About Krampusnacht (Krampus Night)

Krampusnacht — Krampus Night — falls on the night of December 5, the eve of the Feast of St Nicholas. In the folklore of the Alps, the horned, fur-covered Krampus is the dark companion of St Nicholas: while the saint rewards well-behaved children with small gifts on December 6, Krampus is said to frighten and chasten the naughty ones. This live countdown shows exactly how many days, hours and minutes remain until the next Krampusnacht in your timezone.

The most striking modern custom is the Krampuslauf, or "Krampus run", in which young people in hand-carved wooden masks, sheepskins and clanging cowbells parade through town to startle the crowds. The tradition is strongest in Austria, Bavaria in southern Germany, and South Tyrol in northern Italy, with related runs in Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia. The figure is documented from at least the 16th century, and many folklorists trace its roots to older Alpine pre-Christian winter customs.

Krampusnacht is observed on December 5 every year, kicking off the St Nicholas celebrations of early December. This countdown targets the next December 5 and rolls over automatically once the night has passed. Whether you brave a Krampuslauf in the Alps or simply enjoy the spooky side of the Christmas season, bookmark the live Krampusnacht countdown or add it to your own page.