Individual Participation
Everything you need to know to get involved, dress in costume, join our troupe, and recruit your friends.
Photography by In Vue Productions.
Before you join: our Code of Conduct
Everyone who performs, volunteers, vends, or gathers with Krampus Bremerton agrees to follow our Code of Conduct. It covers:
- Respect, consent, and safe guest interaction
- No hate symbols, hate speech, or extremism of any kind
- No harassment or bullying, in person or online
- No partisan politics at our activities
- Social media, privacy, and confidentiality
- How to raise a concern and how it is reviewed
Participation is voluntary and unpaid, and may be ended at any time. Please read the full code before you register.
Krampus performer training
Master the craft of bringing Alpine folklore to life: a comprehensive guide to performance, safety, and community.
For: Krampus performers, elves, and wranglers.
Watch this first
This 15-minute training gives you the foundation. It covers the history of Krampus, costume options, performance basics, safety protocols, and what the Krampus Bremerton community expects from its performers. The modules below expand on each topic in detail.
Your learning path
We've organized this training into six modules. Complete them in order or jump to what interests you.
Understand the characterHistory, regional traditions, and how to stay in character. Learn who Krampus really is.8 min read
Every great performance starts with understanding the role.
Who is Krampus?
Krampus isn't a modern invention or pure mythology. He's a living tradition dating back centuries in Alpine cultures. He appears throughout December in Austria, Bavaria, and surrounding regions during Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) and Krampuslauf (Krampus runs).
The role
Think of Krampus as the folkloric counterpart to Saint Nicholas. Where Saint Nicholas rewards good behavior, Krampus represents the playful consequences of mischief. But here's the key: he's not evil, he's entertaining. Krampus combines fear, humor, and folklore into a character that delights audiences.
Core principle: Krampus is mischievous and playful, never genuinely harmful. Your job is to create memorable scares, not traumatic ones.
Regional variations (and why it matters)
Krampus looks different across regions. Some are demonic and furry, others more imp-like. Some have elaborate horns, others simple ones. We welcome all authentic interpretations at Krampusnacht Bremerton.
Bavarian tradition
Often darker, with elaborate costumes, fur, and horns. Focus on intimidation balanced with playfulness.
Tyrolean style
More imp-like, with bells and chains. Emphasizes mobility and interaction with the crowd.
Modern interpretation
Creative costumes inspired by tradition but adapted for your region and personal style.
Choose the tradition that speaks to you, research it, and own it authentically.
Staying in character
Character is maintained through what you don't do as much as what you do. You're not a person in a costume. You're Krampus.
Body language is your voice
Your physical presence communicates before any sound. Use these techniques:
Building suspense
- Slow, deliberate stalking movements
- Exaggerated turns and gazes
- Pausing at key moments
- Using your silhouette: horns and shape matter
- Silent intimidation before any sound
Showing playfulness
- Quick, surprising movements
- Playful jabs and feints
- Bouncy bell ringing
- Inviting people into games
- Laughing and joyful vocalizations
Sounds, not speeches
Never break character with casual conversation. Instead:
- Growls and grunts for intensity
- Bellows and roars for presence
- Playful shrieks for joy
- Laughs to show your character finds this fun
- Bell ringing for atmosphere
Let your body and vocalizations tell the story. Silence can be more powerful than words.
Costume and preparationWhat to wear, how to care for your costume, and what elves do. Every level is welcome.10 min read
You don't need expensive gear to be a great Krampus. You need commitment and respect for the craft.
Minimum requirement: horns, bells, and your interpretation of the character. Everything else builds from there.
Costume levels
All are equally welcome. Choose what fits your budget, time, and style:
| Level | What it includes | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (Tier 1) | Horns, bells, dark clothing | $30–80 | 1–2 weekends |
| Intermediate (Tier 2) | Custom mask, fur, chains, detailed accessories | $150–400 | Several weeks |
| Professional (Tier 3) | Austrian maker costume, authentic materials, museum quality | $800–2,000+ | 3–4 months |
The character matters infinitely more than the budget. A performer with a $50 costume and excellent movement will outperform someone in a $2,000 costume with poor character work.
Building your own costume
If you're going DIY, check our resources:
- Costume Inspiration Gallery: see what other performers have created
- Materials and Suppliers: where to get horns, fur, masks, and materials
Our community shares techniques and advice freely. Many performers will help.
