Vienna Krampuslauf Christmas Traditions: Nikolo and Krampus

While many associate christmas traditions with twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the arrival of St. Nicholas, there’s a darker side to the festive season in Austria;  Krampusnacht, or Krampuslauf Night. Enter Krampus – St. Nicholas’ creepy companion who roams the streets during the winter holidays, spreading fear and mischief. Unlike the jolly Santa Claus who rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus’ job is to punish the naughty. His terrifying figure, complete with horns, fur, and chains, plays a central role in Austria's centuries-old holiday tradition.

When is Krampuslauf?

On Sunday, 1st December 2024, at 5 P.M., join the Krampus celebrations at Prater - Riesenradplatz, Vienna. Later in the week, head to Gleis//Garten on Thursday, 5th December 2024, from 5 - 7 P.M. at Eichenstraße 1120 Wien for more Krampus fun.

Where to Experience Krampuslauf in Austria?

If you’re planning to experience this thrilling tradition, Austria offers several prime locations for witnessing Krampus parades. Here are some of the best places to catch the its festivities:
1. Prater, ViennaPrater, Vienna
If you’re seeking something even more unique, head to Prater in Vienna for the annual Ybbstaler Canyon Demons event. On December 1st, over 180 elaborately masked figures take to the streets, part of the Perchten Parade. The Ybbstaler canyon demons are just one group of many participating in this larger-than-life event. Expect to see figures from different regional associations, each with their own distinct masks and costumes, as they march through the streets of Prater.
Location: Prater - Riesenradplatz, Vienna
Date: Sunday, 1st December 2024, 5 P.M.
Entry: Free

2. Gleis//Garten, Vienna

GleisGarten, ViennaExperience a chilling evening at Gleis//Garten as Krampus takes center stage! This family-friendly event welcomes all ages to enjoy the spooky fun, complete with festive food and drinks as Vienna’s own Krampus figures bring eerie excitement to the season. It's a unique chance to enjoy Austria's folklore with a thrilling twist, perfect for anyone looking to celebrate a darker side of holiday traditions.
Date: Thursday, 5th December 2024, 
Time: 5-7 P.M.
Location: Eichenstraße 1120 Wien

3. Other Venues in Austria

Other Venues in Austria It is celebrated across Austria in towns outside of Vienna. Obertauern hosts a Krampus parade with figures marching down from the snowy Alps into the town square. In Bad Gastein, Krampus and St. Nicholas visit homes on December 5th and 6th, distributing treats and frights. Klagenfurt holds Austria's largest Krampus run, with thousands of spectators watching masked figures march through the city.  Moreover, the krampuslauf salzburg brings hundreds of costumed figures to the streets, creating an unforgettable display of this eerie tradition. Nearby Velden am Wörthersee offers a more intimate Krampus procession. Lastly, in Graz, Krampus figures parade through the historic Herrengasse, adding a chilling touch to the city's festive atmosphere.

The History of Krampusnacht

The History of KrampusnachtKrampus is said to be the demonic counterpart to Nikolo or St. Nicholas. A folklore figure whose origins can be traced back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. In these ancient myths, Krampus was a dark, forest-dwelling creature, part goat, part demon, with a penchant for punishing misbehaving children. As Christianity spread through Europe, the legend of Krampus was incorporated into the celebrations surrounding St. Nicholas, becoming a companion to the saint during his December 5th feast day. In the centuries since, Krampus has become an integral part of Christmas in Austria, especially in Alpine regions. The tradition evolved into what is now known as the Krampuslauf – or Krampus run – where participants dress up in horrifying costumes and masks, marching through the streets to terrorize the crowds.

Krampus and Nikolo: A Christmas Duo

Krampus and Nikolo A Christmas DuoOn December 5, Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), Krampus joins St. Nicholas to visit children. While St. Nicholas rewards the well-behaved with gifts, Krampus punishes the naughty—sometimes with beatings, abductions, or worse. The next morning, December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children discover whether they’ve been rewarded or punished. With the rise of Christianity, the Krampus became linked with the celebrations of St. Nicholas and Christmas, particularly in Alpine countries. 

Saint Nicholas or Nikolo: From Bishop to Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas or Nikolo From Bishop to Santa ClausSaint Nicholas, traditionally dressed as a bishop with a ceremonial staff, is revered as the protector of children on Christmas and rewards the well behaved children. In many Christmas traditions, he is accompanied by various figures during his gift-giving rounds. One of these companions is Krampus. However, these characters are often depicted as being under St. Nicholas' control, reinforcing the idea that good will always triumph over evil. 
This patron saint of children is widely celebrated for his kindness and generosity. He was actually a Christian bishop who lived in the fourth century in Myra (modern-day Turkey). He became widely revered for his acts of charity, especially for helping the poor and giving gifts in secret. His acts of kindness gave rise to numerous folk legends, such as saving sailors from a violent storm, donating money to prevent a man from selling his daughters into slavery, and even bringing dead children back to life.

