Krampus is the horned figure who accompanies Saint Nicholas in Alpine Christmas folklore.
Krampus appears especially in Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Slovenia, and parts of northern Italy. He is commonly portrayed with horns, dark fur, a long tongue, and a bundle of birch branches. Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children, while Krampus traditionally frightens or chastises children considered naughty.
The custom is associated with Krampusnacht, observed on the evening of 5 December, before Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December. Modern Krampus runs and parades have turned the figure into a popular seasonal character beyond the Alpine region.
Krampus is not simply another name for Santa Claus. He is a separate companion figure within Saint Nicholas traditions, and local stories vary considerably in how threatening or humorous he appears.