Villabassa Advent - Krampus (Adventsfest mit Krampus)

An alpine tradition brought to life in the heart of Advent

The Villabassa Advent - Krampus (in German Adventsfest mit Krampus) is one of the most anticipated winter events in the municipality of Villabassa/Niederdorf, an enchanting village in the Upper Puster Valley at the foot of the Dolomites, in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. During the Advent period, the streets of the historic center and Von-Kurz-Platz fill with fire, cowbells, and terrifying masks for the parade of the Krampus, the demonic creatures that, according to alpine tradition, accompany Saint Nicholas to punish disobedient children.

The Krampus parade

The heart of the event is the Niederdorf Krampus run: wild and mystical figures, dressed in furs, horns, and hand-carved wooden masks, parade through the crowd, enveloping the village in an atmosphere that is both dark and evocative. The evening is brought to life by the local group Krampusclub Luzifer Roat Stankuchl, whose impressive costumes and passion for this ancient custom make the show an intense and immersive experience.

More than just devils: exhibition, sweets, and music

The festival goes beyond the parade. The program includes various attractions designed for both adults and children:

• a small mask exhibition titled "from the past to the present," which recounts how Krampus masks have changed over time, from traditional models to the true works of art seen today;
• hot drinks and typical Advent pastries, to warm up during the cold winter evenings in the Puster Valley;
• musical entertainment that accompanies and punctuates the evening.

A hallmark custom of South Tyrol

The Krampus tradition is deeply rooted in the culture of South Tyrol and the entire German-speaking alpine region. The devil parades (in German Krampuslauf or Tuifllauf) animate numerous South Tyrolean villages in the weeks before and after Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th. In Villabassa, this ritual takes on a particularly scenic dimension thanks to the setting of the historic center and the Advent atmosphere, amidst markets, lights, and snow. For those visiting the Upper Puster Valley in December, the parade represents a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic folklore of the Dolomites.

Information on the 2026 edition

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced by the organizers. The event is traditionally held in early December, during the Advent season; it is recommended to check the official dates on the tourism channels of the Upper Puster Valley and the Three Peaks/Drei Zinnen when they are published.