The Krampuslauf in Austria’s Alps is one of the most authentic winter traditions in the region. In the Raurisertal valley, Saint Nicholas arrives not with quiet celebration but with a roaring procession of Toifin—the original, fearsome Krampus figures of the area. Unlike staged performances, this parade preserves its raw Alpine roots: Nicholas, angels, the red devil, and the horned Krampus creatures moving through the village in a mix of chaos, bells, and centuries-old custom. #culture #austria

Some Christmas traditions are downright eerie. In Austria, Krampus — Saint Nicholas’ dark counterpart — roams the streets before Christmas in terrifying parades. Would you dare to attend a Krampus parade? #dweuromaxx | DW Euromaxx

The Krampus Parade in Itter is one of Austria’s most intense winter traditions, where performers dressed as horned, fur-covered monsters charge through the streets with bells, whips, and chains. Set against the snowy backdrop of Tyrol, the event blends pagan Alpine folklore with modern spectacle as Krampus “hunts” the crowds while St. Nicholas brings calm behind him. It’s loud, wild, and unforgettable — a celebration that turns the quiet village into a living piece of ancient mythology. #culture

Krampus Day, or Krampusnacht, is a holiday celebrated on December 5th in which people dressed as the half-goat, half-demon creature Krampus parade through streets to playfully scare people, often in the Alpine region of Europe. It is the night before St. Nicholas Day, and in folklore, Krampus is the punisher of naughty children, while St. Nicholas rewards the good ones. Modern celebrations often include parades known as Krampuslauf and tone down the punishments, with participants sometimes carry