Krampuslauf
The Christmas season is also known as Krampus season in Austria, especially in smaller towns and villages.
The history of the Krampus figure is said to stretch back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon creature, traditionally frightens children who have misbehaved during the year. His companion St Nicholas, known as Nikolaus or Nikolo in Austria, rewards well-behaved children with sweets and small gifts. In some Alpine traditions, Krampus is also believed to drive away evil spirits.
The demon-like Krampus usually appears on December 5th, before Nikolaus Day. He performs in a so-called Krampuslauf, entering the streets of Austrian towns to create a show while residents watch.
Dressed in nightmarish masks and furry costumes, Krampus is famous for creating a spectacle with robotic movements, dramatic gestures, and loud bells.
Giant Advent Calendars
In some Austrian towns and villages, buildings are transformed into giant advent calendars during Christmas. A new window is opened each day leading up to Christmas, exposing a festive scene or decoration.
In Graz, the Graz Town Hall transforms into a giant illuminated Advent calendar during the coldest season of the year.
Carp in the Bathtub
In the past, some Austrian families bought a live carp in the days leading up to Christmas and kept it in the bathtub until it was prepared for a festive meal, often on Christmas Eve. The tradition was particularly familiar in Vienna and Lower Austria, where carp has long been associated with Christmas celebrations.
Keeping carp alive in the bathtub allowed families to store the fish until it was prepared, but the custom has largely fallen out of favour. The Lower Austrian fish farmers' association says the practice is now difficult to reconcile with modern animal welfare expectations and cooking habits.
Some people also traditionally keep a dried carp scale in their wallet throughout the following year, in the belief that it will bring financial good luck.
Christkind
To the surprise of many outsiders, in Austria, it is not Father Christmas or Santa Claus who brings the presents – it is Christkind, the "baby Jesus", who symbolises the spirit of giving and the goodwill associated with the Christmas season.
In many Austrian households, the Christkind is said to leave presents beneath the Christmas tree on December 24th, often signalling its departure with a little bell before the family gathers to open them.
The Christkind is often portrayed as an angelic figure wearing a white robe and golden wings. In some regions of the country, the Christkind makes ceremonial announcements to open Christmas markets officially.
This can include a public event where the Christkind (often portrayed by a local child) addresses the crowd and marks the start of the holiday festivities.
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