Krampus is the Alpine folklore figure said to punish naughty children around Saint Nicholas Day. He is commonly depicted with horns, dark fur, a long tongue, and a frightening appearance, contrasting with the benevolent Saint Nicholas.
Krampus traditions are especially associated with Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, the Czech lands, Hungary, Slovenia, and parts of northern Italy. In many customs, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children while Krampus threatens or scares those considered misbehaved. Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is traditionally observed on 5 December, the evening before Saint Nicholas Day.
The figure’s exact origins are debated. Some interpretations connect Krampus to pre-Christian Alpine winter traditions, while others emphasize later Christian folk practice. Contemporary Krampus runs, in which people wear elaborate masks and costumes, have turned the character into a major seasonal spectacle in several European communities.