Krampusnacht in Las Vegas 2026

Krampusnacht in Las Vegas 2026: What Is Krampus Night and Where to Celebrate It on December 5

Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, falls on December 5, the night before St. Nicholas Day. In Alpine tradition, it’s the night Krampus comes for the naughty. In Las Vegas, you can celebrate Krampusnacht on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Krampus and the Wicked Elves, the Krampus escape room at Third Gate Escape, 6820 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 8, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Games run 1pm to 11pm, and it’s the biggest night of our holiday season.

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Written by the Number One Escape Room Squad. Updated October 2026.

What is Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht is a centuries-old holiday tradition from the Alpine regions of Europe, including Austria, Bavaria in southern Germany, and parts of northern Italy. It takes place every year on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day on December 6.

The idea is simple. St. Nicholas rewards the good children. Krampus deals with the bad ones. Krampusnacht is the night he gets to work.

Who is Krampus?

Krampus is the dark companion of St. Nicholas in Alpine folklore. He’s usually shown as a horned, half-goat creature with a long tongue, shaggy fur, rattling chains, and a bundle of birch switches. In the old stories, he carries off the naughtiest children in a sack or basket.

For generations, Krampus was the reason kids in the Alps behaved in December. Today, he’s become a favorite of anyone who likes their Christmas with a darker twist.

How is Krampusnacht celebrated?

In Austria and Bavaria, towns hold a Krampuslauf, or Krampus run. Costumed Krampuses in hand-carved masks and fur suits take to the streets, ringing bells and rattling chains while crowds watch. Other traditions include:

• Krampus cards: Old-fashioned holiday postcards, often reading “Greetings from Krampus,” showing him chasing naughty children.
• Birch switches: A bundle of sticks left as a warning for anyone who has been bad.
• Treats for the good: On the morning of December 6, good children find sweets, fruit, and nuts from St. Nicholas.

Krampus celebrations have spread across the United States in recent years, with parades, parties, and themed events every December.

Where can I celebrate Krampusnacht in Las Vegas?

Celebrate Krampusnacht on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Krampus and the Wicked Elves at Third Gate Escape. Instead of watching Krampus from the sidewalk, you go into his house.

Every naughty elf ends up in the same place: Krampus’s house, deep in hell. Your team has to sneak in, find the naughty list, erase your name, and write in someone else’s, someone you don’t like. The Wicked Little Elves have taken over the house and are wrecking everything in sight. Survive the chaos, change the list, and get out before Krampus catches you.

Krampus and the Wicked Elves: Game Details

• Where: Third Gate Escape, 6820 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 8, Las Vegas, NV 89146
• Krampusnacht: Saturday, December 5, 2026, games 1pm to 11pm
• Season: November 1, 2026 – January 30, 2027
• Game length: 70 minutes
• Players: Up to 16, private game
• Price: $45 per person
• Scare level: Spooky, Scary, or Super Scary, chosen when you book
• Live actors: One Wicked Elf Live Actor in every game. Book a second Wicked Elf Live Actor for $200 by calling or texting (702) 287-4290.
• Age: 10 and up suggested, but parents decide. Players under 16 should play with an adult present.

How scary should I go on Krampusnacht?

That’s up to your group. Spooky is a fun, festive holiday game with a dark twist, a good pick for families. Scary turns up the intensity. Super Scary is the full Krampus experience, the way Krampusnacht was meant to feel.

If you’ve been really bad this year, add a second Wicked Elf Live Actor for $200. Double the elves, double the mischief, and a much more exciting game.

Plan your Krampusnacht night in Las Vegas

• Book early. December 5, 2026 is a Saturday, and the late games go first.
• Pick Super Scary and add a second Wicked Elf Live Actor for the scariest way to play.
• Bring up to 16 people. Every game is private, so it works for holiday parties, friend groups, and office team building.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time. Late arrival is deducted from game time unless there’s no booking right after yours.

Krampusnacht FAQs

When is Krampusnacht 2026?
Krampusnacht is Saturday, December 5, 2026, the night before St. Nicholas Day on December 6.

What does Krampusnacht mean?
Krampusnacht means “Krampus Night” in German. It’s the night Krampus comes for the naughty in Alpine tradition.

Is there a Krampus event in Las Vegas?
Yes. Krampus and the Wicked Elves is a Krampus escape room at Third Gate Escape, 6820 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 8, Las Vegas, NV 89146. It runs November 1, 2026 through January 30, 2027, with Krampusnacht on December 5 as its biggest night.

Where can I celebrate Krampusnacht in Las Vegas?
At Krampus and the Wicked Elves at Third Gate Escape on Saturday, December 5, 2026. Games run 1pm to 11pm. Book at ThirdGateEscape.com or call/text (702) 287-4290.

Is Krampus and the Wicked Elves good for families?
Yes. Choose the Spooky level for a fun, festive game. We suggest ages 10 and up, but parents decide, and players under 16 should play with an adult present.

What are scary Christmas things to do in Las Vegas?
Krampus and the Wicked Elves at Third Gate Escape is a scary Christmas escape room. Choose Super Scary for the full Krampus experience, with a live Wicked Elf scare actor in every game.

Come Celebrate Krampusnacht at Krampus and the Wicked Elves

Krampus only gets one night a year. Come celebrate it with him, in his house, at Krampus and the Wicked Elves, Third Gate Escape, 6820 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 8, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Book at ThirdGateEscape.com or call/text (702) 287-4290.

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