The idyllic atmosphere at Vienna's Christmas markets is deceptive; every day, a homeless person is abducted there. Inspector Karl Öhlinger from the Vienna State Criminal Investigation Office regularly receives anonymous letters telling him where the next homeless person will disappear.

His department refuses to investigate the incidents because no missing persons reports have been filed. Öhlinger doesn't know what's worse: the abductions or the fact that, despite his Christmas phobia, he is investigating the Christmas markets on his own. He soon discovers that the homeless people are being abducted by a Krampus (St. Nicholas' helper in Austria), who always manages to escape with his victims.

When he finally catches the Krampus, it turns out that there is a completely different story behind it. Shortly afterwards, his girlfriend is kidnapped. For Öhlinger, a merciless race against time begins.