It's the Year of Krampus

It's the Year of Krampus

Amanda Robinson

The Origins of Krampus 

In the snow-covered streets of Alpine villages, as December's darkness descends, something wicked this way comes. Not the jolly figure of Santa Claus, but rather his shadowy counterpart – Krampus, the horned holiday devil whose fearsome legend has endured for centuries.

Deep in pre-Germanic pagan tradition lies the genesis of Krampus, whose very name derives from the German word krampen, meaning "claw." According to legend, this terrifying figure is none other than the son of Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld. While St. Nicholas rewards good children with treats and presents, Krampus serves as the enforcer of discipline, punishing those who have misbehaved throughout the year. This half-goat, half-demon entity carries rusted chains, cowbells that announce his dreaded approach, and most chillingly, a sack for carrying away particularly naughty children to his lair.

Each year on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, the tradition of Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) brings this ancient folklore to life. Throughout Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, young men don elaborately crafted wooden masks and fur suits to embody the fearsome beast. They parade through torch-lit streets, rattling chains and ringing bells, creating a spectacle that's equal parts terrifying and thrilling for onlookers. These parades are thought to be descended from ancient pagan rituals meant to drive away winter's malevolent spirits, ensuring the eventual return of spring.

The Krampus tradition has proved remarkably resilient, surviving multiple attempts at suppression. The Catholic Church tried to ban Krampus celebrations in the 12th century, viewing the demon-like figure as too reminiscent of the devil. Centuries later, in 1934, Austria's Christian Social Party made another attempt to eradicate the practice. Yet Krampus endured, becoming even more popular in recent years.

Today, Krampus has transcended his Alpine origins to become a global phenomenon. He's featured in comic books, horror films, and themed parties across the world. In particular, he's taken hold of American festivities with events happening in cities across the country ranging from runs to haunted houses specifically in December to celebrate Krampus and spook visitors. 

Hosting Your Own Krampus Party 

I've always loved throwing parties with really specific and fun themes. A Krampus party is high on my list! While I'm not throwing one this year, I did put together a guide on what I would do to make the Krampus party a night to remember! When planning gatherings, I'm really focused on doing my best to buy as little as possible. We can have lots of fun and make everything look special without spending hundreds for each party. If you use this guide to through your own Krampus Party, tag @isleandwild on instagram - I'd love to see what you do! 

A Couple Weeks Pre-Party 

Start your Krampus party planning at least two weeks ahead by gathering materials from nature and thrift stores. Take walks to collect pine branches, twigs, and pinecones – these will form the backbone of your decorations. Visit thrift stores with an eye for dark fabrics, old chains, bells, and creepy old books. Check your own closets for candles (maybe some old Isle & Wild candles that have a little life left in them!), glass jars, and dark-colored sheets or blankets. Don't throw away cardboard boxes or paper bags, as these will come in handy for creating spooky elements.

Staging your space 

It's time to start transforming your space. Push furniture to the walls and cover bright pieces with dark fabric. Dim your regular lights or create a red glow by covering them with tissue paper. Place candles in glass jars throughout the space – this creates perfect spooky lighting without spending much. Create a forest effect by standing larger branches in corners (stabilize them in buckets filled with rocks or even use some books to help prop them up unseen) and tie smaller branches together to make wall decorations. Scatter your collected pinecones on tables alongside loose branches.

One cool element that would be great for photos is creating your own Krampus throne. Choose an arm chair or other chair with a high back if you have one, and use twine to attach some of your branches behind it. Then, cover it with a dark tablecloth or clean sheets you have lying around.

Refreshments

Some refreshment ideas to consider:

  • Mulled Wine - Set up a slow cooker or crockpot and add the ingredients for your favorite mulled wine recipe. I recommend using orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cranberries.  
  • Black Punch - Make a fizzy dark drink by using grape juice and ginger ale, or even buying edible black glitter for a shimmery element. 
  • Beer - with festive roots in Germany, this is also a great event for the darker ales from that region!
  • German Inspired Snacks: pretzels with mustard, black bread with cheese, and store-bought cookies that you decorate with black icing. Set out bowls of spiced nuts and black licorice to complete the spread. If you've got vegans and vegetarians in mind, make sure to check out some dairy-free icing and cheese options so they feel included too! 

Costumes 

Festive attire can really enhance the experience for attendees! Here's one creative way to become the krampus of your nightmares: 

  • Use lots of black clothes as your base. Black leggings or jeans, layering them is even better. Bonus points if you have an old cape from a costume! 
  • Incorporate horns: you can make a DIY Krampus horns with paper mace and balloons, or even create a crown of twisted branches and twigs you've found. 
  • Makeup: dark eyeshadow and eyeliner for the ladies, maybe even a little red under the eyes to look particularly festively haunted. 
  • Layers and accessories: anything that you can thrift that mimics the chains or faux fur pieces for the ultimate snowy warmth. 

Activities 

Set up activity stations throughout your space to create moments of fun for the guests, especially if it's a larger crowd mingling rather than a small group doing everything together. Some ideas:

  • Judgement Station: Create a judgment station with a dark cloth-covered table and an old book where guests can write their misdeeds.
  • Photo Op: If you have a Polaroid camera, this could be a great addition to your Krampus throne!
  • Card Making:  Set up a card-making station with black paper and white or silver markers where guests can create their own Krampus cards. Have reference images of vintage Krampus cards available for inspiration (I dare you to google these, they are SPOOKY!)
  • Krampus costume contest: have a contest for the "best" Krampus. This could be different awards for the most creative, spookiest, most DIY, whatever fits the vibe of the group. PRO TIP: Buy our krampus candle as an awesome prize for the winner! We had at least two of you do this this year :) 

Ambience: For music, create a playlist that mixes traditional German Christmas music with dark ambient sounds and gothic instrumental pieces. Add in some bell sounds to create an eerie atmosphere. Don't forget to include some traditional Krampuslauf music if you can find it. Here's some playlists from Spotify that I liked: 

Remember, the key to a successful to a low-cost thrifty Krampus party is embracing the handmade, slightly rough quality – it actually adds to the folk horror aesthetic. Start collecting materials early, keep the lighting low, and don't stress about perfection. Encourage guests to contribute food and drinks to share the cost and effort. Save your decorations after the party; they'll be perfect for next year's celebration. The best part about this approach is that it focuses on creativity and community rather than expensive purchases, creating a more authentic and memorable experience.

Did you host a Krampus party? Tag @isleandwild on instagram and show us! Maybe you'll win a free candle :) 

Back to blog