The event brings to life the legend of the Krampus, a horned creature from Alpine folklore who punishes children who misbehave during the Christmas period.
Typically depicted with fierce-looking features such as horns, shaggy black fur, and a long pointed tongue, the Krampus tradition dates back centuries and is still celebrated in many parts of Europe today.
It started in 2013 but has grown to become one of the most popular festive events on the Yorkshire coast and hundreds of people take to the streets of Whitby to watch the spectacle.
Among the throng of people lining the streets was The Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe, who captured these incredible images of the event.
Have a scroll through our gallery below.
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