As Christmas approaches, many children in the UK are looking forward to a visit from Santa and his magical reindeer. But did you know that in many cultures across Europe, there are other creatures who are also associated with Christmas? Here we take a look at some of the jolliest - and some of the scariest!

Rudolph

Rudolph is among the most famous mythical flying beasts associated with Christmas. His red nose glows in the winter darkness, lighting Santa’s way as he travels the world delivering presents. The story of Rudolph originated in 1939 as a poem which was created for customers of a department store. It was so popular that it has found its way into Christmas folklore and children often sing of Rudolph guiding the sleigh.

Gryla and the Yule Lads

In Iceland, the terrifying Gryla is a gigantic troll who leaves her cave to kidnap naughty children who haven’t obeyed their parents. Those who escape Gryla might still encounter the Yule Lads - her 13 sons - who visit homes between 12 and 24 December to play pranks. They each have names that describe their tricks, such as Spoon Licker, Door Slammer and Sausage Swiper. Some sources suggest that if children leave a shoe on the windowsill the Yule Lads will leave either sweets or a rotting potato for them depending on whether they have been good or bad.

La Befana

In Italy, the Christian feast of Epiphany is celebrated on 6 January as the official end of the Christmas season. According to folklore, the three wise men who took gifts to Jesus initially invited a witch-like woman - La Befana - to join them. She refused, being too busy with housework, but then had a change of heart and tried to follow them. Unable to find Jesus, La Befana gave out toys and treats to any house she came across where a child lived. Italian children often look forward to her visit, hanging up stockings on 5 January.

Belsnickel

Children are often warned by their parents to be good if they want to receive presents from Father Christmas, but in some German and Pennsylvanian Dutch communities there’s a special messenger who comes to deliver that warning. Belsnickel arrives shortly before Christmas wearing rags and furs, and armed with cakes and a whip. Traditionally, he beat naughty children and gave cakes and sweets to good ones; nowadays the whip is only used to make noise.

The Krampus

One of the more terrifying mythical beasts of Christmas, the Krampus is a creature of Austrian and Central European folklore. This half-goat, half-demon arrived on Krampusnacht - Krampus Night - which occurs on 5 December. He would dole out punishment to naughty children and chase them through their homes. The following day celebrates St Nicholas, the patron saint of children who is often associated with Christmas. On the morning of 6 December, good children would find presents and sweets left for them.

You can discover a host of magical creatures at the dragon show, Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live. View our tour dates to find out if it’s playing at a venue near you.