Tired of the same old jolly Santa Claus and sugar-coated holiday cheer? Enter Krampus, the dark and mischievous counterpart to jolly Saint Nicholas. For fans of folklore and the occult, Krampusnacht is the german word for Krampus night which is meant to celebrate the wilder side of Yuletide. In this guide, we've scoured the realms of Krampus-themed treasures to bring you the wickedest, snarkiest gifts that are sure to delight even the most fiendish of holiday enthusiasts.


Skip ahead:
Who is Krampus anyway?
Krampuslauf: Unleashing the Wild Side of Yuletide!
Dress to Impress: Krampus-Themed Attire for the Bold and Brave
Krampus Chic: Accessories and Finishing Touches for the Festive Fiend
Krampusnacht Essentials
Looking for somewhere special to wear your Krampus gear?


a person dressed as krampus reading a krampus book to a little bald baby

But before we dive into our gift giving recommendations, who is Krampus anyway?

Originating in Alpine regions, Krampus is a horned, cloven-hoofed beast with a penchant for punishing the naughty children. He is the yin to Saint Nicholas's yang, visiting homes on the night of December 5th, known as Krampusnacht. While Santa Claus rewards the good, Krampus ensures the bad children receive their just desserts. This duality has transformed Krampusnacht into a celebration that embraces the darker, wilder side of the holiday season.

people dressed as krampus in a krampus parade

Krampuslauf: Unleashing the Wild Side of Yuletide!

One cannot truly dive into the world of Krampus without encountering the exhilarating Krampuslauf tradition. Originating in the Alpine regions, Krampuslauf, or "Krampus Run," is a spirited procession that takes place on the night of December 5, during Krampusnacht. Locals and visitors alike don elaborate Krampus costumes, complete with fearsome masks and menacing bells, transforming into a horde of horned terrors. With a cacophony of hooves, chains, and devilish laughter, they parade through the streets, delighting onlookers with their wild and mischievous antics and warning any misbehaving children with birch sticks and more. It's a spectacle that encapsulates the playful spirit of Krampusnacht, reminding us all that the holiday season isn't just about sugarplums and gingerbread houses—it's also about unleashing a little mayhem and embracing the darker side of the festivities!

Dress to Impress: Krampus-Themed Attire for the Bold and Brave

Ready to unleash your inner Krampus? Get ready to rock some devilishly stylish attire! These Krampus-themed clothing items will have you looking fierce and festive in no time. Get set to spread some holiday cheer with a mischievous twist! Great for a krampusnacht party or any other Christmas celebration you find yoursef at this season. 

Featured Products:

  1. 'Liebe Grüße vom Krampus' T-shirt by Rare Dirndl: Stay cozy and wickedly stylish with this Krampusnacht must-have from Rare Dirndl. Its intricate design captures the essence of the legendary beast, while giving jolly holiday vibes with the German phrase "loving greetings from Krampus". Nothing says holiday greetings for misbehaving children like Krampus. 

  2. Cat Krampus Kids Shirt by MelissaPothier: Looking for something a little cuter for those Krampus loving kiddos or future Krampus lovers on your list, then look no further than this adorable Kitty Krampus shirt. 

  3. Festive Krampus Women's Shirt by Rare Dirndl: Finally, a feminine yet equally creepy Krampus design! This just might be the softest and most comfortable women's t-shirt you'll ever own. Combine the relaxed fit and smooth fabric of this tee with jeans to create an effortless everyday outfit, or dress it up with a jacket. 

    woman with pigtails wearing a mauve krampus t-shirt and a striped sweater

Krampus Chic: Accessories and Finishing Touches for the Festive Fiend

Elevate your Krampusnacht ensemble with devilishly delightful accessories. From horned headbands to wicked jewelry, these items add the perfect touch of Krampus flair to any outfit and put you in the festive spirit.

Featured Products:

  1. Krampus Horn Beanie by LusAmigurumi: Perfect for Krampus night or for your everyday holiday look, this adorable crocheted horned hat comes in a variety of colors.

