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Get ready to embrace the dark side on Krampusnacht - a night filled with spooky traditions and frightening festivities!
Get ready to embrace the dark side on December 5 with Krampusnacht! This unique holiday celebrates the folklore figure of Krampus, a horned creature known for punishing misbehaving children during the Christmas season. Dating back to pre-Christian times in Alpine countries, Krampusnacht is now celebrated in many parts of Europe and has gained popularity around the world. While some may see it as a spooky or sinister celebration, others view it as a fun and quirky addition to the holiday season. So whether you've been naughty or nice this year, get ready for some festive frights on Krampusnacht!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Krampus Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The figure of Krampus originates from Germanic folklore, seen as the counter to Saint Nicholas, punishing those who misbehaved.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Krampusnacht Tradition Spreads</div><div class='timeline-text'>During this era, the traditions of Krampusnacht began spreading throughout Alpine countries including Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Krampus Cards Popularized</div><div class='timeline-text'>Krampuskarten, greeting cards featuring Krampus, became widely popular in Europe, often portraying him humorously teasing or scaring children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Church & Government Pushback</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Catholic Church and various European governments attempted to discourage the celebration of Krampusnacht, causing a temporary decline in festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Krampus Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cities around the world, especially in the United States, began hosting their own Krampusnacht events, often featuring parades and costume contests.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Krampus in Popular Culture</div><div class='timeline-text'>The release of the horror-comedy film "Krampus" further raised international awareness of Krampusnacht, garnering a cult following.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Krampus parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if your city or town hosts a Krampus parade and dress up in your best Krampus costume to join in on the festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Krampus movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite some friends over for a Krampus movie night. Serve traditional Austrian food and drinks, and watch some scary movies featuring the legendary Christmas demon.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own Krampus mask</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own Krampus mask using materials like paper mache, paint, and fur. Then wear it around town to spread some holiday fear.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Exchange Krampus-themed gifts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Instead of traditional Christmas gifts, exchange Krampus-themed gifts with your friends and family. This could include items like Krampus ornaments, books, or even a lump of coal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Krampus-inspired dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put a twist on traditional holiday recipes by creating a dish inspired by Krampus. For example, you could make gingerbread cookies in the shape of the Christmas demon, or create a spicy mulled wine called "Krampus Kicker."</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique and interesting holiday</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Krampusnacht is not a widely celebrated holiday, making it all the more intriguing. It has its roots in European folklore and offers a different perspective on the holiday season. Embrace the unknown and learn about this fascinating tradition!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a fun way to celebrate during the winter months</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The winter can be long and dreary, but Krampusnacht adds a touch of mischief and excitement to break up the monotony. Whether you want to dress up as Krampus or just enjoy some devilish treats, this holiday gives you an excuse to let loose and have some fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a reminder to embrace both good and bad during the holidays</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While many holidays focus on spreading joy and positivity, Krampusnacht serves as a reminder that there are always two sides to every story. As we celebrate the good, it's important to acknowledge and embrace the not-so-good as well. Plus, who doesn't love a little bit of dark humor during the festive season?</p></div></div>
Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5 every year. In 2024, Krampusnacht will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Dec 5
Tuesday
2024
Dec 5
Thursday
2025
Dec 5
Friday
2026
Dec 5
Saturday
2027
Dec 5
Sunday
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