Was Belsnickel an Elf?

However, Belsnickel is actually a character in German Christmas folklore who was not an elf at all. As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains, Belsnickel (or a variety of other spelling including Belznickel and Pelznickel) is an alternate figure to Santa Claus.

Was Belsnickel an elf?

However, Belsnickel is actually a character in German Christmas folklore who was not an elf at all. As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains, Belsnickel (or a variety of other spelling including Belznickel and Pelznickel) is an alternate figure to Santa Claus.

Is Belsnickel and Krampus the same?

In fact, Belsnickel shares many of the same characteristics as Krampus but isn't as scary. But, compared to Krampus, he seems like a nice guy! He'll even deliver socks or shoes full of candy to children who have behaved, but if you've been bad, well, Belsnickel will give you a bunch of coal or a switch.