If you're throwing a holiday party this year, you have to come up with a fun theme to make the party stand out. While traditional holiday parties like cookie exchanges or ugly sweater parties are nice, why not go with something a little less traditional like a Krampus Christmas party!

For those not aware, Krampus is like the anti-Santa Claus. Old German legend states that Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe. While Saint Nicholas brings gifts to the well-behaved children, Krampus punishes those who have been naughty by stuffing them in his sack and taking them away. You definitely don't want to wind up on the naughty list with Krampus around. Here are some Krampus party ideas that can be fun, scary, or whatever you want it to be!

Krampus Costumes

A Krampus party wouldn't be what it is without a visit from the guest of honor himself. Our Krampus costume may be scary-looking, but that doesn't mean that you have to act like a monster all night if you put it on. You can also spread Krampus cheer with a mask or by wearing a pair of costume horns like the horned beast.

Krampus Clothing

Not everyone wants to wear a Krampus costume to the Krampus party, and that's ok! These fun Krampus sweaters for pets and people are filled with enough holiday fear to keep the festivities going. There's even a sweater with a plush Krampus head that makes it extra ugly!

Krampus Decorations

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Aside from dressing up, you'll want the decor of your Krampus holiday party to fit the occasion. When throwing a Krampus holiday party, the best way to spook up your traditional Christmas decor is to add some photos of the beast. You can find plenty of images of Krampus visiting children on Christmas or people dressed as Krampus in all corners of the internet. Frame them up to give them a historic and spooky look. 

Krampus Food and Drinks

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Krampus-themed food is a much better option than feasting on naughty children. Spice up your holiday party food with some Krampus pretzels or cookies! You can even have a "good vs. evil" theme going on with cupcakes featuring Krampus, the evil Santa, and Saint Nicolas, the good Santa. If you're looking for a fun, festive drink to serve, try a Krampus cocktail! 

Krampus Crafts

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If you're looking for something fun for your party, why not try some Krampus crafts? Sure, you could play a fun game of "Pin the Tail on the Krampus," but that would be better suited at a Krampus birthday party. Try making different versions of the Christmas demon and send guests home with cool new Krampus decorations. 

Are you throwing a holiday party this year? Are you going to have an unusual theme to go with it? Leave us a comment with some of your favorite alternative Christmas party ideas or holiday recipes. If you're hosting a party this year, you and your guests can dress up in Christmas costumes for even more festivity! However, if you're like us, any party is a Halloween party, so you could also dress in scary costumes for Christmas, too.