Munich’s first Krampus group, “Sparifankerl Pass,” emphasizes that the Munich Krampus is a playful devil who can be seen up close and personal during the parade—to be touched and marveled at—and not to scold naughty children.
The Krampuses fill Munich's Old Town
Krampus Parade Through the Munich Christmas Market
On December 13, 2026, they’ll be out and about again: Every year at the big traditional parade, “wild characters” like Krampus, Perchten, and Klause make a surprise appearance—but no one needs to be afraid of them. The parade, which takes place during the Christmas market, now attracts up to 50,000 spectators.
Copyright:
RAW, Moritz Röder
All the info on the Krampus Run
- When: Sunday, December 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Munich
- Route: The parade starts and assembles at Frauenplatz/Augustinerstr., then proceeds along Kaufinger Str., continuing through Färbergraben, Rosental, Sendlinger Straße, Dultstraße, Oberanger, Rindermarkt, and Petersplatz to the Viktualienmarkt and the Old Town Hall.
- Who: The parade is organized and funded by the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs (RAW) in close collaboration with Munich’s first Krampus group, “Sparifankerl-Pass.”
- How many groups are participating?: Around 25 groups with more than 300 participants.
- Since when?: The Krampus tradition has existed in the Alpine region for about 500 years. As early as the 16th century, the so-called “Klabaufs” roamed the streets
Hundreds of Krampus figures parade through Munich
Copyright:
RAW, Moritz Röder
With rattling, clanging, and plenty of roaring, the show kicks off right on time at 3 p.m. Many Munich residents were already waiting for these spooky characters, who have been up to their mischief during the Christmas season in the Alpine region for 500 years as Perchten, Krampus, or “Klabaufs.” There were also many children in the front row: after all, there’s really no need to be afraid of these spooky characters. Interacting with the audience is all part of the show, and of course, after a wild little dance or the snatching of a hat, there’s always time for a selfie. And the hat gets returned.
This is this year’s race route
The race route has changed slightly this year. Participants will line up on Augustinerstraße. From there, the race proceeds through the pedestrian zone, along Färbergraben, Rosental, Sendlinger Straße, Dultstraße, Oberanger, Rindermarkt, and Petersplatz to the Viktualienmarkt. The race ends in front of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall).
Photo Gallery: The Krampus Parade—Fun and Spooky
The Tradition of the Krampus Run: Also Held in Munich Since 2004
Copyright:
Archivfoto, RAW
On December 12, 2004, around 100 impressive figures in fur costumes and intricately carved wooden masks brought this old tradition back to life in the state capital. Also present were the Perchten, the female companions of the Krampuses. The Sternlauf was organized by the then-Tourist Office in close collaboration with Munich’s first Krampus group, “Sparifankerl-Pass,” and financed by local merchants.
A 16th-century Alpine tradition
The Krampus parade traces its origins to a 500-year-old tradition from the Alpine region: as early as the 16th century, the so-called “Klabaufs” were already taking to the streets. Students, cantors, and schoolmasters from the Frauenkirche and St. Peter’s dressed up as bishops and reportedly caused such disturbances that the police had to be called in. Today, the Krampus parade is once again very popular among young people.
The “Krampus parade,” still a living tradition in Austria and Bavaria, was intended to ward off evil spirits.
Elaborate and expensive costumes
Copyright:
Sparifankerl-Pass
The elaborately designed costumes are reordered every year and vary depending on the character:
- The Perchten, who were originally meant to drive away winter, wear 4 to 10 horns, while the Krampus are characterized by a two-horned mask.
- The cost of a costume ranges from 1,800 to 2,500 euros.
- But a Krampus outfit isn’t just expensive—it’s also quite heavy.
- A mask can easily weigh 10 kilograms—no wonder the participants are completely out of breath after the Krampus run.
Munich's First Krampus Group: Sparifankerl Pass
Copyright:
RAW, Moritz Röder
The Munich Krampus group “Sparifankerl-Pass” has been parading through the Christmas market every year since 2004. The founder of the 20-member group, Tom Bierbaumer, wants to bring this Alpine tradition back to the Bavarian capital and organizes the big Krampus parade.
Das muss man zum Krampuslauf wissen
During the Great Krampus Parade, numerous groups from the Alpine region, with around 300 participants, parade through the old town.
Krampus is the eerie companion at the side of the benevolent St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas is often willing to turn a blind eye to naughty children, Krampus prefers to rattle his chain to command the respect he deserves.
The Krampus figures were first expected at the Munich Christmas Market around Marienplatz in 2004. On Sunday, December 12, around 100 of these impressive figures, dressed in fur costumes and wearing intricately carved wooden masks, revived an old tradition with the 1st Munich Krampus Star Run.
The groups are coming from the Salzburg region, Styria, Tyrol, South Tyrol, the Allgäu, and as far away as Kötschach-Mauthen (Carinthia). An overview can be found on the Sparifankerl Pass website.
