FOR those who prefer a slightly scarier approach to the festive season, one coastal North Yorkshire town is set to be overrun by demons.

On December 7 and 8, the Whitby Krampus Run is set to take place – seeing the town overtaken by demonic creatures for the tenth year in a row.

The origins of the Krampus myth are currently unknown, with the idea having thought to have developed from central European folklore. The creature is thought to be half-goat, half-demon monster, and it will punish bad children or scare them into being good.

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In traditional parades and in such events as the Krampuslauf ("Krampus run"), young men dressed as Krampus and attempted to scare the audience with their antics.

Having been the first to introduce the creature to the UK, the Whitby Krampus Run has become a well-established favourite in both the festive calendar and the Whitby yearly calendar with many local myths and legends celebrated alongside the Krampusse.

This year’s event will be a festival with performances, activities and processions over the whole weekend across the town - with a focus on Whitby Abbey and its surrounds on the Sunday. 

Krampusse outside Villains Rum, Little StonegateKrampusse outside Villains Rum, Little Stonegate (Image: Harry Booth) This year they want to involve all of the town and the community to join in to celebrate the 10th anniversary. 

A spokesperson for the Krampus Run said: “This year forging closer relationships with local businesses and attractions has led to great opportunities to access resources to bring something special over the weekend of an alternative festive folklore experience.

Krampus Run in WhitbyKrampus Run in Whitby (Image: Paul M Baxter / Baxter Photography) “Something very different from a commercialised shopping centre Christmas.” 

A full timetable of the weekend, sponsored by Whitby Sea Salt, will be published and available soon in shops and published on their Facebook page and website.