Krampus has its origins in pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. Krampus' origins may be in Norse mythology, where he was the son of Hel, the god of the underworld. Later, despite the Catholic church's best efforts to ban him, he became part of Christian traditions. While St. Nicholas visits to reward good children on December 5 or 6, Krampus would also visit misbehaving children to punish them. In some areas of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia this day was known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus night,” when adults might dress up as Krampus to frighten children at their homes.

​

​Children might have also seen Krampus running through the street during a Krampuslauf—literally translated as a "Krampus run.” If Krampusnacht was a way to scare kids into behaving themselves, the Krampuslauf was a way for adults to blow off steam (while probably still scaring children). Like Krampusnacht, the Krampuslauf tradition continues to the present day.

The name "Krampus" comes from the Old High German word krampen, which means "claw."It is a fitting name, as Krampus has a half-goat, half-demon lineage and is often described as having long claws, hooves, and horns.