Krampus Stirs Controversy in Holiday Parades

Is it just us, or are there a lot more half-goat, half-demons marching their cloven hoofs in Christmas parades lately?

Krampus, the child-napping underworld dweller ripped straight from Eastern European folklore is experiencing a major resurgence in popularity. This once-obscure demonic alternative to jolly ol’ Saint Nick is now a household name in Europe and the Americas.

While many American cities have been host to Krampus-themed parades in recent years (a source of controversy themselves), this year the creature is a common sight in general holiday festivities around the country.

Krampus has officially gone mainstream in 2025 – but some folks are not happy about it. 

Who is Krampus?

Naughty kids better watch out: This cloven-hoofed, anthropomorphic half-goat half-demon will find you if you’ve been bad. And whereas Santa leaves naughty kids lumps of coal and tells them to try to get on the nice list next year, Krampus throws them in a sack and beats them with a birch rod.

Anthropologists and folklorists believe Krampus comes from pre-Christian Alpine Pagan tradition, where he was largely contained until 2004. That’s when graphic designer Monte Beauchamp released a series of vintage postcards highlighting “The Devil of Christmas,” bringing Krampus to the shores of America. 

In the decades since, Krampus has wormed his way into holiday pop culture, including as the titular villain in a 2015 Universal film. He's also the main attraction of countless Krampus-themed parades and parties around the world. 

For those seeking an alternative to holiday sweetness, Krampus provided the perfect alternative. But not all are fans of this December devil.

Krampus on Parade

You may spot some horns amidst all the Santas and reindeer and Christmas cheer at your local holiday parade this year. That’s because fans of Krampus are applying for – and receiving – permits to participate in seasonal festivities all around the country.

Over in Hawaii, Kaua’i’s annual Lights on Rice parade – one of the biggest annual events on the island – featured an entire Krampus float, with steam emanating from the float’s cauldron and children on the float locked in a cage. This imagery, displayed at what was ostensibly a family-friendly event, upset some Christians. Critics decried the float as demonic. 

According to reports, one man even rushed the float and begged parents to cover their children’s eyes to shield them from the demonic visage. Police got involved when a spectator threw a can of beer at the float participants.

And in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a local bar owner’s Krampus parade float in the city’s annual Lights of the Ozarks parade similarly ignited controversy. He says the bar’s telephone has been ringing nonstop – and it’s not from fans telling him he did a great job. "Some of the comments that I got are things that I can't repeat on television, things that make me fear for my safety," he stated.

An Expected Backlash

For those that celebrate Christmas as a deeply religious holiday, even allowing Santa Claus to share in the spotlight doesn't sit well with some families. The idea of parades celebrating Santa's demonic alter-ego? Religious opponents say that's a bridge too far. 

"Christmas is about the birth of our Lord and only savior Jesus Christ. This is a total disgrace and if my child was at a Christmas parade and saw this, I would do my best to shut down any business involved in it," one commenter said.

“We don't want a demonic creature in our Christmas parades where our young children are,” said another. “Some of you don't want Jesus shoved in your face. Respect the fact that we also don't want demons shoved in ours.”

Similar stories are popping up across the country, with Krampus making appearances in local holiday festivities – and swiftly meeting backlash.

But Krampus fans say they’re just trying to bring some alternatives to the countless Nutcracker and Santa Claus-themed floats. Christmas is for everyone, they argue. Even those with an interest in pre-Christian Pagan folklore.

“We weren’t hurting anybody, we were just doing a Christmas tradition that was a little bit different than what everyone else was doing,” explained the person responsible for the Krampus float in Hawaii. “We’re not sorry for making the float.”

Krampus Goes Mainstream

With Krampus stepping out of obscure folklore and into the spotlight of mainstream holiday celebrations, communities are now grappling with a familiar seasonal question: who gets to define what “belongs” at Christmas?

For some, the horned figure represents a playful nod to ancient traditions and a counterbalance to saccharine holiday cheer; for others, his presence feels like a line crossed at events meant to center on faith, family, and the birth of Christ.

As cities issue permits and parades grow more eclectic, the debate seems destined to continue. So where should the line be drawn, and does a bigger tent for holiday traditions enrich Christmas, or dilute its meaning?