York to host first official Krampus Run in November 2026

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

York will hold its first official Krampus Run on 14 November 2026, featuring participants in elaborate costumes based on the Alpine mythical creature.

York's first official Krampus Run will take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026, bringing the dark legend of the horned Alpine creature to the city centre. The procession will begin at the Black Swan on Peasholme Green at 10.30am and follow a route through York's historic streets. The route will pause at Villains 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 will wear hand-crafted costumes featuring intricately carved wooden masks, imposing horns and heavy furs. A spokesperson for Krampus Yorkshire said: 'You will hear the bells before you see them,' and described the event as an opportunity to witness 'the incredible artistry and creativity' of these costumes as 'history and folklore collide'.

Krampus figures from the Whitby Krampus Run visited York last year, causing a stir at The Society of Alchemists on Shambles.

How it is being reported

• 'You will hear the bells before you see them' - beasts to descend on York next monthA horned, mythical creature from Alpine folklore is set to descend on York next month.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Oct, 16:00
• 'You will hear the bells before you see them' - beasts to descend on York next monthA horned, mythical creature from Alpine folklore is set to descend on York next month.The Press (York) · 14 Oct, 16:00

In this story: York · Krampus Yorkshire · Whitby

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem