Krampus Decorations: Figures, Ornaments and Who Krampus Is

Krampus is the horned, half-goat companion of St. Nicholas in Alpine folklore, from Austria, South Tyrol and neighboring regions. He arrives on Krampusnacht, December 5, to sort out the naughty while St. Nicholas rewards the good. Krampus decorations include figures, glass and resin ornaments, vintage-style greeting cards and carved-look masks for Krampus runs.

Who is Krampus?

Krampus is St. Nicholas’s shaggy sidekick. The South Tyrol tourism board describes the arrangement plainly: the saint praises well-behaved children and gives them gifts, while naughty children are punished by Krampus. He is also said to be defeated by St. Nicholas, so the saint always has the last word.

His name comes from the German word krampen, meaning claw, according to Smithsonian Magazine. SalzburgerLand Tourismus says the figure has been part of Alpine Advent customs since the 17th century.

The look is consistent across regions: horns, a fur suit usually made from goat or sheep skin, and large bells on a wide leather belt. National Geographic Education adds a detail that shows up on many figures: one hoof and one claw.

In the legend, his tool is a bundle of birch switches for swatting naughty children. The Public Domain Review notes a gentler modern habit: on Krampusnacht he leaves coal and bundles of switches at homes and businesses, a warning more than a threat.

When is Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht falls on the evening of December 5, the night before St. Nicholas Day on December 6. In South Tyrol, Krampus walks the streets beside St. Nicholas that evening.

Krampus has a short season. SalzburgerLand Tourismus says he is out only up to December 6. After Christmas, a related crowd of furry figures called the Perchten takes over.

What is a Krampus run?

A Krampus run, or Krampuslauf, is a street parade of costumed Krampus figures, usually with St. Nicholas at the head. Smithsonian Magazine reports the custom is growing again in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

The noise arrives first. The South Tyrol tourism board describes heavy cowbells tied around the waist, audible before the runners come into view. Its biggest parades take place in Toblach (Dobbiaco), Bolzano and Merano, and it calls Toblach’s the oldest.

In Salzburg province, SalzburgerLand Tourismus lists the parade in St. Johann im Pongau on December 6 as the largest.

The custom has traveled. National Geographic Education points to Pittsburgh, Bloomington, Indiana, and St. Louis, cities where 19th century German and Austrian immigrants brought their traditions. In Duluth, Minnesota, the Duluth News Tribune reported a second annual creepmas parade inspired by Krampus festivals, set for December 6, 2025.

What are Krampus cards?

Krampus cards, or Krampuskarten, are greeting cards and postcards starring Krampus. The Public Domain Review says they have been exchanged in Europe since the 1800s and were especially popular in the early 20th century, often with the caption Gruss vom Krampus (greetings from Krampus).

The old cards had a dark sense of humor, with Krampus hauling naughty children off in his basket. That wink is why vintage-style reproductions work so well as decor: prop a few on a mantel, clip them to a garland, or frame a set for December.

Which Krampus decorations work in a goth Christmas home?

Most Krampus decor falls into four groups. Mix one statement piece with smaller accents rather than filling a shelf.

Krampus figures

Figures range from small tabletop pieces to larger statues. Look for the classic details from the tradition: curved horns, a long red tongue, a fur coat, a bell at the belt and a bundle of switches. Pair one with a St. Nicholas figure to tell the whole story on a mantel.

Krampus ornaments

Glass and resin ornaments put Krampus on the tree beside bats and black cats. A single Krampus looks best near eye level, against dark branches. Our goth Christmas decor guide shows how Krampus fits with black trees and moody ornaments, and Halloween Christmas trees covers keeping one tree going from October to December.

Vintage-style cards

Reproduction Krampus cards are an easy, flat way to decorate. They also double as stocking stuffers or table place cards on Krampusnacht.

Where do Krampus masks fit?

Krampus masks are costume pieces for Krampus runs and Krampusnacht parties. In the Alpine tradition, SalzburgerLand Tourismus says masks are elaborately carved, with a red fabric tongue and goat or ram horns set in a particular way. The South Tyrol tourism board adds that the wooden masks are usually carved by expert sculptors.

Store-bought masks borrow that look in latex, resin or foam. A mask can also hang on a wall as decor through December, which suits a goth room better than a costume closet. If you plan to wear one at a local Krampus run, check the organizer’s rules first.

Can you wear Krampus for Christmas?

Yes. A Krampus sweater is the easiest way to bring him to a holiday party without the horns and bells. Our guide to goth Christmas sweaters covers Krampus designs alongside bats, black cats and plain black knits.

Krampus gifts for Krampusnacht

A small Krampus ornament or a reproduction card makes a fun Krampusnacht gift on December 5, a day ahead of St. Nicholas Day treats. For more ideas by personality and moment, see our goth gifts guide, which has a Krampusnacht section of its own.