Illustration of two skaters in red coats and knitted hats on a small ice rink beside a snowman, trees and a glowing hut (Krampus Parade in Merano)
Other Christmas Activities

Krampus Parade in Merano

Spectators gather along streets and behind security barriers to watch traditional processions of Krampus, demonic figures from alpine folklore who accompany Saint Nicholas. Visitors see performers dressed in animal horns, bulky furs, and terrifying hand-carved wooden masks while listening to the loud clatter of heavy cowbells and dragging chains. Throughout the spectacle, the menacing figures brandish birch switches and tease the crowd before Saint Nicholas steps in to reward well-behaved children.

All ages

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Plan Your Visit

Accessibility

If you're with someone with a disability, stay out of the front rows.

Pets

Leave dogs at home.

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Merano, BZ Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ (2/5)

Best For

Folklore and tradition enthusiasts

Vibe

Eerie and traditional

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • If you're with children, pregnant people or anyone sensitive, stay back from the front rows, because the noise is loud and the atmosphere is intense.
  • Leave your dog at home, and don't touch the Krampus, even when they come up to the crowd and tease people with their switches.
  • Follow police directions along the route and watch from behind the barriers set up for spectators at the bigger parades.
  • Dress warmly for standing outdoors in the Alpine cold during Advent while the procession goes by.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The Krampus parade in nearby Lana, in the Merano area, is on December 5.
  • The San Nicolò parade in Parcines, also in the Merano area, is on December 5.
  • The oldest Krampus procession in South Tyrol, with a party, is in Dobbiaco on December 7.
  • Sesto holds its 20th Krampus parade on December 12.

Links & Contact

Run by IDM Südtirol

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Krampus parade suitable for young children?

It can be intense. The noise is loud and the atmosphere is meant to give you chills. If you're with children, pregnant people, people with disabilities or anyone sensitive, stay out of the front rows.

What will we see at the parade?

The Krampus walk the streets with Saint Nicholas, praising good children and punishing naughty ones. They wear animal horns, foul-smelling furs and heavy cowbells, and they carry birch switches. At the bigger parades, hundreds of devils go past while spectators watch from behind barriers.

Does Saint Nicholas hand out gifts?

Sometimes. At some parades, the devils go with Saint Nicholas while he hands out gifts. Others are a procession of Krampus that you watch from behind barriers.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Leave your dog at home.

Can I touch the Krampus or get close to them?

Don't touch the Krampus. Follow what the police tell you along the route, and stay behind the barriers where they're set up.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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