What it is not:

  1. The Wild Hunt is NOT exclusive to any particular group: While we celebrate European traditions, The Wild Hunt of Vista is not limited to individuals of European descent. We believe that cultural appreciation knows no boundaries, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

  2. The Wild Hunt is NOT just another parade: The Wild Hunt of Vista is a unique experience that brings folklore to life through procession and cosplay. It's an opportunity to step into another world and explore centuries-old legends.

  3. The Wild Hunt is NOT connected to religion. We understand that some of the imagery associated with certain folk characters in The Wild Hunt of Vista may seem intense or unfamiliar to some members of the community. However, we want to emphasize that our procession is open and inclusive to people of all cultures and backgrounds, and it does not have any specific religious connections. It's important to clarify that our interest in preserving this cultural practice stems from a desire to explore the rich tapestry of European folklore, rather than any darker spiritual connotations that could be assigned to it by folks who are unfamiliar. The Wild Hunt of Vista is a cultural exploration and celebration, aimed at sharing with the community the traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations. We want to assure the community of Vista and North County that though the costumes and characters can be overwhelming to some, our event is intended to be a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural background. Our goal is to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity through the shared experience of folk-character procession. So come join us in December as we journey through the realms of folklore and tradition, together as one community. And if after reading this you still don't like us...feel free to just stay home with a warm cup of tea. Blessings to all!

What it is and what it isn’t

a note from our founder, Tania Yager

Welcome to The Wild Hunt of Vista Krampus Run, where the winter folklore of Europe and the UK comes alive in a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. But let's set the record straight - what exactly IS this event, and what is it NOT?

What it is:

  1. A multicultural procession: The Wild Hunt of Vista honors the winter folklore of various European nations including Germany, Austria, Norway, Italy, Wales, and England. It's a melting pot of traditions and stories that come together in a colorful display of unity and diversity.

  2. An inclusive celebration: We welcome all residents of San Diego County, regardless of background, to join us in commemorating the Yuletide traditions of our European forefathers. Whether you have direct European ancestry or simply an appreciation for cultural heritage, you'll find a place among us.

  3. A platform for education: Our founders and participants are passionate about educating the community on the rich folklore that surrounds Central, Northern, and Eastern European heritage. Through cosplay, street theatre, and procession, we aim to preserve the characters and stories that have shaped these cultural identities.

  4. An opportunity to use parental discretion:  While this procession's imagery can be intense, many of these traditions were designed in the past to educate children on the benefits of good behavior and teach moral consequences to their actions. If you as a parent are willing to take your child to a Spirit Halloween store to shop or into a Haunted House at Halloween, this event is probably acceptable for your child. Please use your best parental discretion before attending. 

Introducing the team behind

The Wild Hunt

Hungry for more lore?

The Wild Hunt of Vista is a European inspired procession of old dark winter spirits & folk characters that are present in multiple cultures throughout Europe. Primarily based off of Germanic & Scandinavian lore, these types of processions serve as a reminder that, for our ancestors, winter could be a time of uncertainty.

Without modern convenances, there was harsh weather, limited food, illness, and even death. It was a time to year, great danger could be coming. These Winter stories were also a way for parents to motivate children to reflect on our actions throughout the year and take stalk. When they gathered each night around the fire, the characters they told stories about were one’s of consequence. If a life had not been well lived in the past year, great danger could be coming. These stories were also a way for parents to motivate children to behave, as disobedience, in those days, could sometimes yield disastrous results. Later, in many parts of Europe, some of these customs would be adopted by the Catholic Church, where it was all too important to remind people that there are deep physical, emotional, & spiritual consequences to greed, malice, and ill deeds.

The Dark Market and The Wild Hunt brings an immersive folkloric and cultural learning experience to our community which helps broaden understanding of the world and its peoples. If you’re curious about diving deeper into the lore of Winter Spirits, check out our blog and don’t forget to register to be a part of the 2024 Wild Hunt Horde!

Characters you might see in The Wild Hunt:

The German Krampus 

From Germany and Austria, he is a spirit that travels with St. Nicholas. Whilst St. Nick rewards the good children, The Krampus threatens to punish the bad.

The Welsh Mari Lwyd 

Part of the Wassail tradition from England and Wales comes the shrouded figure of a skeletal horse who performs "Luck Visits" to impart new year blessings on the homes of those she visits. It is considered bad luck to turn her (and her company) away without food and drink!

The Icelandic Yule Lads

 Sons of the Icelandic Witch Gryla, they are a group of 13 mischievous pranksters who steal from or harass the population during the 13 nights of Yule.

Project Evergreen

Project Evergreen is a Yule tree, or Christmas tree, gifting project started by our founder, Tania Yager at Twisted Heart Puppetworks. It is supported by artist nonprofits Backfence Society and Vista Art Foundation.

The price of a simple tree- and let’s face it, just about everything else- is outrageous these days. We want to help spread the good cheer by gifting a few trees to families in need during our Dark X-Mas Market.

If you’re feeling generous this holiday season, donate below!