Krampus facts for kids

In folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure. It is described as being half-goat and half-demon. During the Christmas season, Krampus punishes children who have misbehaved. The is the opposite of Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. Krampus is one of the companions of Saint Nicholas in several regions including Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, South Tyrol and parts of Northern Italy. The origin of Krampus is not known, but some folklorists and anthropologists believe it has pre-Christian origins.

Images for kids

1900s illustration of Saint Nicholas and Krampus visiting a child
A person dressed as Krampus at Morzger Pass, Salzburg, Austria
A 1900s greeting card reading 'Greetings from Krampus!'
Dallas Krampus Society Walk, 2016
Krampus mit Kind ("Krampus with a child") postcard from around 1911
Krampus and Saint Nicholas visit a Viennese home in 1896
Nikolaus and Krampus in Austria in the early 20th century
A Krampus from Sveti Martin na Muri, northern Croatia, at local carnival in Čakovec (2015)
Washington DC Krampusnacht walk (2016)
A St. Nicholas procession with Krampus, and other characters, c. 1910
St. Nikolaus with 12 Krampuses in Berchtesgadener Land, Germany (2016)
In Sexten, Italy (2016)
A modern Krampus at the Perchtenlauf in Klagenfurt (2006)
Krampus in Toblach, Italy (2006)