Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The COVID-delayed Krampus Haunted House opened for one night only Saturday to any visitors brave enough to enter.

NEW ULM — It was not Halloween or Christmas, but the two holidays still merged into one event Saturday night.

The Krampus-themed Haunted House was back from the dead at 21 S. Minnesota St. The event was originally scheduled for December, but COVID-19 restrictions prevented the haunted house from welcoming guests until now.

The Krampus Haunted House was a one-night-only event, but it did attract plenty looking for something scary to do in late January besides shoveling snow.

The basic setup for this haunted house was the same as planned in December. People touring the haunted house went through in their group only to prevent potential COVID spread. All performers wore masks or were separated from guests by plexiglass. Instead of ghosts and goblins, it was scary nightmare elves and the infamous Christmas demon Krampus — and even a creepy version of The Grinch.

Visitors to this haunted house navigated several rooms of holiday-themed horror. Many were designed to look like a traditional home during Christmas, but there will be one room designed to simulate the outdoors, complete with an artificial snowstorm.

The haunted house was an odd event to hold in late January, but visitors seemed to enjoy it. It is unknown if any other haunted holiday plans are in store from New Ulm Nightmares.