Second Sunday of Advent: Krampus Run in Munich
Don't be alarmed: Krampus is back! He's coming with reinforcements – in recent years, up to 50,000 spectators have flocked to Munich for the two runs
December 14, 2025 – The first Munich Krampus group, "Sparifankerl Pass," will parade through Marienplatz – from Augustiner Straße to the Old Town Hall – from 3 to 5 p.m. (Français, Italiano, Deutsch, English)
Munich. Horns, fur coats, gruesome faces, switches, and loud bells! Anyone wanting a truly spooky pre-Christmas experience – yes, even this tradition offers that – should come to the Krampus Run on December 14th at Munich's Marienplatz. They will start rattling, clattering, and roaring from 3 p.m. onwards on Sendlinger Straße: the gruesome companions of Saint Nicholas. For 500 years, the Perchten, Krampus, or "Klabaufs" have been part of the Christmas season in the Alpine region. There's no need to fear them, but the masks are truly terrifying.
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| Krampus runs through Munich, photo - press archive: Helga Waess |
They enjoy startling spectators, engaging in wild dances, or cheering when someone screams
The Krampus parade route on December 14th leads from Sendlinger Straße, through the Rosental park, past the Nativity Market at St. Peter's Church, and then to Marienplatz and the Old Town Hall. Saint Nicholas follows the colorful Krampus groups and, as always, brings up the rear of the procession, bringing a sense of calm. They enjoy startling spectators, engaging in wild dances, or cheering when someone screams. The Krampus parade route on December 14th leads from Sendlinger Straße, through the Rosental park, past the Nativity Market at St. Peter's Church, and then to Marienplatz and the Old Town Hall. Saint Nicholas follows the colorful Krampus groups and, as always, brings up the rear of the procession, bringing a sense of calm.
In 2004, Tom Bierbaumer founded the 20-man Munich Krampus group "Sparifankerl-Pass," reviving the Alpine tradition in the Bavarian capital.
The event is organized by the City of Munich, specifically the Department of Labor and Economic Development, and the Munich Christmas Market.
Originating from the Alpine region, the Krampus groups have established this annual parade as a tradition at the Munich Christmas Market.
If only I were scared!
In the 16th century, the first so-called "Klabaufs" roamed the streets of the Alpine region. The individual costumes cost between €1,800 and €2,500. The Perchten are meant to drive out winter; they wear 4 to 10 horns, while the Krampus are adorned with two-horned masks. The Krampus outfit is heavy: a single mask weighs around 10 kilograms.
Route: Sendlinger Straße - Rosental - Viktualienmarkt to the Old Town Hall
Organized by: the organizers (see above) and Munich's first Krampus group, "Sparifankerl-Pass"
Approximately 25 groups—over 300 participants—will take part
The Munich Krampus Group "Sparifankerl-Pass"
In 2004, Tom Bierbaumer founded the 20-man Munich Krampus group "Sparifankerl-Pass," reviving the Alpine tradition in the Bavarian capital.
The event is organized by the City of Munich, specifically the Department of Labor and Economic Development, and the Munich Christmas Market.
Originating from the Alpine region, the Krampus groups have established this annual parade as a tradition at the Munich Christmas Market.
If only I were scared!
 |
| Krampus runs through Munich, photo - press archive: Helga Waess |
Well, then, off to the Krampus parade! It all kicks off on
Sunday, December 14, 2025,
the second Sunday of Advent!
In the 16th century, the first so-called "Klabaufs" roamed the streets of the Alpine region. The individual costumes cost between €1,800 and €2,500. The Perchten are meant to drive out winter; they wear 4 to 10 horns, while the Krampus are adorned with two-horned masks. The Krampus outfit is heavy: a single mask weighs around 10 kilograms.
Information about the Krampus Run through the Munich Christmas Market
- Munich City Center
- December 14, 2025
- From Augustiner Straße to the Old Town Hall
- 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Traditional Parade
- with Krampus, Perchten, and Klausen
Route: Sendlinger Straße - Rosental - Viktualienmarkt to the Old Town Hall
Organized by: the organizers (see above) and Munich's first Krampus group, "Sparifankerl-Pass"
Approximately 25 groups—over 300 participants—will take part