  2. Annual Krampus Scarf by Rare Dirndl: Elevate your winter wardrobe with the charm of Krampus. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fire or dashing through the snow, let this yearly gift of the Krampus Scarf be your go-to accessory this festive season. It also makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for those who appreciate a touch of tradition blended with modern comfort.

    woman with long hair sitting at a fountain wearing all black with a red krampus scarf
  3. Krampus Necklace & Earrings by Rare Dirndl: Embrace the mystique of Krampus with this captivating Krampus Pendant necklace & matching earrings. This imported metal pendant features an intricately designed Krampus charm, making it a wearable work of art for enthusiasts of Alpine folklore. 

Deck the Halls with Horns: Krampus-Themed Decor 

Deck the halls with malevolence! Give your home a darkly delightful makeover with these Krampus-themed decor items. From ornaments to candles, these pieces will set the perfect tone for a Krampusnacht to remember.

Featured Products:

  1. Krampus Candle by Sea Witch Botanicals: Fill your home with the scent of ancient forests and mischievous spirits. This candle is the perfect companion for a night of Krampusnacht revelry. Grab a bit of Krampus tradition that Saint Nicolas would approve of!

    sea witch krampus candle - krampusnacht gifts - krampus traditions

  2. Krampus Ornament: Add a touch of Old World mystique to your holiday tree with this exquisite wooden Krampus ornament. Meticulously crafted through the art of laser cutting, this ornament captures the essence of the horned terror in intricate detail.
  3. Krampus Throw Blanket: Whether you're lounging by the fire or adding a touch of the dark side to your decor, this blanket is a must-have for any Krampus enthusiast. Embrace the magic of Krampusnacht and let the warmth of this throw blanket envelop you in holiday mischief.

Krampusnacht Essentials

No Krampusnacht celebration is complete without the right gear. From costumes that would make even Krampus himself envious to decorations that set the perfect dark tone, these essentials are a must-have for any Krampus enthusiast.

Featured Products:

  1. "Krampus Meets His Match" The Krampus Children's book: Dive into the enchanting world of Krampus, the mischievous yuletide creature, in this delightful children's book penned by none other than the creative minds behind Rare Dirndl, Erika Neumayer Ehrat and Michael Young.

    Join Krampus as he embarks on a comical adventure to teach young Sandra a lesson in good behavior. Little does he know, his plans are about to take an unexpected turn!

    This is a great gift for new parents who have an appreciation for Krampus or a little one in your life. "Krampus Meets His Match"strikes the perfect balance, ensuring it's not gruesome, but instead delivers a message of kindness and understanding that will resonate with young readers.

    woman reading a krampus book to her daughter in front of a christmas tree

  2. Krampus Mask by RavendarkCreations: Dressing up for a Krampuslauf or Krampus run, then this is a must have! Transform into the horned terror himself with this meticulously crafted Krampus Mask. Pair it with a Krampus costume and you're guaranteed to turn heads and strike fear into the hearts of naughty children.
  3. Krampus Enamel Pin Set by Rare Dirndl: The set features two distinct designs, capturing Krampus in all his yuletide mystique. These durable and stylish pins are the perfect accessory for Krampus parades or other Christmas celebrations.
    krampus pin set - krampus punishes naughty children - krampus mask

With the wicked treasures from Rare Dirndl and the handcrafted gems from Etsy, your Krampus-themed holiday and Christmas season events will be nothing short of legendary. Embrace the snark, revel in the mischief, and let Krampusnacht be a celebration like no other. Don't forget to spread the dark cheer - share this guide with your fellow Krampus enthusiasts and let the festivities begin!

Looking for somewhere special to wear your Krampus gear?

CLICK HERE to check our list of all the Krampus themed events and Krampuslaufen around the US.

man wearing a krampus shirt posing for a picture with a woman and someone dressed as krampus to celebrate krampus

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September 28, 2023 — Erika Neumayer

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