Krampus is most prominent in Alpine regions, primarily Austria (especially Tyrol, Salzburg, and Styria), Southern Germany (Bavaria), Northern Italy (South Tyrol), Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of Hungary. The tradition features parades (Krampuslauf) on December 5th and 6th, where performers dress as the horned, devil-like figure to scare children who have misbehaved.
Depends on what you are looking for. Generally speaking, you'll find the most Krampus parades in the Alpine regions of Europe. That is southern Germany, Austria (mainly) and parts of Slovenia. There exist very different approaches to the Krampus theme.
The gnarled roots of Krampus can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan traditions in Europe, particularly Alpine regions such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Ancient cultures in the Alps celebrated winter solstice festivals where they believed evil spirits roamed freely.
Krampusnacht, or the Night of Krampus, is celebrated on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, in Central European countries like Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Rooted in Alpine folklore, it revolves around Krampus, a fearsome, horned creature who serves as the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas.
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half- goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”
Krampus: The creepiest Christmas creature you'll ever meet
Why was Krampus banned in Austria?
In the 1950s, the Government of Austria distributed pamphlets titled "Krampus Is an Evil Man" for fear that encounters with Krampus might damage children's mental health. Towards the end of the century, a popular resurgence of Krampus celebrations occurred and continues today.
The legend of Krampus is celebrated across much of Europe, but the Whitby Krampus run was the first of its kind in the UK. Festival organisers have tailored the event to include local history and the wider Whitby community is heavily involved across the fun-filled festive weekend.
The biggest meeting of krampus takes place in Toblach, in the Pustertal valley. On 7 December 2025, about 600 krampus from South Tyrol, Austria, Germany and Switzerland meet and walk around the village.
Every year in early December, children in Germany and Austria anxiously prepare for a visit from St. Nicholas. Those who were good will be rewarded with presents and treats, but those who misbehaved will face his menacing partner, Krampus, the devilish figure who beats naughty children and drags them off to hell!
In the Alpine regions of Northern Italy, including Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, the Krampus are a unique Christmas tradition. Half- demon, half-goat, these fearsome figures appear during the festive season to remind us of the importance of good behavior.
Krampus is one such character who comes from folklore in Austria's Alpine region, where he's been frightening children and amusing adults for hundreds of years. Krampus, the half-man, half-goat counterpart to St. Nicholas, has been apart of folklore in Austria's Alpine region for hundreds of years.
Krampusnacht, or the Night of Krampus, is celebrated on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, in Central European countries like Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Rooted in Alpine folklore, it revolves around Krampus, a fearsome, horned creature who serves as the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas.
The Krewe of Krampus continues to elevate the New Orleans Krampus Parade, with the 2025 NOLAuf shaping up to be the biggest, boldest, and most creative celebration yet. As the largest Krampus parade in America we welcome visitors and performers from all over the country and abroad in addition to large local crowds.
The annual Krampus run through the Christmas market in Munich is one of the most famous in the region. Young and old dress up as Krampus, donning carved masks, big goat horns, furs and long hair, before taking over the streets on the Sunday after St.
Glastonbury Festival (Somerset, England): One of the world's most famous music festivals, Glastonbury features a diverse lineup of artists across various genres. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere and massive stages.
To answer the simplest question first, Krampus is a folklore character who comes primarily from German-speaking regions of Europe, especially Austria (Styria and Salzburg) and Germany (Bavaria).
Step into the darker side of German holiday tradition at our Krampusnacht celebration! In Alpine folklore, Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) takes place on December 5th, the eve of St. Nikolaus Day, when the fearsome, horned Krampus roams the streets punishing the naughty while St. Nick rewards the nice.
The story of Knecht Ruprecht is more common across Germany than Krampus. While written stories linking him to St Nicholas first appeared in the 17th century, tales of Knecht Ruprecht go back to the Middle Ages. (Oddly, Ruprecht is another word for Devil.)
Krampus was banned at various times by authorities, including the Catholic Church and fascist governments in 20th-century Austria, because his devilish appearance and menacing customs were seen as too scary for children, too pagan, or linked to socialism, with officials fearing the tradition harmed children's mental health and promoted devil worship. While suppressed, the tradition survived and has seen a major resurgence as an alternative, edgier holiday figure.
In Alpine towns in Germany and Austria, Krampusnacht is a lively and family-friendly celebration where locals dress in elaborate Krampus costumes with hand-carved, wooden masks. These locals, typically after a session of drinking, will meet for a parade called the Krampuslauf (Krampus run).
People might see a certain resemblance between the Belsnickel and that other Germanic folklore figure, the Krampus. But the Krampus is more of a pagan, demonic creature with horns and long claws, While the Belsnickel is decidedly human. (If he's wearing horns or antlers, it's because they're attached to his hat.)
On the night of December 5th, German kids leave their shoes outside the door, as Saint Nicholas and his helper Knecht Ruprecht comes on that night....if the children have been good, Saint Nicholas will leave sweets, fruits and nuts in their shoes....if they have been naughty, Knecht Ruprecht will leave lumps of coal ...