His reputation for generosity made him a beloved figure in Europe, especially in regions like Italy, Austria and the Netherlands. The fame grew over the centuries, and by the Middle Ages, Nikolo had become the patron saint of sailors, children, wolves, pawnbrokers, and more. His image, which was initially depicted as a bishop in red robes, eventually evolved into the Santa Claus we recognize today.

From Sinterklaas to Santa Claus

From Sinterklaas to Santa ClausThe figure of Saint Nicholas underwent significant transformations over time. In the Netherlands, for example, he was known as Sinterklaas, a tall, white-bearded man who arrived on a boat every December 6 to deliver gifts—or coal lumps—to children. Stories of Sinterklaas were brought to the New World by Dutch settlers in the Hudson River Valley.
In 1809, author Washington Irving introduced a new version of St. Nicholas in his satirical book A History of New-York, portraying him as a jolly Dutchman who flew through the sky in a wagon, delivering gifts. The most famous transformation of St. Nicholas came in 1823 with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore's poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas, better known as The Night Before Christmas. This poem introduced key elements of the modern Santa Claus myth, including the sleigh drawn by eight reindeer.

The image of Santa Claus continued to evolve, particularly through the work of political cartoonist Thomas Nast, who, starting in the Civil War era, created popular illustrations of a rotund and jolly Santa Claus. In 1879, Nast further cemented Santa's identity by suggesting that he lived at the North Pole, shifting the focus from the historical Saint Nicholas of Myra to the fantastical figure we know today.

Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas DaySt. Nicholas Day is a holiday that celebrates the life and charitable works of Saint Nicholas. While his official feast day falls on December 19, St. Nicholas Day is observed on December 6, the anniversary of his death in 343 AD. The day is widely celebrated in many parts of Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and parts of Eastern Europe. It is often marked by festive traditions, including the giving of small gifts and treats, as a reminder of St. Nicholas' legacy of giving to those in need.
St. Nicholas Day is more than just an early holiday celebration—it carries a deeper meaning rooted in the values of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. On this day, children place their shoes out on the night of December 5 in hopes of finding small gifts, such as chocolates or oranges, the next morning. This tradition stems from the story of St. Nicholas secretly dropping coins down the chimney of a poor man's house to help his daughters, which is said to be the origin of the custom of leaving shoes out.

The Legend of Krampus: Origins and Mythology

Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon figure with roots in Germanic folklore. His name derives from the German word Krampen (“claw”), and he is believed to have originated as part of pagan winter solstice rituals. Legend considers him the son of Hel and the Norse god of the underworld.

The Catholic Church tried to suppress Krampus’ dark image, associating him with paganism and demonism. However, he endured through folklore and eventually became part of Christmas traditions, blending ancient beliefs with modern celebrations.

Krampus' Appearance and Symbols

Krampus' Appearance and SymbolsThe Krampus figure is instantly recognizable by his fearsome appearance. Often draped in fur, his body is typically black or brown, with chains clanking as he moves. The chains symbolize the binding of the devil by the Christian Church, while the bells attached to them add a haunting, otherworldly sound to his presence. Krampus' most striking feature is his tongue, which is long and snake-like, sometimes depicted as dripping with malice.
Krampus carries birch rods, which he uses to swat misbehaving children, although in some depictions, he wields a whip. His ultimate purpose is to scare children into behaving. As he is said to abduct particularly naughty ones, carting them off in a sack or basket, to be drowned or taken to hell.

Krampus Runs on Krampus Night

Krampus Runs on Krampus NightThe Krampuslauf (“Krampus run”) is a lively parade where participants don elaborate Krampus costumes and masks. These events, sometimes fueled by alcohol, see costumed Krampuses frightening and playfully chasing onlookers. Originating in Austria and Germany, these runs have become increasingly popular since the late 20th century.
The Krampusnacht Parades are as thrilling as they are eerie. Large crowds gather in towns and villages throughout Austria, awaiting the arrival of Krampus and his companions. The participants in these runs carry bells, chains, and birch branches, clanging and whipping them as they race through the streets, with the masked Krampus figures attempting to frighten bystanders.

The Global Rise of Krampus and its Influence in Popular Culture

The Global Rise of Krampus and its Influence in Popular CultureIn recent years, the figure of Krampus has enjoyed a resurgence in popular culture, both in Europe and North America. Films like Krampus (2015) and numerous comic books and television episodes have introduced Krampus to a global audience, albeit with some creative liberties taken with his traditional image. He has appeared in video games like The Binding of Isaac and in the American Dad! and The Venture Bros. TV series.

Krampus Treats in Viennese Cake Shops

Krampus Treats in Viennese Cake ShopsMany of Vienna’s renowned cake shops and patisseries offer Krampus in delightful chocolate or gingerbread forms during the holiday season. One such famous spot is Demel Patisserie, where you can find Krampus-shaped treats that add a festive twist to the traditional Christmas sweets. These beautifully crafted delicacies are a perfect way to enjoy a taste of Vienna’s darker holiday folklore. Discover more at Demel Patisserie. If you’re visiting Austria during the holiday season, don’t miss the chance to see one of these  terrifying Christmas holiday traditions. Embrace the spooky side of Christmas, and remember: if you're naughty, Krampus might just come for you!

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