Krampus elves (supporting role)
Elves aren't a consolation prize costume. They're a critical supporting role. If your group includes elves, they serve real functions:
Safety and logistics
- Spot for performers with limited visibility
- Watch for hazards (stairs, curbs, ice)
- Guide performers through crowds
- Manage group positioning
Guest experience
- Hand out trinkets to children
- Coordinate photo poses
- Carry equipment and supplies
- Manage crowd flow
Interested in being an elf? Connect with a Krampus performer beforehand and discuss your coordinated approach. You'll work as a team the whole event.
Respect and care for your costume
Whether it's $50 or $2,000, your costume is an investment in the character and community. Maintain it:
After each event
- Clean before storing (brush out fur, wipe accessories)
- Check for damage or wear
- Repair small issues immediately
- Store in a dry place, away from sunlight
Before events
- Test that all pieces fit and function
- Replace worn components
- Bring an emergency repair kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
- Test visibility and mobility
Performance techniquesBody language, movement, vocalizations, and how to read different crowd types.12 min read
Master these skills before the event. Practice builds confidence.
Reading different crowd types
Not everyone reacts the same way to Krampus. Skilled performers adjust intensity and approach based on audience type:
Adults
Most love the playful scare and folklore. Watch for smiling and leaning in. That's your signal for full engagement, chasing games, and humor.
Excited kids
Thrilled energy, jumping, wanting photos. Give them the full character experience. They're here to have fun.
Uncertain kids
Watch for hesitation, stepping back, checking a parent. Keep distance, smile with your eyes, move past. Let them warm up naturally; don't force it.
Frightened guests
Signs: tears, freezing, backing away quickly. STOP immediately. Let an elf give them a trinket. Your character allows for tactical retreat with playfulness.
Nervous or unsure
Body language shows discomfort. Short interaction, gentle presence, move on. They may warm up later. Let it happen naturally.
Intoxicated
Alcohol impairs judgment. If they become confrontational, don't engage. Alert a wrangler immediately. Your safety comes first.
Body movement: slow vs. fast
These are your primary tools. Master both:
Slow movement (tension)
- Stalk deliberately toward guests
- Exaggerated turns and pauses
- Make eye contact and hold it
- One step at a time, silent
- Circle around guests slowly
This builds suspense and anticipation. Perfect for setting tone.
Fast movement (release)
- Quick bursts toward excited guests
- Playful chasing and feinting
- Joyful bell ringing and hopping
- Sudden stops and redirects
- Energetic interaction
This releases tension and shows playfulness. Rewards enthusiastic guests.
The rhythm matters: slow builds tension, fast releases it. Good performers alternate to keep audiences engaged and entertained.
Techniques to practice before event day
Silent presence
Practice being intimidating without sound. Your body language and gaze tell the whole story.
Bell handling
Ringing techniques, timing, and volume control. Practice smooth bell work.
Crowd reading
Watch people's reactions. Practice identifying excitement, fear, and hesitation in real time.
Group coordination
Practice entrances and movements with fellow performers. Develop silent signals.
Navigation
If your mask limits vision, practice moving in it. Get comfortable with restricted sight.
Photo posing
Learn poses that look great on camera while staying completely in character.
Consent and safetyPhysical contact guidelines, working with a spotter, handling aggressive guests. Critical reading.15 min read
Non-negotiable. Read this carefully.
This is critical. Consent and personal boundaries are not suggestions. They're requirements. Every interaction depends on respect. This section is not negotiable and not flexible.
Physical contact: do's and don'ts
Clear guidelines for any physical interaction with guests:
Appropriate contact
- High fives (when offered)
- Fist bumps
- Light shoulder tap (when invited)
- Standing close for photos
- Hand grabs for playful pulling (when enthusiastically invited)
Never do this
- Grab someone without consent
- Corner or trap someone
- Block their path or exit
- Grab hair, mask, or horns
- Shove, push, or hit
- Chase into unsafe areas
Golden rule: when in doubt, ask or back away. A missed interaction is fine. Crossing someone's boundary is not.
Reading consent through body language
Learn to read these signals instantly:
Green light (engage)
- Smiling and eye contact
- Leaning toward you
- Reaching toward you
- Staying in place (not backing away)
- Laughing and excited energy
Yellow or red light (back off)
- Not making eye contact
- Body turned away
- Stepping backward
- Tense posture
- Looking to parents or companions
When you see yellow or red, STOP. Move past. This isn't about you. Not everyone is comfortable with Krampus, and that's okay.
