St Nicholas in Bavaria: traditions, Krampus and Advent

St Nicholas in Bavaria: traditions, Krampus and Advent

During Advent, many children eagerly await a visit from St Nicholas. On the evening of 5 December, they clean their shoes and place them outside the door. By the following morning, the shoes may be filled with nuts, mandarins, sweets and small presents. But who was St Nicholas, and why is his feast day accompanied by so many different customs in Bavaria?

St Nicholas, the generous bishop

St Nicholas of Myra was a historical figure who lived during the fourth century. He served as bishop of Myra, a city in present-day Türkiye. Numerous legends tell how he helped people in need, protected children and secretly shared his possessions with the poor. He is therefore still revered as the patron saint of children and a symbol of generosity and compassion.

St Nicholas can be recognised by his bishop’s robes, long beard, mitre and crozier. He often carries a golden book which, according to tradition, contains both the children’s good deeds and their minor misdemeanours. His visit is not only about presents but also serves as a reminder of kindness, compassion and sharing with others.

Why does St Nicholas arrive on 5 December?

St Nicholas Day is officially celebrated on 6 December. In many Bavarian families, however, St Nicholas visits the children on the previous evening. This custom is connected to the old Christian understanding of time, according to which a feast day begins at sunset on the evening before.

Some children leave their polished shoes outside the door, while others receive a personal visit from St Nicholas. Depending on the region and family tradition, they may recite poems, sing songs or listen to short stories.

Krampus: St Nicholas’s frightening companion

Particularly in the Alpine regions, St Nicholas traditionally appears alongside Krampus. Covered in shaggy fur and wearing a carved mask, horns and heavy bells, Krampus forms a wild contrast to the calm figure of the bishop. While St Nicholas offers praise and presents, his companion recalls less admirable behaviour with loud bells and an imposing appearance.

Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, Klausen and Klaubauf are not simply different names for the same character. They belong to related but regionally distinct Advent traditions. The Klausentreiben custom is found in the Allgäu, for example, while Krampus processions are particularly associated with Upper Bavaria and the neighbouring Alpine regions.

St Nicholas and Father Christmas: what is the difference?

St Nicholas is based on the historical bishop of Myra and distributes his gifts around 6 December. Father Christmas, by contrast, brings presents on Christmas Eve. His modern appearance, with a red coat, white beard and pointed hat, developed from a mixture of European and North American Christmas traditions.

Although the two figures may look similar, they have different origins and roles. St Nicholas Day is particularly associated with generosity, compassion and sharing with other people.

St Nicholas and Krampus at Bavarian Christmas markets

Around St Nicholas Day, these old customs come to life at many Christmas markets. Among strings of lights, decorated stalls and the scent of roasted almonds, families may encounter St Nicholas, the Christ Child or even a noisy group of Krampus figures.

St Nicholas at the Coburg Christmas market

During Advent, Coburg’s historic market square becomes a small Christmas village. On St Nicholas Day, St Nicholas and the Christ Child visit the market and hand out sweet surprises. Traditional crafts, regional specialities and a canopy of lights create a festive atmosphere around the stalls.

Advent traditions at the Regensburg Christmas market

The traditional Christmas market on Neupfarrplatz lies in the heart of Regensburg’s historic old town. Regular visits from St Nicholas form part of the Advent programme, with small presents handed out to children. Afterwards, the illuminated streets and squares invite you to continue exploring the old town.

The Krampus procession at Munich’s Christmas market

Munich presents the wilder side of Alpine Advent traditions. During the traditional Krampus procession, elaborately masked figures wearing fur, horns and heavy bells move through the old town. The Munich Christmas market around Marienplatz combines this impressive spectacle with nativity crafts, Advent music and numerous festively decorated stalls.