Are you on the naughty list? Beware of Krampus!

Krampus Parades and Festivals

Wondering around a Christmas market during the holiday season, you can come across a scary half-beast, half-human figure with horns, cloven hooves, and a whip or a stick. This demon might chase you and try to hit you. But rather than crying for help, try to embrace the cultural experience of encountering Krampus!

A folklore character, Krampus originated in pre-Christian times, when men wore masks and animal skins to ward off evil spirits during the winter solstice. The name Krampus comes from the German “krampen”, which means"claw." Bavarian language also has the word “krampn,” which means "dead." In the Middle Ages, the church tried to erase this tradition. However, Krampus survived and was eventually included in the Christian Christmas celebration as an evil counterpart of St. Nicholas. The first connection between Krampus and St. Nicholas was reported in the 16th century. Naughty children had to be aware of the scary monster, who brought them a whip instead of toys and could drag them to hell if they misbehaved really badly!

Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), the time when the demon comes after the children, usually falls on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6, according to Western Christian tradition. Exciting Krampus Parades and festivals, called Krampuslauf, take place throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Czechia, and Hungary, with an army of scary Krampuses going after innocent bystanders. In modern times, Krampuses don’t usually approach kids. Their “victims” are rather teenagers and young adults, who play along and eagerly engage in rowdy interactions. Krampus parades are gaining momentum not just in their historical regions—Alpine Austria, South Tyrol in Italy, and Bavaria. The horned demon has made it across the ocean and can be spotted during Halloween and Christmas festivities in the United States, from mystical New Orleans to fun-loving Los Angeles.

USA

Krampuslauf has become popular in the United States in the last two decades. The largest Krampus festivals in the USA are held in New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. Starting from Halloween and ending with the Christmas season, one can also try many Krampus-themed attractions, haunted houses, movie nights, and Krampus-themed parties with drinks, games, and music.

Austria

In Austria, Krampus is the main folklore Christmas character, along with St. Nicholas. Colorful Krampus processions take place in many cities and towns: Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, Graz, Villach, and Bad Gastein. Krampuslauf (Krampus run) usually takes place in early December, typically around December 5, the feast of St. Nicholas. However, in some areas of Austria, Krampus parades may take place closer to Christmas. Krampus runs in Austria are always vibrant and rowdy events, which draw large crowds.

Germany

Krampuslauf is an authentic German tradition, which existed since the 12th century. No wonder, some of the largest and most popular Krampus parades in Europe are held in Bavaria. Krampus Run at Munich Christmas Market features over 300 masked devils. More Krampus festivals take place in Oberammergau and Berchtesgaden, where visitors can see several parades with St. Nicholas and a diverse group of Krampuses and other mystical creatures.

Switzerland

From Christmas and through Shrove Tuesday, Krampus, Perchten, and Schmutzli are regular visitors on the streets of Lucerne, Bern, and Basel. The main Krampus event is the annual Swiss Käppeli Perchten Run in Basel, which takes place in late December.

Slovenia

Despite its scary appearance, Krampus is one of the most beloved holiday characters in Slovenia. Before St. Nicholas Day, kids love to make sweet Krampus Bread (Parkeljni). Krampus runs in Goricane, near Ljubljana, and in Maribor feature hundreds of costumed participants from five countries and thousands of spectators.

Italy

South Tyrol is the center of Krampus events in Italy. The demon, who comes to punish naughty children during Christmas, is called Tuifl in the local dialect. The largest Tuiflgian parades, or Krampuslauf, take place in Toblach and Kastelruth. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Krampuslauf takes place in the old town of Brixen, in Merano, Naturns, and Sterzing. Blood-chilling demons can also be spotted at South Tyrol’s largest Christmas market in Bolzano.

Czechia

Christmas in the Czech Republic is incomplete without exciting Krampus parades and festivals. The amazing Krampus run and fire performance at the Exhibition Center in Prague is one of the main highlights of the Advent season in the Czech capital. The most massive Krampuslauf in the Czech Republic takes place in České Budějovice. The Dragon Krampus celebration at the Exhibition Center features 40 Krampus groups from several European countries. More Krampus parades and fire shows take place in Jihlava, Polná, and Český Krumlov.