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Goth Christmas

Chapter III

Krampus and creepmas

Krampus figures and the folklore behind them, and Halloween trees that carry from October into December.

5 guidesFrom the Goth Christmas editorial team

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This chapter covers the two spookiest corners of the dark season. Krampus, the horned companion of St. Nicholas in Alpine folklore, arrives on the evening of December 5, while St. Nicholas rewards the good. Our Krampus decorations guide explains who he is and where Krampus runs came from, then covers the Krampus Christmas decorations that suit a goth home, from mantel figures to glass ornaments. Carved-look faces have their own guide, Krampus masks, and dark holiday cards to mail are in goth Christmas cards.

A hand-carved and painted wooden Krampus mask with a red face, long goat horns and dark fur, hanging in a workshop
Alpine Krampus masks are carved and painted by hand; most decorations take a gentler, cartoon line.

Creepmas is the other half: Halloween decor that stays up past October 31. The Halloween Christmas trees guide shows how one black tree can carry from October into December, swapping orange lights for silver as the season turns. Choose by mood: a playful Krampus for a storybook tree, or a creepmas tree for a household that never quite packs Halloween away.

Krampus figures, ornaments and cards

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Guides in Krampus and creepmas

  1. Krampus Decorations: Figures, Ornaments and Who Krampus Is

    Guide, 4 minWho Krampus is, when Krampusnacht falls and how Krampus runs work, then the figures, ornaments, vintage-style cards and masks that bring him home.

  2. Krampus Masks: Carved Tradition and How to Choose One

    Guide, 4 minWhat traditional Krampus masks are made of, how runners wear them, how they differ from Perchten masks, and how to pick one to wear or hang.

  3. Spooky Christmas Villages: Haunted Houses and Creepmas Scenes

    Guide, 4 minSpooky Christmas villages explained: Lemax Spooky Town and Department 56 Halloween pieces, turning a haunted village into a creepmas scene, and safe lighting.

  4. Yule Decorations: Candles, Logs and Greenery for a Dark Solstice

    Guide, 4 minYule decorations for a dark, cozy home: log centerpieces, tapers, straw goats and winter greenery, plus candle safety and how to mix Yule with Christmas.

  5. Halloween Christmas Trees: Creepmas Decor From October to December

    Guide, 4 minHow to run one tree from Halloween to Christmas: which ornaments to swap and when, lighted Halloween trees, creepmas styling and light safety basics.

Frequently asked questions

When is Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht is the evening of December 5, the night before St. Nicholas Day on December 6. SalzburgerLand Tourismus says Krampus is out only up to December 6.

Are Krampus decorations scary?

They can be, so choose the style. Alpine Krampus masks are carved with horns and fur and can look fierce, while many modern figures and ornaments are cartoon-like. Original early 20th century Krampus postcards can show harsher scenes, so look before giving one to a child.

What is creepmas?

An informal name for blending Halloween and Christmas, so spooky decor stays up after October 31. The Duluth News Tribune describes it as a macabre, gothic and spooky way to celebrate the winter holiday season.

Sources

  1. The Origin of Krampus, Europe's Evil Twist on SantaSmithsonian Magazine
  2. KrampusEncyclopaedia Britannica
  3. Krampus and PerchtenSalzburgerLand Tourismus
  4. Greetings from KrampusThe Public Domain Review
  5. Creepmas is coming to Lincoln ParkDuluth News Tribune

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