Next: 5 Dec 2026
Krampusnacht
The eve of St Nicholas, when horned, furred Krampus figures run through the streets of the Alps, rattling chains and chasing the unwary.
About Krampusnacht
On 5 December in Austria, Bavaria, Slovenia and nearby lands, a devil-like companion of St Nicholas called Krampus is said to punish children who have behaved badly, while the saint rewards the good. Young men dress in shaggy suits and carved wooden masks, carry birch rods and bells, and run in parades known as Krampuslauf. The roots are unclear: some writers link the figure to pre-Christian winter spirits, others to the Church's devil, and both may be right. The custom was banned at times, including in the 1930s in Austria, and has become more popular in recent years in North America and elsewhere. Anyone watching a run is usually advised to treat the performers as actors who are part of the show.
Also part of it, and being written: Krampus (The horned figure of the Alpine winter.), Saint Nicholas (The saint it accompanies.), Perchta (Another Alpine figure of winter punishment.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Krampus" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.