The Alternative Christmas Costume Party Returns December 6, 2025
Squid Lid has just announced that the legendary Krampus Ball will return Saturday, December 6 at the Opera House for its thirteenth year. The Krampus Ball is Toronto’s Alternative Christmas Costume Party that celebrates the darker side of the holidays with an eclectic spectacle of costumes, music, aerial works, and avant-garde burlesque performances.
The Krampus Ball is a highly anticipated annual party of frightful yet beautiful costumes and makeup. Krampus Ball also promotes the vast array of artistic talent in Toronto with a diverse selection of performances throughout the venue, creating a non-intimidating yet wild party for all in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to dress up; whether it be in demon-wear as an homage to the namesake yuletide demon himself, or another festive being such as a nutcracker or a sugarplum fairy.
“Many may fear Krampus and the demon theme of our event, but truth be told, this is the warmest, most caring collection of naughty demons you will ever find. Everyone is invited to dress up and cavort with new and old friends,” said Krampus Ball Producer Zirco Fisher. “This inclusive event allows party goers to escape the day-to-day pressures of the holiday season, and stresses of the news, while immersing themselves in a night of otherworldly wonder and amazement.”
Krampus Ball entertainment will include a wide range of music from alternative rock, black metal, and eerie theremin serenades to break beats, deep bass, and drum n bass. Squid Lid headlines, with the support of Gremlinz, Jonah K, Ark Theos, Vedmah, Thea Faulds, Zel Tyrant, Darling Darling, Sam Astaroth, and a whole host of interactive performances and installations around the entire venue.
Krampus is an anthropomorphic demon that appears annually looking to punish naughty children, but more importantly, to be celebrated in hopes of a warmer winter thanks to the fires of his spirit. Krampus Ball is designed to be an alternative expression within the concentrated holiday season aesthetic within an inclusive environment designed to encourage wonder and inspire magic. For full lineup, past year videos, and other fun details, visit krampusball.ca.
SQUID LID is a Dark Electro spectacle for the everyday explorer. SQUID LID began in 2009 as an underground rave duo in Toronto, featuring deep bass beats with whimsical circus melodies while performing in signature glowing creature masks. After four official album releases, signing to NGP in Chicago, and appearances at SXSW, NXNE, Astral Harvest, Eclipse, Fan Expo, and touring across North America and Europe, this multi sensory project has evolved itself a number of times over. Currently focusing its efforts on three annual costume parties in Toronto, The KRAMPUS BALL,The MERMAID BALL, and SKELEDANCE Squid Lid continues to carve out a place for those in need of escapism from the day to day and a willingness to adventure into the range of strange. Spearheaded by James Zirco Fisher, the project collaborates with many other companies and collectives like Mothmeister, Rue Morgue Magazine, Theatre Bizarre, psyLush and Legacy Cabaret to make new exciting art intended to inspire and uplift the spirit. For the latest murky music releases, a graphic novel band history, and all the eye candy videos, visit squidlid.com.
Just the Details
What: Krampus Ball
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025
10pm, (19+)
Where: Opera House, 735 Queen Street East
Get tickets: Tickets starting at $40
krampusball25.eventbrite.ca
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