Krampusmarkt to Bring ‘Oddly Exquisite’ Offerings to East Van, December 6-8

On December 7th and 8th, Krampusmarkt will make its second coming at Strange Fellows Brewing. The two-day market and festival is preceded by a ticketed evening celebration on December 6th ($15, including beer, snacks and a welcome gift).

Keeping in-line with Strange Fellows’ custom of bringing people together and celebrating the more off-centre Old World traditions, Krampusmarkt is a lighthearted homage to St. Nick’s terrifying hairy, horned and hoofed partner and punisher of the naughty, Krampus.

Here’s a bit of backstory, according to Strange Fellows’ co-owner and brand designer, Christine Moulson:

“When we were building the brewery, and discussing our vision for brewery events, we knew that we didn’t want to do the usual St Patrick’s day green beer and all that, but wanted to go much deeper and celebrate the more primal or superstitious reasons that people really get together. A friend introduced us to Krampus…The more we learned about Krampus we knew he had to come to East Vancouver, which he did in 2015, beginning our tradition of Photos with Krampus at the beginning of every December There is something about Krampus that appeals to people in a unique way – perhaps it’s the naughty side of us that likes him, or maybe we are looking for a glimmer of light that shines to us from way back when.”

The devilish alter ego will once again be touching down at the brewery for their 5th annual “Photos with Krampus”, and this year he’ll be humouring markt-goers with two weekend sittings (Saturday and Sunday from 1-3pm) in addition to the Thursday evening one (December 5th, 7-9pm).

As for the ‘markt’ itself, the line-up of 30 local and Canadian makers have all been specially selected by organizer/ceramicist Grace Lee of Object Handmade Studio for the curiously beautiful quality of their art and wares. Ceramics, tableware, decorations, jewelry, art (such as prints and originals by recent interviewee Frances Hahn) and more will all be available to fulfill your gift-giving needs for the more peculiar bunch on your holiday list (yourself included).

Besides shopping, Krampusmarkt weekend revellers can also partake in one of the hour-long beer and chocolate tastings led by master chocolatier, Geoseph Domenichiello. There are four sessions spread out over Saturday and Sunday, each featuring a flight of four Strange Fellows beers matched with chocolate and cacao from Chocolate With Geoseph, Kasama (East Van), Sirine (Victoria), and Little Tree Chocolate (Salt Spring). Tickets are all inclusive and can be found, along with all of the delicious details, over here. Additional impromptu crafty workshops will be popping up at the brewery during the event and providing further entertainment for the full family.

General Admission for Saturday is only $2 in advance (or $3 at the door) and can be arranged at this link. We’ll see you there!