Photos: let guests initiate
Photos are part of the fun. Here's how to handle them safely:
- Guests initiate: if someone asks for a photo, pose and stay in character
- Physical contact in photos: let them grab your horns, touch your arm, or pose close, but only if they start it
- If they say no: move on immediately with no attitude or hesitation
- Families with kids: make sure parents are comfortable before close interaction
Special situations
Guests with sensory sensitivity, PTSD, or autism
Some guests are nervous for real reasons. If you notice someone is uncomfortable:
- Keep distance
- No sudden movements or sounds
- Smile with your eyes if possible
- Move past without pressing interaction
Intoxicated guests
Alcohol changes judgment. If a guest becomes confrontational, aggressive, or inappropriate:
- Do not engage. Don't argue; don't match their energy
- Walk away immediately to a safer area
- Alert a wrangler or organizer right away
- Let them handle it. This is what they're there for
Your safety matters more than any interaction. You are never obligated to engage with someone being aggressive.
You are never alone. Krampus performers work in groups with wranglers and organizers present. If something feels wrong, tell someone immediately. We have your back.
Environmental safety
Your costume restricts movement and vision. Stay aware:
Constant hazards
- Uneven pavement and curbs
- Wet or icy surfaces
- Stairs and escalators
- Electrical cords
- Dense crowds pushing
If vision is limited
- Use a spotter to guide you
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Ask for help with stairs or obstacles
- Don't run or chase if you can't see well
- Take breaks if disoriented
Working as a team
Krampus never performs alone. You work as part of a group. Spotters, wranglers, and fellow performers all keep you safe. Watch out for each other.
Communication systems:
- Hand signals: develop silent signals with your group (point, tap, wave for attention)
- Spotters: dedicated people watching for hazards and visibility issues
- Wranglers: coordinators managing the whole group's movement
- Emergency word: one signal that means "STOP immediately," and everyone freezes
Look after each other. If a fellow performer is overheated, injured, or struggling, step in and help. Alert organizers. We're a community, not individuals.
Professional standardsCode of conduct, social media, representing Krampus Bremerton professionally.6 min read
You represent Krampus Bremerton, not just yourself.
Remember this: as a Krampus Bremerton performer, you represent our organization at all times, both in costume and out. Community members, business partners, and guests are watching. Every action reflects on all of us.
Code of conduct
Non-negotiable expectations. The full standards are in our Code of Conduct, which every participant agrees to follow.
Absolutely no
- Political statements or discussions
- Hate speech or slurs
- Harassment of anyone
- Discrimination or bullying
- Substance use during the event
- Sexual or inappropriate behavior
- Aggression or violence
Always be
- Respectful to guests and performers
- Professional in demeanor
- Mindful of your impact
- Honest and authentic
- A team player
- Approachable and kind
Why this matters: Krampusnacht Bremerton is now in its seventh year with 10,000+ attendees because the community trusts us. Downtown businesses support us. Local people have welcomed us into their holiday celebrations. Don't break that trust.
Social media and privacy
Think before you post:
Good to share
- Public performance photos (tag @krampus_bremerton)
- Positive experiences and memories
- Costume progress and tips
- Event announcements
- Appreciation for fellow performers
Don't share
- Other performers' photos without permission
- Backstage or behind-the-scenes moments
- Internal disagreements or drama
- Guest photos without consent
- Anything that reflects poorly on the organization
Golden rule: when in doubt, ask the person before posting their image.
Event day preparationChecklist, techniques to practice, and what happens after the event.8 min read
Be ready, be safe, be present.
Pre-event checklist
Use this before heading to the event:
- Costume complete and tested
- Eaten a good meal
- Emergency repair kit packed
- Extra water (important!)
- Backup gloves or hand coverings
- Cooling items (ice pack, cool towel)
- Basic first aid supplies
- Organizer emergency contact info
- Bells and props secure
- Communication device, if provided
Skills to practice before event day
Don't learn these for the first time at the event. Practice beforehand:
Navigation in costume
Walk around in your full costume, especially if visibility is limited. Get comfortable.
Bell and chain work
Practice bell ringing, chain handling, and safe prop management.
