About a dozen costumed revelers gathered in Market Square Monday night for Pittsburgh’s Krampuslauf and Krawl, a celebration of Krampusnacht, or Krampus night.

Krampus is a mythical being from central European folklore, who, according to legend, punishes misbehaving children around Christmastime.

Donning horns, fur, masks, face paint and cow bells, the Krampus impersonators processed around Market Square during its Peoples Gas Holiday Market, while dozens of spectators followed the parade and lined the streets to watch the spectacle.

People dressed as Krampus pretend to scare a boy while he takes a photo with them before the parade.
A boy waves at a Krampus waiting in the Krampus holding area.
Several versions of Krampus make their way around Market Square as non-costumed attendees follow.
A Krampus talks to children, asking them if they’ve been “naughty or nice.”
A parader stares down onlookers through a mask.
A person dressed as Krampus parades through Market Square.
Alexandra Wimley

Alexandra is a photographer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but she's currently on strike.

Alexandra Wimley

Alexandra is a photographer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but she's currently on strike.