The Strangers of the Northern Alps

In the Northern Alps, stories have been told for generations about the traveling stranger known as Belsnickle. He is considered to be one of the helpers of St. Nicholas and dispenses his own form of Christmas cheer with physical abuse. Another traveling stranger from the same region - Krampus - has seen a rise in popularity around the globe. The origins of Krampus are still unclear, but some scholars think that the legend predates Christianity. Far from forgotten, festivals are held throughout Europe to this day that feature many of these legends.