Do you love creepy monsters and creatures year-round? If so, go to the yearly Christmas Krampus parade in Leavenworth.
What is Krampus, you ask? Krampus is a horned, half-goat, half-demon figure from Central European folklore who serves as a dark companion to Saint Nicholas. Emerging from pre-Christian, Pagan traditions, Krampus punishes misbehaving children, often by beating them with birch branches or taking them away in a sack, while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones with presents.
Krampus came from Alpine Austria and some parts of Germany. On December 5th or 6th, naughty children would be doomed as St. Nicholas’ menacing partner would come visit the children to punish them and drag them to hell. In Alpine Austria and some parts of Germany, this day was known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus night,” when adults might dress up as Krampus to frighten children in their homes.
When the Christmas Krampus crew comes to town, you can expect scary horned masks and robes as these people parade through downtown Leavenworth. They love going up to children and taking photos with families. Leavenworth stores offer a mask display and other merchandise, and these trinkets are available for purchase at the Chumstick Grange from 11 AM to 5 PM. The organizers for this spooky group are Krampus Seattle and Krampus Bremerton. You can check their website for more information on the times.
