Krampus is taking over Kissimmee this December, bringing dark holiday folklore, local art and heavy metal to Krush Brau Park. The venue will kick off its fourth annual Krampus Con on Saturday, Dec. 5, with a Krampus march, an art show, and a live performance by Medal Militia, a veteran-founded Metallica tribute band.
The kickoff runs from 5 to 11:30 p.m. at the Krush Brau Park Portal Immersion Center, with the Medal Militia concert scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at the World Event Center. General admission to the kickoff is free, while concert tickets are sold separately.
A Dark Twist on the Holiday Season
Krampus Con puts a different spin on traditional Christmas celebrations by embracing the folklore of Krampus, a horned figure from Alpine European traditions who is often portrayed as a frightening counterpart to St. Nicholas.
The Dec. 5 kickoff will feature the Krampus march and a themed art show highlighting local artists’ dark and whimsical interpretations of the legendary holiday figure. The event is designed for visitors interested in alternative holiday traditions, imaginative artwork, and a more unconventional seasonal experience.
The kickoff also launches a broader Krampus Con celebration scheduled to continue through Feb. 5, 2027, with additional experiences offered on select dates. These include a Krampus-themed haunted attraction, Kakes with Krampus and Kocktails with Krampus. Some activities require separate tickets, so visitors should check the official event listings for schedules and admission details.
Medal Militia Brings Four Decades of Metallica
Adding a heavy metal soundtrack to the kickoff, Medal Militia will deliver two hours of Metallica music spanning the band’s extensive catalog.
Founded in 2014 by U.S. Navy veterans James O’Brien and Jim Pyle, the band was established to honor Metallica’s legacy through live performances that capture the energy, musicianship, and intensity of the original group’s music.
The setlist spans albums ranging from Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning to Master of Puppets, The Black Album, and the more recent 72 Seasons. Fans can expect a combination of well-known hits and deeper cuts for a show designed to appeal to longtime Metallica listeners and newer fans alike.
Medal Militia has shared stages and events with rock and metal artists including George Lynch, Tantric, BulletBoys, Spread Eagle and Titanium Tart, featuring legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain.
The concert offers a musical complement to Krampus Con’s alternative holiday atmosphere, pairing the spectacle of the season’s darker folklore with the sound of one of heavy metal’s most recognizable catalogs.
How to Attend Krampus Con and Krampus Nacht
The Krampus Con kickoff takes place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 11:30 p.m. at Krush Brau Park’s Portal Immersion Center, located at 2198 Four Winds Blvd. in Kissimmee. The Medal Militia concert follows from 7 to 9 p.m. at the World Event Center, located at 4580 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Concert doors open at 6 p.m.
The kickoff is listed as free admission, but attendees need separate tickets for the Medal Militia performance. Free parking is available, and the concert is listed as an all-ages event.
For kickoff details and reservations, visit the Krampus Con Kickoff Eventbrite page.
For concert tickets, visit the Krampus Nacht: Medal Militia Eventbrite page.
More information about the band is available at medalmilitia.com.
