the royal hotel
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Friday 5th December
Come to the Royal Hotel and meet the Whitby Krampus Run krew. All are willkommen to this free event as we kick off proceedings for WKR ELF in fine style with an evening of music and magic.
Entertainment provided by the Three iWiseish Men and music from Seven Headed Raven and SYD.31.
Free Entry
Seven-Headed Raven is a folk horror trio playing music from and inspired by the Latvian and British folk traditions. Its members are :
Tim Bowen (composer). Tim has played cello with various artists including Chromehoof,
The Anchoress and Jowe Head;
Catherine Gerbrands, who has played saw for the Medieaval Baebes, The Witching Tale, KatieJane Garside’s Liar, Flower project,
David Lance Callaghan a member of Jowe Head’s (Swell Maps) various incarnations; and Liene Rudziša, who plays the traditional Latvian instrument the kokle, and is a member of the London Latvian choir.
Played at our very first Krampus Ball and we are so delighted to have them back. SYD.31 is a devilish horror-punk/industrial-metal project by Dr Magic.
Sounding like The Misfits and Prodigy in a bar brawl. Always fulfilling their punk mantra of ‘Noise Not Music’ Syd.31 is a vocal incitement to riot backed by big beats and Shay Shay’s destructive guitar soundscapes.
Self proclaimed as the Last Punks On Earth, they sound like nothing else this side of Hades.
https://www.facebook.com/Syd31
https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorMagicUK
The Krampus Ball
Saturday 6th December
The Royal Hotel hosts Thee Krampus Ball with a few treats and surprises to be revealed plus the evenings entertainment is brought to you by two of the most exciting acts right now and the heißist ticket in town
Tickets £23.00
With a surprise performance at our St. John's Eve event which left everyone mesmerised twe just had to have The Midsommars return for the Krampus Ball.
A gothic folk vocal ensemble conjuring haunting harmonies, eerie atmosphere, and reimagined traditional songs from around the world. Combining candlelight, storytelling, and immersive visuals, The Midsommars perform intimate, otherworldly sets with strings, ocarinas, and bodhrán drums. Known for their spellbinding presence and raw emotionality, they revive forgotten tales and melodies with a dark theatrical flair.
Think Heilung, Dead Can Dance, Loreena McKennitt, traditional folk with a gothic twist.
Everytime we see Galdorcræft perform they blow us away and this year its going to be exceptional
Galdorcræft is a Dark Neo Folk band hailing from Staffordshire, UK, formed in 2020 by the creative core of Kliff Moon, Marie Moon, and Matthew Wudotun. Their distinctive sound seamlessly merges ancient and contemporary instruments, drawing deep inspiration from history, the natural world, and the pantheons of old.
Galdorcræft's music is a captivating fusion of ritualistic expression and imaginative intent, where intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and powerful vocals converge to craft a unique and magick-infused auditory experience.
Krampus at WHITBY BREWERY
Saturday 6th December
Whitby Bewery kicks off Saturday evenings entertainment with the spectacular Tengu Taiko Drummers
Free Entry
Thunder in Motion. Spirit in Sound.
Feel the pulse of ancient Japan surge through every beat—Tengu Taiko Drummers deliver a breathtaking fusion of rhythm, movement, and tradition that ignites the senses and captivates the soul.
Named after the mythical Tengu—legendary guardians of the mountains known for their power and mischief—this ensemble brings fierce energy and refined artistry to the stage, channeling centuries of Japanese drumming tradition into heart-pounding performances. Hailing from York and rooted in traditional Japanese taiko fearlessly modern in execution, Tengu Taiko has electrified audiences at international festivals, cultural events, and concert halls alike.
Saturday 7th December
Free Entry
Whitby Bewery will host the closing ceremony and will include entertainment and music from Petrol Hoers
Formed in 2013, Petrol Hoers is the pioneer of the “digital horsecore” genre mixing extreme electronica, metal guitars and absurdist comedy.
“Petrol Hoers is one of the oddest and most original artists its ever been my pleasure to come across in the last 15 years of BBC Introducing”
-Tom Robinson – BBC Introducing Mixtape
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