York hosts first official Krampus Run with Alpine folklore creatures

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 16:01 · Archive

York held its first official Krampus Run, featuring elaborately costumed horned figures from Alpine folklore.

York held its first official Krampus Run on Saturday, bringing horned mythical creatures from Alpine folklore to the city centre. The procession began at the Black Swan on Peasholme Green at 10.30am and followed a route through the city centre with pauses at Villians Rum at 11am and Valhalla at noon, before entering Minster Yard and returning to the starting point by 3pm.

The Krampus, a fearsome horned being from Alpine myth, is said to punish naughty children during the festive season, in contrast to the gift-giving St Nicholas. Participants dressed in elaborate, hand-crafted costumes including carved wooden masks, imposing horns and heavy furs. The event follows visits the legendary figures made to York in 2024 and last year.

Visitors of all ages were keen to have their photos taken with the creatures. Elisabeth Bradbury of Huddersfield said the Krampus were 'absolutely brilliant' with 'just the right amount of scariness and fun', adding that it really did 'add to the ambience of York'.

The event precedes similar celebrations in Whitby, which will return from Friday 4 December until Sunday 6 December, bringing three days of folklore, music and festive mischief to the Yorkshire coast.

How it is being reported

• Mythical horned creatures wow crowds in York city centreYork's first official Krampus Run brought horned Alpine folklore creatures, elaborate costumes and festive fun to the city centre, ahead of Whitby's event.York Press · 14 Nov, 15:26
• Mythical horned creatures wow crowds in York city centreYork's first official Krampus Run brought horned Alpine folklore creatures, elaborate costumes and festive fun to the city centre, ahead of Whitby's event.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Nov, 15:26

In this story: York · Whitby · Alpine · St Nicholas · Krampus · Elisabeth Bradbury

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