10 Chilling Christmas Horror Films to Haunt Your Holidays
Think Christmas is all tinsel and cheer? These ten horror films will have you rethinking festive nights by the fire. Discover which chilling tales could turn your December into a nightmare.
For many, December is a time for family gatherings, sparkling lights, and a sense of warmth. Yet, beneath the surface of festive cheer, some find themselves ensnared in situations far more sinister than a burnt turkey. If you’re partial to a bit of fright with your figgy pudding, this selection of ten Christmas-themed horror films is certain to keep you up well past midnight.
From slasher classics to psychological thrillers, these films offer a rather different take on the season of goodwill. Whether you’re after a blood-soaked Santa or a chilling winter’s tale, there’s something here to unsettle even the most seasoned horror enthusiast.
Yuletide Terrors: From Slashers to Folklore
First on the list is Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), a film that’s haunted generations each December. Jonathan Best stars as Billy, a young man whose childhood is shattered when his parents are murdered by a Santa-clad killer. The trauma shapes his adult life in ways that are anything but merry. Directed by Mike P. Nelson, the film features Rohan Campbell and Ruby Modine among its cast.
Next, the French horror Inside (2007) offers a particularly disturbing twist. Rather than the usual festive fare, this film centres on a meticulously planned abduction—one that takes place before the baby is even born. Directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo deliver a mind-bending experience that’s as unsettling as it is inventive.
No Christmas horror list would be complete without Krampus (2015). Michael Dougherty’s film draws on the old European legend of Krampus, the horned figure who punishes misbehaving children. With a cast including Adam Scott and Toni Collette, this darkly comic tale is as entertaining as it is unnerving. In Austria, the Krampus parade is a real tradition, adding a touch of authenticity to the film’s chilling premise.
Dark Comedies and Unconventional Festivities
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) takes a Finnish approach to festive horror. Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, this film blends comedy and terror as children go missing and reindeer turn up dead. The cast, led by Onni and Jorma Tommila, delivers a story that’s as twisted as it is amusing.
For those who prefer their horror with a side of musical numbers, Anna and the Apocalypse (2018) is a British zombie comedy that’s equal parts gory and catchy. Ella Hunt stars as Anna, who, along with her friends, must sing and fight her way through a zombie outbreak during the holidays. John McPhail directs this genre mashup, which critics have described as
“fresh brains and a lot of heart in the crowded zombie genre – not to mention a fun genre mashup populated by rootable characters.”
Meanwhile, Terrifier 3 (2024) brings pure slasher chaos to the Christmas table. Damien Leone’s film follows Art the Clown as he celebrates the season in his own gruesome fashion, this time with a sidekick in tow. Alexa Blair Robertson and David Howard Thornton headline a cast that promises a proper gorefest.
Psychological Chills and Festive Nightmares
For those who prefer a slow burn, The Lodge (2019) offers a psychological horror set in a remote winter retreat. The story follows a woman grappling with her own trauma as reality begins to unravel around her. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the film features Jaeden Martell and Alicia Silverstone in key roles.
P2 (2007) takes a more claustrophobic approach. Rachel Nichols stars as a woman trapped in her office car park on Christmas Eve, stalked by a security guard with a twisted sense of romance. Franck Khalfoun directs this tense thriller, with West Bentley playing the unhinged antagonist.
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999) is a gothic horror staple for many during the festive season. Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane, a detective investigating a series of decapitations in a small town. The film’s headless horseman has become an iconic figure, and the production even earned an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
Classic Chillers to End the Year
Finally, The Shining (1980) stands as a psychological masterpiece from Stanley Kubrick. With Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, and Danny Lloyd in the lead roles, this adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is renowned for its haunting atmosphere and unforgettable scenes. As one review puts it,
“The Shining is regarded as a movie that, although it was not adapted the way Stephen King wrote it, is a ‘chilling, often baroque journey into madness’.”
Whether you’re after a classic slasher, a dark comedy, or a psychological thriller, these ten films offer a rather different perspective on the festive season. Perhaps keep the lights on this December.