KRAMPUS in Trentino-Alto Adige | What They Are, When and Where to See. Useful Information
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KRAMPUS in TRENTINO and SOUTH TYROL
Discover the Krampus tradition during the Christmas season
HISTORY of the KRAMPUS
The Krampus are monstrous creatures of Alpine tradition, linked to ancient Christmas season celebrations. According to legend, these demonic figures accompany Saint Nicholas on the night of December 5th: while the saint rewards good children, the Krampus frighten and punish those who have misbehaved. Their appearance is unmistakable: hand-carved wooden masks, goat horns, furs, cowbells, and chains. This tradition is particularly widespread in Trentino-South Tyrol, Austria, Germany, and other regions of the Alpine arc, where spectacular parades called Krampuslauf are organized every year.
Among the various events of Alpine tradition, the parade held in Dobbiaco (Toblach) stands out for its history and size, being the oldest of them all. The show features over 500 participants coming also from nearby regions of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. A special feature of this event is a fenced-off area along the route, designed as a safe space allowing families and more timid spectators to admire the event up close, sheltered from the devils' whips.
WHEN and WHERE to SEE the KRAMPUS
The period to attend the Krampus parades extends from early November to about mid-December. Events take place mostly during weekends and on the evening of December 5th, when Krampus groups march through village streets with terrifying masks, fire, smoke, and the deafening sound of cowbells. Traditional Krampus parades are often held during the various Christmas markets in the towns (Read also MAP'INFO • 10 MERCATINI di NATALE più Belli delle DOLOMITI )
In Trentino-South Tyrol, you can attend these events in various locations, including:
SOUTH TYROL KRAMPUS PARADES 2026
Salorno / Salurn: Sat 07/11, at 18:00
Laces / Latsch: Sat 14/11, from 17:00
Chiusa / Klausen: Sat 14/11, from 18:00 (25 groups)
San Genesio / Jenesien: Sat 14/11, from 16:30
Nova Levante & Nova Ponente / Welschnofen & Deutschnofen: Sat 14/11, from 19:00
Tiso / Teis: Sat 21/11, from 15:00 (300 Krampus)
Bronzolo / Branzoll: Sat 21/11, from 18:00 (700 Krampus)
S. Maddalena (Val Casies) / St. Magdalena (Gsies): Sat 21/11, from 17:00
Cadipietra / Steinhaus: Sat 21/11, from 19:30
Valle Aurina / Ahrntal: Sat 21/11
Laion / Lajen: Sat 28/11, from 18:00 (500 Krampus)
S. Valentino alla Muta / St. Valentin auf der Haide: Sat 28/11, from 17:00
Laives / Leifers: Sat 28/11, at 19:00
Colle (Val Casies) / Pichl (Gsies): Sat 28/11, at 19:00
Prato allo Stelvio / Prad am Stilfserjoch: Fri 04/12, at 18:00 (with St. Nicholas)
Silandro, Bressanone, Lana, Monguelfo / Schlanders, Brixen, Lana, Welsberg: Sat 05/12, at 17:00
Parcines / Partschins: Sat 05/12, from 17:30
Cortaccia, Vipiteno, Lasa / Kurtatsch, Sterzing, Laas: Sat 05/12, at 18:00
Campo Tures / Sand in Taufers (450 Krampus): Sat 05/12, at 18:00
S. Candido, Badia, Lana / Innichen, Abtei, Lana: Sun 06/12, at 17:00
Bolzano / Bozen: Sun 06/12, 17:30–20:00
Colfosco / Kolfuschg: Sun 06/12, at 17:30
Dobbiaco / Toblach: Mon 07/12, at 18:00
TRENTINO KRAMPUS PARADES 2026
Cavalese: Sat 28/11, at 18:00
Pozza di Fassa: Thu 03/12, at 20:00
Calliano: Fri 04/12, at 18:30
Mori: Sat 05/12, at 18:30
Ossana: Sat 05/12
Folgaria: Sun 06/12, at 17:00
Fiera di Primiero: Sun 06/12, at 18:00/18:30
Nomi: Sun 06/12, at 18:00/18:30
Carisolo: Sun 06/12, children's parade
Canale di Tenno: Sun 06/12
Aldeno: Mon 07/12, at 19:00
Besenello: Tue 08/12, at 18:00
Rovereto: Tue 08/12, at 18:00
Camposilvano: Sat 12/12
Pergine: Sun 13/12 (two runs at 15:00 and 17:00)
Ponte Arche: Sun 13/12
Grigno: Sat 19/12
Lavarone: Sat 19/12, at 17:00
Riva del Garda: Sat 19/12
Dates change every year and not all towns organize an annual parade: always verify the official event calendar before heading out.
WORLD MAPPERS' TIPS to SEE the KRAMPUS
Arrive early to secure a good spot and watch the parade up close.
Dress very warmly: events take place outdoors, often during evening hours with sub-zero temperatures.
Bring gloves, a hat, and warm, comfortable shoes.
If traveling with young children, consider carefully before attending: the Krampus can be very loud and scary, especially for little ones.
Always follow the organizers' instructions and keep a safe distance from the performers.
Pay attention to fire, sparks, chains, and cowbells during performances.
If you want to photograph the Krampus, bring a camera suitable for low-light conditions.
Not all parades are the same: some are more folkloric, while others are decidedly dramatic and adrenaline-filled.
Book your accommodation well in advance, especially in tourist spots across South Tyrol, where attendance is high during the Christmas market season.
Remember that Krampus masks are not Halloween costumes: they represent a very ancient Alpine folk tradition, deeply felt by local communities to this day.
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