Adults-only 'Nightmare Before Christmas' festival is your childhood dreams come true
If you're a fan of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," you'll enjoy this frightful and delightful Christmas holiday festival in Austin.
The Elysium bar in Austin, Texas, hosted its sixth annual, adults-only Nightmare Before Christmas Gothic Ball and Bazaar featuring an Oogie Boogie drag performance and custom cocktails inspired by the characters.
From themed drinks and decor to costumes and performances, event founder Kei Hoffmann said she loves to bring everyone's 90s childhood dreams to life with the grown-up festival.
"It’s not only a part of what we grew up with as adults," Hoffmann told "GMA." "It still resonates. Everybody loves it."
Hoffmann is the event's DJ, producer and promoter. Formerly a customer of the club, the fantasy film lover was invited by the bar's owners to turn her passion into a nightlife experience.
"When we first started doing it, I didn’t know what I was doing," said Hoffmann. "We modeled it on 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and my husband and I dressed up and made some singalong videos."
Over the years, the festival has become bigger and bigger. Kei and her team serve up frightful fun, including a deadly Nightshade Cocktail.
"One of the ingredients is what Sally uses to make the doctor fall asleep," Hoffmann said.
Jack, Sally and Sandy Claws also have drinks named after them.
"Sally's is kind of sweet and Jack is similar to a white Russian and Sandy Claus is cinnamon," said Hoffmann.
Guests dress up as characters from the film. Kei and her husband dressed as Jack Skellington and Sally. Anyone who dresses up as Sandy Claws could be "kidnapped" and brought on stage, just like in the film.
"We actually have 'If you dress like Sandy Claws you might be kidnapped' signs," said Hoffmann.
This year, for the first time, the festival was completely sold out.
“I love that all of us are able to be there and enjoy something together,” said Hoffmann. "It’s this goofy little niche thing and all these people are there to enjoy it.”
Merry Christmas and Happy Halloween!
