While many people kick off the Christmas season by decking the halls, people in Austria have a more sinister way of getting into the holiday spirit. That’s because the residents in some Austrian cities and villages get into a festive mood by celebrating Krampus, jolly old St. Nick’s more menacing counterpart.
The festival is part of an event known as Krampuslauf, and it typically takes place at the start of December, where people gather in costumes while punishing those on Santa’s naughty list as the big guy hands out presents to all the good little boys and girls who are gathered in the crowd. While this may sound like an unusual way to start the season, many travelers consider it a must during the holidays.
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Austria celebrated Krampus Festival 2025 this weekend
Austrians in places like Tyrol and SalzburgerLand participated in the annual Krampuslauf festival over the weekend, where people came out in droves to celebrate Krampus Night on Dec. 5. The festival, which has its routes in pagan mythology, features people dressed up as the menacing goat-like creature known as Krampus.
These people run around the festival, playfully chasing spectators and swatting them with the traditional birch branches that Krampus uses to punish the kids on Santa’s naughty list. The event often includes music, fireworks, and rowdy crowds, a combination that is much better suited to older teens and adults.
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Where to see a Krampus Festival
While Travel and Leisure says that you’re more likely to find a traditional Krampus Festival in the rural areas of Austria, tourists can find them throughout Central or Eastern Europe. Some more common areas include:
The biggest Krampus events in the region takes place in South Tyrol, Italy, where an estimated 600 people come out to participate. Additionally, Bad Goisern, which is located outside Salzburg, is also a popular destination for revelers, and around 800 people come out to the festival there.
Related: 6 post-Christmas getaways you can still book
Visit traditional Christmas markets while you’re in town
If you’re planning to travel to Europe to check out the Krampus festivals, consider popping into one of the region’s authentic Christmas markets as well. The area is known for these annual pop up shops, which typically turn a town center into a dazzling Christmas market, where people can do their holiday shopping while also enjoying some of the other sights and sounds of the season, like carolers, shows, Christmas lights, and visits with St. Nicholas.
In fact, some of the most iconic Christmas markets in the world are found in these areas. If you’re going to be traveling through Europe in December, consider adding one of these to your itinerary:
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Nuremberg, Germany’s Christkindlesmarkt: The traditional German market is a fan-favorite for the season
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Strasbourg, France: Nicknamed the Capital of Christmas, this spot has a Christkindelsmärik and a massive tree
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Vienna, Austria: You can shop and go ice skating when you visit Rathausplatz (which is very close to the Salzburg Krampus Festival)
No matter where you go to find your Christmas spirit this year, you’ll want to make sure you enjoy yourself by researching the local traditions and weather before you pack your bags. As we mentioned, not all of these holiday events are good for those with little children, and you may want to skip some of the rowdier celebrations if you don’t like crowds.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.