In much of Europe, St Nicholas arrives in early December to reward good children. In the Alpine regions of Austria, southern Germany and neighbouring countries, he does not come alone. With him comes Krampus — a horned, shaggy, goat-like figure with a long red tongue, rattling chains and a bundle of birch switches, whose job is to frighten children who have misbehaved. Krampus Night, Krampusnacht, falls on the evening of December 5, the eve of the Feast of St Nicholas.
Where Does Krampus Come From?
Krampus is a figure of Alpine folklore. His name is usually linked to the old German word Krampen, meaning claw. Many folklorists believe the costume traditions behind him have roots in older, pre-Christian winter customs in which villagers wore masks and made noise to drive away evil spirits during the darkest time of the year, although the exact origins are debated. Over time, these figures were absorbed into the Christian calendar and attached to the feast of St Nicholas, creating a simple pairing: St Nicholas rewards the good, Krampus punishes the bad.
What Happens on Krampus Night
Traditionally, St Nicholas and Krampus visit homes together on the evening of December 5. St Nicholas, dressed as a bishop, asks whether the children have behaved and hands out small gifts such as fruit, nuts and sweets. Krampus stays in the background, rattling his chains and threatening naughty children with his switches. The next morning, December 6, children may find gifts left in shoes or boots they put out the night before.
Krampus Runs (Krampuslauf)
Today the most visible part of the tradition is the Krampuslauf, or Krampus run. Groups of people in elaborate hand-carved wooden masks and full fur costumes parade through town streets, ringing heavy cowbells and swatting at spectators with switches. These runs are not tied to one specific night; many Alpine towns hold them on various evenings from late November through early December. The masks are a serious craft — carvers spend many hours on each one, and some groups are proud of masks passed down over years.
Visitor tip: Krampus runs are loud, crowded and deliberately scary. Expect to be swatted on the legs with switches if you stand at the front. Young children can find them genuinely frightening. Check the local tourist office for dates, as runs are organised by individual towns and groups and the schedule changes each year.
Where to See Krampus
The tradition is strongest in Austria — particularly in Salzburg and its surrounding region, Tyrol, Styria and Carinthia — and in Bavaria in southern Germany. Related traditions exist in South Tyrol in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Krampus runs are often held alongside Christmas markets, so a December trip to Salzburg or Munich can combine both.
Krampus Goes Global
Krampus has become popular far beyond the Alps in recent decades, appearing in films, on greeting cards and at Krampus events in North America and elsewhere. In Austria, older Krampus postcards (Krampuskarten) from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are now collectors' items and show how long the figure has been part of popular Christmas culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Krampus Night?
Krampus Night (Krampusnacht) is on the evening of December 5, the eve of St Nicholas Day on December 6.
Is Krampus evil?
In folklore Krampus is a frightening punisher of naughty children, but he works alongside St Nicholas rather than against him. Today he is mostly part of a festive, if noisy and scary, community tradition.
Which countries celebrate Krampus?
Mainly Austria and Bavaria in southern Germany, with related traditions in South Tyrol, Slovenia, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Travel Guides Finder Editorial Team
Editorial Team
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