Krampus and Perchten parades 2026 in and around Graz
Dates, tips and insights into the traditions
When the sound of heavy bells fills the air and elaborately carved masks make their way through the streets, the season of Krampus and Perchten parades has arrived in Graz and the surrounding region. In November 2026, numerous parades once again offer the chance to experience these traditions up close.
One of the highlights is the main Graz Krampus parade on Sunday, 8 November 2026. A special programme for families takes place on Freiheitsplatz in the afternoon. In the evening, Krampus and Perchten figures parade through Graz city centre around Karmeliterplatz and Freiheitsplatz.
Graz Krampus parade 2026: key information at a glance
Krampus and Perchten in the heart of Graz
- Date and location: Sunday, 8 November 2026, on Karmeliterplatz and Freiheitsplatz
- Programme: Admission from 1.30 pm, children's programme from 2 pm, parade starts at 6 pm
- For families: The afternoon children's programme is particularly suitable for families with younger children.
- Tickets: Advance tickets for the Graz Krampus parade 2026 are available through oeticket.
Which Krampus parade in Graz is particularly worth visiting?
Experience traditional customs during the Advent season
If you would like to attend a Krampus parade in Graz, the main parade in the city centre on 8 November 2026 is a must-see. Around Karmeliterplatz and Freiheitsplatz, striking masks, booming bells and a living tradition come together for an atmospheric evening.
The event gets under way in the afternoon: admission begins at 1.30 pm, followed by a children's programme from 2 pm. The Krampus parade itself starts at 6 pm. Advance tickets for the event are available through oeticket.
Visiting a Krampus parade with children in Graz
What families should know
With their elaborately carved masks, shaggy furs and heavy bells, Krampus and Perchten figures can make quite an impression on children too. This is why the Graz Krampus parade offers a special children's programme on Freiheitsplatz from 2 pm. For families with younger children, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the tradition in daylight and in a relaxed atmosphere.
Once the parade itself begins at 6 pm, the experience becomes much more intense. The darkness, frightening masks and, above all, the loud ringing of bells create a distinctive atmosphere, but may also scare younger children or those who are sensitive to noise. A spot a little further away from the parade is often more comfortable, and hearing protection can also be helpful.
For adults and children alike: follow the instructions of the security staff and keep a safe distance from the masked performers.
Dates for Krampus and Perchten parades 2026 around Graz
Where can you see Krampus and Perchten in the region around Graz?
In November, Krampus and Perchten take to the streets beyond Graz city centre too. Kalsdorf, Frohnleiten, Premstätten, Übelbach, Geistthal-Södingberg, Köflach and Semriach also keep the tradition alive with their own parades and events.
Dates for Krampus and Perchten parades 2026 around Graz at a glance:
- 7 November 2026, 4.59 pm: Krampus Parade – The Run of Darkness in Kalsdorf bei Graz
- 7 November 2026, 6 pm: Krampus Parade in Frohnleiten
- 8 November 2026, from 2 pm: Graz Krampus Parade 2026 – Bigger and more spectacular than ever!
- 14 November 2026, 5.30 pm: Perchten Parade in Premstätten
- 14 November 2026, 6 pm: Home Parade of the Übelbach Gleinalm Pass
- 15 November 2026, 5 pm: Krampus Parade in Geistthal-Södingberg
- 21 November 2026, 6 pm: Krampus Parade in Köflach
- 21 November 2026, 6 pm: Perchten Parade in Semriach
- 12 December 2026, 5 pm: Krampus and Perchten Parade in St. Radegund
With events taking place on several weekends in Advent, Graz and the surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities to discover the Krampus and Perchten traditions.
What is the difference between Krampus and a Percht?
Two traditions that shape winter in the Alpine region
Krampus and Perchten are both part of Alpine winter traditions. Although they may look similar at first glance, they differ in their customs, appearance and the time of year when they traditionally appear.
Krampus
Krampus is closely associated with the tradition of St Nicholas. He traditionally roams the streets on Krampus Night, 5 December, the eve of St Nicholas Day. His typical features include two horns, shaggy fur, a long tongue and a birch rod. Heavy bells add a deep sound that can be heard from afar.
Perchten
Perchten traditionally appear around Christmas and New Year. Today, however, they can be seen alongside Krampus figures as early as November in many places. Their appearance is intended to symbolically drive away winter and evil forces. The name “Perchten” is often linked to the legendary figure Perchta. However, there is no conclusive historical evidence that Perchten parades can be traced directly to pre-Christian customs.
Perchten also differ from Krampus in their appearance. They often look even wilder and more archaic: their intricately carved masks sometimes feature several horns. Fur, bells and occasionally a horse's tail complete the costume. Depending on their appearance, a distinction is also made between Schiachperchten and Schönperchten.
Schiachperchten & Schönperchten
Schiachperchten: The wild side of the Perchten tradition
Schiachperchten embody the unruly, dark side of the tradition. Fierce masks, shaggy costumes and loudly ringing bells define their appearance. Their noise and frightening presence are intended to drive out winter and ward off evil. They take centre stage at many Perchten parades.
Schönperchten: The festive side of the Perchten tradition
Schönperchten provide a counterpoint, revealing a very different side of the tradition. They wear intricately crafted costumes with magnificent headdresses and symbolise good fortune, fertility and a positive start to the new year. Their appearance is much more festive and welcoming than that of the Schiachperchten.
The craftsmanship behind the masks
Frequently asked questions about Krampus and Perchten parades in Graz
Krampus Night is traditionally celebrated on 5 December, the eve of St Nicholas Day. In 2026, however, the main Graz Krampus parade exceptionally takes place as early as 8 November.
The Graz Krampus parade takes place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on Karmeliterplatz and Freiheitsplatz. Admission begins at 1.30 pm, the children's programme starts at 2 pm and the parade itself at 6 pm.
The main Graz Krampus parade in the city centre is one of Graz's key Krampus events. Krampus and Perchten figures parade through the city around Karmeliterplatz and Freiheitsplatz.
Yes, a ticket is required for the Graz Krampus parade 2026. Advance tickets are available through oeticket; please visit the event page for current prices and availability.
The main Graz Krampus parade offers a special children's programme for families with young children on Freiheitsplatz from 2 pm. The parade itself, starting at 6 pm, is much more intense due to the masks, bells and darkness, and may frighten younger children.
Yes, heavy bells, jingling bells and music can make Krampus and Perchten parades very loud. People who are sensitive to noise are advised to choose a spot a little further away from the parade route; hearing protection may also be useful.
Always follow the instructions of the securtiy statt and keep a safe distance from the masked performers. This helps keep the parade safe for both spectators and participants.
