Cruise the Ohio River with Krampus in Kentucky
This is not your average riverboat cruise. Get ready to cruise Kentucky with Krampus!
We are all familiar with the tradition of Santa Claus. You've likely sat on his lap as a child to share your dreams of Christmas gifts under the tree. As wholesome and wonderful as all of that is, you may not know about the darker side of the season known as Krampus.
Meet Krampus the Dark Side of Holiday Folklore
You may not be familiar with Krampus, and that's ok. We'll give you a quick, little history lesson on this piece of holiday folklore. While Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas as he is sometimes known, is traditionally used as positive reinforcement to get children to behave, with the promise that he rewards good behavior by bringing toys and gifts to the children who mind their parents, Krampus is what you might call the anti-Santa.
Krampus is a horned half-man, half-goat creature who, according to German legend, punishes naughty children instead of rewarding them. In traditional folklore, Krampusnacht takes place every year on December 5, the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas. Across parts of Europe and Australia, people dress as the frightening creature and chase children through the streets, warning them to behave before St. Nick’s arrival.
Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5 every year across Germany, other European countries, and Australia. It occurs the night before the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, a night when people dress up as the devil Krampus and chase naughty children through the streets. The children are told off by the Krampus and given bundles of ‘ruten,’ a cluster of twigs, so they don’t forget the Krampus after he leaves.- National Today
How the Belle of Louisville Is Bringing Krampus to Life
Now, the Belle of Louisville Riverboats is putting its own twist on this chilling tradition. On Saturday, December 6th, and Saturday, December 13th, the Krampus Cruise sets sail on the Mary M. Miller Riverboat for a two-hour, adults-only moonlight cruise filled with music, cocktails, and eerie fun. Krampus himself will be on board for photos and mischief while guests mingle and enjoy the river’s night views.
Come one, come all… if you dare! The Krampus Cruise is a frightfully fun and festive event on the Mary M. Miller in Louisville! Enjoy a cocktail and music onboard a Moonlight Cruise. It’s not just any Moonlight Cruise, for Krampus himself will be joining us onboard. - Belle of Louisville Riverboats
Everything You Need to Know About the Krampus Cruise
Before cruising with Krampus, you will need a ticket, which can be purchased in advance from Belle of Louisville Riverboats. Tickets are $39.99 per adult. Flat shoes are encouraged as surfaces can be uneven. Additionally, you should plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to cruise time. The cruise departs from 131 W River Road, Louisville, Kentucky.
A Perfect Blend of Festive Fun and Fright
If you’re looking for a holiday event that blends festive spirit with a little fright, the Krampus Cruise is the perfect mix of creepy and cool.
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