Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on a North Yorkshire coastal town to see magical beasts roam the streets this winter.
Plans are taking shape to stage the Whitby Krampus Run, a popular winter festival that sees performers dressed as Krampus, the horned creature from Alpine folklore, take to the streets in a colourful and noisy parade inspired by European Christmas traditions.
Whitby Krampus Run returns this December with street parade - pictured: Whitby Krampus Run 2025 by Press Camera Club member Simon McCabe. (Image: Press Camera Club member Simon McCabe)
Inspired by Alpine folklore, the horned and hooved creature is known for punishing naughty children and made an appearance in the city at the weekend, bringing a darker edge to the festive season.
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The fearsome figure of Krampus has previously turned heads in York - various creatures from last year's Whitby Krampus Run descended on the city last November and stirred up the shadows in The Society of Alchemists on Shambles as bewildered onlookers stood made way for the procession of winter spirits.
This year, the parade will take place on Saturday, December 5, starting from the Bandstand in Whitby at 3.30pm and marching through the town centre to the Captain Cook Monument for the finale.
Whitby Krampus Run 2025, captured by Press Camera Club member Simon McCabe. (Image: (Image Simon McCabe))
The event will feature the return of Mister Fox and their head-turning fire dance, The Yorkshire Knights, and St Hilda's boat entering the harbour.
Parade puppets and folklore are among other attractions, with the Whitby Trommel Fiends, a community drumming group, also performing.
The festivities begin on Friday, December 4, with the traditional Meat and Greet and opening ceremony at Whitby Brewery, accompanied by a performance from Westenra.
On Saturday, the Royal Hotel will be the daytime base for the Whitby Krampus Run (WKR), offering stalls, merchandise, and children's activities.
That evening will see the Krampus Ball featuring Ruby Tingle, Tengu Taiko Drummers, and headline act Inkubus Sukkubus, promising a night of music and spectacle.
Tickets for the Krampus Ball are £25 plus a booking fee.
On Sunday, December 6, the Royal Hotel Ballroom will host a fundraising feast, billed as Hungry Like Zwölf, to round off the weekend.
People who are not attending the feast can enjoy games, entertainment, and surprises throughout the afternoon from 3pm to 7pm.
The closing ceremony will conclude another Whitby Krampus weekend.
The Saturday parade will be raising funds for Whitby Disability Action Group, while fundraising during Hungry Like Zwölf will support St Catherine's Hospice.
The parade is open to registered participants, with new members and volunteers welcome. Those interested can contact Whitby Krampus Run via email at decadentdrawing@talktalk.net or through its Facebook page.
The Whitby Trommel Fiends also welcome new members to their drumming workshops every Wednesday at Eskmouth Scout Hall.
A new exhibition commemorating 12 years of Whitby Krampus Run's creativity will run at Loftus Studios from December 9 to 23, showcasing masks, costumes, creatures, artwork, and performances since the event's inception in 2013.