Santa Claus, the North Pole, Christmas Elves, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are all beloved holiday icons associated with Christmas. However, these characters are virtually unknown in Central Europe which has a different Christmas tradition that pairs the good bishop St Nikolaus or der Heilige Nikolaus with a scary character known as Krampus.

In the Austrian, Swiss and Bavarian alps, this good-cop/bad-cop routine causes many to have serious thoughts about whether they have been naughty or nice. They know Krampus is coming to town, and he’s definitely not nice.

Krampus isn't exactly the stuff of dreams. Bearing horns, hair and fangs, he comes with chains and bells making quite a lot of noise. While St Nikolaus leaves the gifts, Krampus came behind him and if you’ve been naughty, replaces the gift with birch sticks with which to beat yourself.

There will be no self-flagellation at the European Christmas market during Chill N Glen on July 22, however, with the Krampusses on site being more mischievous than scary (although parents with young children should be forewarned.) They’ll be kept in line by other Central European Christmas characters such as St Nikolaus and Christkind the Christmas Angel (portrayed by Tess Haron, who’s kindly agreed to travel back to Glen for the occasion, given that she’s the only one who fits the costume).

The Christmas Angel will be wheeling a cart handing out lucky dips to the children, some including a special number enabling them to redeem a surprise.

Eatery volunteers and stallholders will also be dressed in theme for the day, promising an immersive experience for those who don’t have a real Central European Christmas on their radar.