What better way to kick off the Sparkle Season then with …. Krampus. While not too well known in the United States, many Alpine European towns start the celebration of St. Nicholas with a Krampus Festival. If ever Troy Hill was looking for a unique event, and given the German history of the neighborhood, this would be it.

As some of the old-timers up here might be able to tell you, Krampus, who originated in Germanic folklore, is believed to be a beastial creature who accompanies St. Nicholas on his journey. While St. Nick rewards the good children with gifts and candy, Krampus dispenses punishment to the bad children — he takes care of St. Nick’s “naughty list.”

Traditionally, on the eve of St Nicholas day, December 5th, townspeople dress in Krampus costumes, ragged animal furs and elaborate masks resembling the devil, bulging eyes, horns, wild tongue, etc, and parade (run rampant) through the streets with switches and ringing loud cowbells, putting a scare in the youngsters. After the children have been given a proper fright to ensure they stay on the straight and narrow, the rowdy Krampuses (Krampi?) are rewarded with holiday libations.

Still don’t believe it? Watch this: