Whitby Krampus Run 2025 - see what's happening and where
One of the most spectacular sights in Whitby’s events calendar is fast approaching – and here we give you a rundown of what’s going at the 2025 Whitby Krampus Run.
Now in its 11th year, the event is now a weekend family-friendly festival and runs from Friday December 5 to Sunday December 7, offering visitors a magical, alternative twist on the festive season.
Highlights include processions and performances across town and alll entertainment and activities are free, except Saturday night’s Krampus Ball.
It is also a fundraiser with street collections for Whitby Disablement Action Group (DAG), so those wishing to contribute should please take cash.
Here’s what’s going on at this year’s festival:
Friday December 5
8pm Meat and Greet the Krampus, Royal Hotel, Whitby (free entry)
Meet your Whitby Krampus Krew.
Expect close-up magic from The Three Wise(ish) Men, haunting folk-horror from Seven-Headed Raven, and industrial-punk chaos from Syd.31.
Saturday December 6
11am roaming Krampus, street performances, processions and magical beasts throughout the town.
Children’s activities, selected stalls and WKR merchandise available throughout the day at The Royal Hotel.
As dusk falls, Whitby Trommel Fiends summon ancient spirits at The Whalebones, drumming a welcome to the arrival of the Viking boat as beacons flare across the harbour.
Join in the communal drumming to signal the evening has begun.
4.45pm Return of Mister Fox , the legendary Yorkshire fire-dance performance troupe, to Dock End.
7.15pm Tengu Taiko Drummers at Whitby Brewery - free event.
The Yellow Whitby Tour Bus then carries revellers back to The Royal Hotel for a special musical number at the Whalebones before The Krampus Ball, from 9pm to 1am featuring The Midsommars and Galdorcræft.
Ball tickets are £23, age limit 14-plus, with adult / 16-plus unaccompanied.
Sunday December 7
1pm The Reindeer Games at Cholmley House
Bravery and absurdity compete for glory, culminating in the traditional annual ‘Oss Race’.
As twilight falls, a lantern procession makes its way from Cholmley House to Whitby Brewery for closing revels with Petrol Hoers and a rousing Oompahty to end the weekend with a flourish.
And the organisers won’t let bad weather beat them easily – last year’s went ahead despite Storm Daragh bringing heavy rain and 60mph winds to the area.