Krampus in Switzerland 2024-2025

If you happen to spend winter holidays in the Swiss Alps, you can come across a scary-looking demon with horns and cloven hooves, chasing the innocent bystanders. The demon is Krampus, a folklore character from pre-Christian times, when people dressed up in masks and animal skins during the winter solstice to ward off evil spirits. Later Christian church tried to eliminate Krampus. However, it survived and became an evil counterpart of St. Nicholas. The monster was meant to punish naughty children with a whip and even drag them to hell during Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, celebrated in many Alpine regions on December 6.

Krampus Lookalikes

In some regions of Switzerland, instead of Krampus, the role of Santa's evil twin is played by Schmutzli. This character is less scary than Krampus, but he is no less impressive in his black capirote, a striking contrast to cheerful Samichlaus (St. Nicholas)! The pair of them can often be spotted on the streets together. Schmutzli can me often spotted at Swiss Christmas Markets. You can also see this mysterious character at annual Samichlaus parades in Zurich and Bern.

Krampus' legend in Switzerland is also connected to Perchta (the pagan goddess compared to the devil). Perchten, the followers of Perchta, who wear wooden animal masks, skins, and horns, often take part in Christmas-time parades and festivities. Every December, Basel holds a holiday parade with both Krampus and Perchten characters.

Käppeli Perchten, Krampus & Hexen Lauf Basel-Stadt (December 21, 2024)

Swiss Käppeli Perchten Run Basel-Stadt starts at 5 pm near Kaserne Basel, a performing arts theater. Perchten, Krampus, and Hexen (witches) are supposed to drive away evil and winter in Basel. The parade also features Santa Claus, angels, and the bishop. The route goes across Mittlere Brücke bridge, past Rathaus des Kantons Basel-Stadt, and ends on Theaterplatz at around 7 pm. The event commemorates witches who were pushed into the Rhine from the Käppelijoch in Basel in 1858. At least 29 women were executed as witches in Basel during the late Middle Ages.

Krampus masks are also common during carnivals in Lucerne, Basel, and Thun, which are held around February or March.