Krampusnacht is an Austrian and German celebration in honor of the Krampus, a creature from folklore who accompanied St. Nicholas on his holiday rides. The Krampus is a sort of devilish anti-Santa, who punishes naughty children instead of giving presents.
Klagenfurt, Austria, is known for putting on one of the largest Krampus festivals in the world, and the nearby town of Suetschach even has a museum dedicated to Krampus history and lore.
In late November, Klagenfurt celebrates with the Krampuslaufen — a festive run that’s typically accompanied by fantastic costumes, as well as a good deal of spirited drinking. It all leads up to Dec. 6, when the less fearsome Feast of St. Nicholas is held. Other “traditional” Austrian Krampus events can be found in Graz and Salzburg.
Now seeing a major surge in popularity, Krampusfests have begun to crop up all over the United States. One takes place every year in Los Angeles, where the festivities stretch throughout the month of December. Krampus activities were held in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C.. There was even a Krampus Gras going on this year in New Orleans.
Read This Next
Prague’s Christmas Markets
Destination
Dec 15, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTravel
Apr 30, 2025Platform Helps Remote Workers, Business Travelers Find Work-Friendly Hotels
If you’ve ever attempted to work on the go — not necessarily for a business trip, but just because your job offers the flexibility of remote working — you may have struggled with working from your hotel room. Your options are typically plugging your laptop in next to a tiny in-room table, if you’re lucky, or you’re stuck answering emails from your hotel bed — hardly conducive to productivity.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Apr 30, 2025Discover the Best of the Adirondacks at Schroon Lake
Looking for the perfect summer kick-off trip? The Lodge at Schroon Lake, in the Adirondacks, offers the ultimate vacation for travelers of all ages. Expect outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and lakeside fun — all the necessary ingredients for an unforgettable summer trip. Here’s a closer look at what The Lodge at Schroon Lake has to offer this summer:
Destinations / North America
Apr 29, 2025Cheapest U.S. Fall Shoulder Season Destinations Revealed
Planning ahead for a fall shoulder season (mid-September–October) trip? If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to visit one of the cheapest U.S. fall shoulder season destinations.
Hotel
Apr 29, 2025Fairmont Royal York’s Spring Programming
Take in the Splendor of Spring, a curated selection of activities and events, at Fairmont Royal York.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
ShareThis