Krampus the Satan as Christmas figure. (Christmas - Celebrating the birth of Jesus)

In Austria and across the German-speaking Alpine region, the demonic character is a crucial part of the holiday season. He’s a devilish figure, with long horns and a goaty beard, typical portrayals of Satan. You might see him posed harmlessly on a greeting card or reproduced in chocolates or figurines. But you might also encounter a procession of Krampuses stalking through the town, laden with bells and chains, intimidating onlookers or whipping them with bundles of sticks.

In central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as half-goat, half-demon.

Krampus is one of the companions of Saint Nicholas in several regions including Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Northern Italy including South Tyrol and the Province of Trento, Slovakia, and Slovenia. He got crafted onto Christian tradition as a siekick of St. Nicholas, similar to figures like Zwarte Piet in the Netherlands and Knecht Ruperecht in Germany. Since the 17th century, the two have been linked in a sort of Christmas yin-yang, with Krampus as St. Nicholas dark companion. Costumed figures of the two traditionally visit houses and businesses together on Krampusnacht: St Nicholas brings the gifts, and Krampus brings the pain.