Slow and fast movement
Practice stalking (slow) and chasing (fast) in safe spaces. Master both rhythms.
Group coordination
Practice entrances and movements with fellow performers. Develop hand signals.
Crowd reading
Watch how people react. Practice identifying excitement vs. fear in real time.
Photo posing
Learn poses that look great on camera while staying fully in character.
After the event
Immediately, while everyone is still there
- Help clean up downtown. Leave it better than you found it
- Check on fellow performers and make sure everyone is okay
- Report any damage to organizers so it can be repaired
- Thank wranglers and volunteers
Within a few days
- Clean your costume and store it properly
- Report any injuries or incidents
- Share feedback about what went well and what to improve
- Connect with fellow performers. You've built a community
Your impact: every guest leaves with a story. Krampusnacht Bremerton thrives because of performers like you. Thank you for representing our community with professionalism, passion, and respect.
The code of honor
This is what it means to be a Krampus Bremerton performer.
- Respect the folklore and cultural traditions Krampus represents
- Respect your fellow performers. You're a team
- Respect the public and their personal boundaries
- Prioritize safety above all else, for everyone
- Stay in character and commit to the performance
- Create memorable experiences without causing harm
- Leave every guest with a story worth telling
That's it. That's the whole job. Do these things, and you're a great Krampus Bremerton performer.
Krampusnacht Bremerton participation
Krampus costumes
All levels of Krampus costume are encouraged and welcome. At minimum, sport a pair of horns on your head and a few bells. At the most sophisticated, consider making early purchases from an Austrian costume maker, giving yourself enough lead time to account for shipping and a few weeks in U.S. customs. Check out our Resources and Costuming pages for inspiration.
Krampus Friends
Many of the world's cultures have historical characters with similar looks, traits, and purposes as Krampus. Though we have a Krampus theme, we honor, encourage, and welcome costumes from the many other cultures and beliefs with these characters. Please research their origins and ensure your participation is respectful and appropriate for this type of event. Some beliefs may take offense at their inclusion, and we want to be mindful of their wishes.
Krampus elves
Krampus' elves serve an important purpose. They're not just an alternative costume; they play a functional role in the event. For Krampusnacht, elves ensure the safety of costumed performers and crowds, act as "eyes" where masks prevent good line of sight, hand out trinkets to children, carry needed items, and pose groups for photos. If you'd like to be an elf, align with a Krampus performer and discuss your supporting role before Krampusnacht.
Join our troupe
Get in costume
Whether you're brand new to Krampus and just have a set of horns, or you've purchased your costume from a maker in Austria, everyone is welcome. Get in your costume and join us during Krampusnacht Bremerton as we roam the downtown streets.
Build a costume
Join us for one of our Maker events (see Events for updates). Share best practices, materials, ideas, and advice. Learn from others and socialize as you work on your own costume.
Socialize and meet others
Join one of our Mixer events (see Events for updates). Meet other Krampus enthusiasts out of costume. Have a drink, a chat, and get to know other people in our Kitsap County troupe.
Help us plan
Do you have a talent for organization, planning, and coordination? Do you have ideas for the future of Krampus in Bremerton and Kitsap County? Join our troupe and help us plan to grow this annual tradition.
Help with logistics
As Krampusnacht grows in popularity, executing a large event requires help. We need folks to help coordinate, set up and take down, or watch out for those in costume and the fans celebrating the event.
Build community
Krampus Kitsap is about building community while supporting the businesses and lives of our residents. Share the event, participate, and support local businesses and creative people.
Ready to join our community?
You've completed the training program. You understand the character, the techniques, the safety protocols, and what our community expects. Everything above is your foundation.
You've got this. Let's make Krampusnacht Bremerton unforgettable together.
Registration is event-specific. Find open performer registrations on our Applications & Registrations page. When you register for any event, you agree to follow the Code of Conduct and this performer training.
Questions? Reach out through our Contact page, our Facebook community, or Instagram.
Liability waiver. By participating in Krampusnacht Bremerton, performer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, Krampus Bremerton, its organizers, agents, officials and other participants against any and all claims, loss liability, damages, costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, any and all liability for damage to property and/or any and all liability for personal injury or death as a result of the activity, event and/or as a result of participation in or attendance at the activity, caused by the negligent acts, errors, or omissions of Krampusnacht Bremerton, its organizers, agents, officials and other participants.