Krampusnacht

Krampus, in central European popular lore, is a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the evil companion of St. Nicholas.

Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

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​Krampus and St. Nicholas are said to arrive on the evening of December 5 (Krampusnacht; “Krampus Night”). While St. Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents, Krampus punishes those who are naughty, and in some extreme cases, carries them away in his sack. On December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children awaken to find their gifts (or nurse their injuries). Krampusnacht is celebrated in regions of Germany, Austria, Croatia, and some other European countries.