World's Weirdest Christmas Traditions: Krampus Night - Austria

Krampus is a word originating from the old high German word “Krampen”, meaning “claw”. Krampus Night ('Krampusnacht') is celebrated on the eve of Saint Nicholas' Day (6th December).

Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children, in contrast to St. Nicholas, who gives gifts to good children.

If you have children you may well be aware of the mantra – if you don’t behave then Father Christmas won’t bring you anything. The idea behind Krampus is similar – only the threat is not that Santa won’t bring them anything but that Krampus will whip them in to the New Year.