Dark Market Asheville's Krampuslauf Market

When December transforms Jackson into a postcard of holiday lights, Dark Market brings the shadow side of the season to life with its Krampuslauf Market. Held at various Asheville brewery locations (past venues include Highland Brewing Company at 12 Old Charlotte Highway Suite 200 and Hi-Wire Brewing’s RAD Beer Garden), this evening market runs 5:30 to 9 PM and features 35-55+ vendors selling oddities, mystics, herbs, tarot decks, apothecary goods, alchemy supplies, and dark arts curiosities.

The atmospheric setting includes hundreds of pillar candles illuminating the space while you browse handcrafted items perfect for your favorite nonconformist. Think macabre-meets-merry, with a distinctly Asheville twist that celebrates European folklore traditions including the Alpine legend of Krampus, St. Nicholas’s horned companion who punishes naughty children.

Admission is free, and parking varies by venue. Highland Brewing’s 40-acre campus offers ample free parking with overflow available at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts (800 Fairview Road Suite D2) with free shuttle service. Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden provides street parking and public lots nearby.

The market typically runs on select dates in December (check current year schedules), making it an ideal addition to a mountain getaway. Lake Lure sits 27-30 miles southeast (45-50 minutes), while Lake Powhatan offers closer access at 10-15 miles. Beaver Lake in north Asheville provides a quick nature escape just 3-7 miles away depending on venue.

Pair your Dark Market visit with dinner at Chai Pani (founded 2009) at 32 Banks Avenue, the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award winner serving chef Meherwan Irani’s Indian street food, or Tupelo Honey Café (opened December 7, 2000) at 12 College Street for farm-to-table Southern classics.

Plan your getaway by booking a vacation rental near the French Broad River or in the River Arts District, giving you walking access to breweries, galleries, and the city’s creative energy.