This post is all about 15 scary Christmas movies or holiday horror movies for those more into screams than cuddles.
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As the holiday season rolls around, you might be expecting a bunch of cheerful Christmas flicks, packed with heartwarming tales, Santa Claus, and mistletoe. What if your idea of holiday fun involves a little more blood and a lot more terror? Well, this blog post is for you!
We’ve compiled a list of 15 must-watch scary Christmas movies that are perfect for those dark, cold nights when you want to curl up with a cup of cocoa and something truly terrifying.
What to Expect from Holiday Horror Movies
Holiday horror movies take the cozy, nostalgic elements of the season—Santa, Christmas trees, presents—and twist them into something horrifying. These films often blend familiar festive themes with supernatural elements, slashers, and monsters, creating a jarring but thrilling contrast. Expect an extra dose of dark humor, tons of jump scares, and plenty of holiday decorations gone wrong.
From killer Santas to ancient Christmas legends, holiday horror films are perfect for anyone looking to add a little bit of horror to their holiday cheer. Whether you’re a fan of slashers, supernatural terror, or dark comedies, there’s a holiday horror movie that’s perfect for you!
Without further ado, here’s our lineup of spooky holiday movies to scare your socks off this season. And if you need more horror-themed entertainment choices. Go check out-
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Scary Christmas Movies
1. Toys of Terror
Why You Should Watch: Imagine combining your childhood nostalgia for toys with a living nightmare. Toys of Terror brings creepy dolls to life, and not in the heartwarming Toy Story way. Instead, they’re out for blood. You’ll never look at your holiday toy collection the same way again.
Amazon Link: Toys of Terror
As the special day dawns with gifts piled under the tree, the body count rises and the blood starts to flow. This original “scary-tale” will have the kids screaming for the holidays!
2. Nightmare on 34th Street
Why You Should Watch: Combining the iconic holiday vibes of Miracle on 34th Street with an added layer of terror, this movie gives us a slasher-fueled trip down Christmas lane. If you’re looking for a holiday massacre with a side of holiday spirit, this one’s got you covered.
Amazon Link: Nightmare on 34th Street
A mysterious and psychopathic Santa Claus visits a small, rural town with a bag full of unusual gifts and twisted holiday stories that are certain to ruin the Christmas season forever.
3. Mother Krampus
Why You Should Watch: Based on the lore of Frau Perchta, the Christmas witch, Mother Krampus isn’t here to spread cheer—she’s out to punish the naughty. This is the perfect flick if you love a good Christmas legend twisted into something far more terrifying than coal in your stocking.
Amazon Link: Mother Krampus
Based on the myth of Frau Perchta, a witch that comes on the 12 days of Christmas taking children each night
4. Nutcracker Massacre
Why You Should Watch: You thought the Nutcracker was just a harmless ballet? Think again. This movie takes the beloved holiday character and turns him into a bloodthirsty killer. It’s just the right mix of campy fun and holiday horror to get you through the season.
Amazon Link: Nutcracker Massacre
A novelist visits her family for Christmas and finds a mysterious Nutcracker doll, which soon becomes possessed and wreaks havoc.
5. Christmas Bloody Christmas
Why You Should Watch: A killer Santa Claus? Check. Grisly murders? Check. A heavy dose of ’80s-style slasher fun? Oh, absolutely. Christmas Bloody Christmas is for those who like their holiday horror with a side of ultra-violence and synthwave soundtracks.
Amazon Link: Christmas Bloody Christmas
A local toy store’s robotic Santa Claus goes haywire and begins a rampant killing spree through a small town.
6. Violent Night
Why You Should Watch: David Harbour plays a Santa who’s more into smashing skulls than delivering presents in this action-packed horror-comedy. It’s the perfect holiday flick for fans of both Die Hard and Home Alone, but with a lot more blood.
Amazon Link: Violent Night
An elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage. However, they aren’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.
7. Thanksgiving
Why You Should Watch: What if Thanksgiving took a sharp turn into pure, chaotic horror? This movie is all about taking the most wholesome holiday and flipping it on its head with some serious slasher vibes. Plus, it’s a great way to transition from turkey to terror.
Amazon Link: Thanksgiving
A Thanksgiving-inspired killer picks off residents one by one, as part of a sinister holiday plan.
8. Jack Frost
Why You Should Watch: No, not the heartwarming family movie—this Jack Frost is about a killer snowman on the loose. It’s so bizarre, campy, and weird that it crosses into “so bad it’s good” territory, making it a must-watch for lovers of absurd horror.
Amazon Link: Jack Frost
A family is terrorized by a Christmas demon, Jack Frost, and must learn their family’s dark secrets that link to why they are cursed. This Christmas, Jack will stop at nothing to exact his vengeance on those left in the bloodline.
9. Krampus
Why You Should Watch: One of the best modern Christmas horror films, Krampus blends horror, humor, and holiday traditions into one terrifying package. Based on the legend of Krampus, the film reminds us that the holiday season isn’t all about cheer—there are consequences for being on the naughty list.
Amazon Link: Krampus
When young Max turns his back on Christmas, his lack of festive spirit unleashes the wrath of Krampus, a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.
10. Black Xmas (2006)
Why You Should Watch: A remake of the 1974 classic, Black Xmas adds a splash of modern gore and a dash of festive horror to the mix. The sorority house setting makes it the perfect slasher film for the season, complete with a psychotic killer who loves holiday decor.
Amazon Link: Black Xmas
An escaped maniac returns to his childhood home on Christmas Eve, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one. A remake of the 1974 film by Bob Clark.
11. A Christmas Horror Story
Why You Should Watch: This anthology horror flick delivers four interwoven stories filled with holiday terrors. From Krampus to possessed elves, A Christmas Horror Story provides a little bit of everything. Plus, it’s got William Shatner playing a DJ, and that’s always a win.
Amazon Link: A Christmas Horror Story
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, peace and goodwill. But for some folks in the small town of Bailey Downs, it turns into something much less festive.
12. The Advent Calendar
Why You Should Watch: This French horror movie takes the idea of an advent calendar and turns it into a spine-chilling descent into darkness. Each day brings a new horrifying event, building suspense until the final door is opened. This one’s perfect for those who enjoy slow-burn, psychological horror.
Amazon Link: The Advent Calendar
Eva, 29, paraplegic and former dancer, receives as a birthday present from her best friend Sophie a mysterious advent calendar…
13. Black Christmas (1974)
Why You Should Watch: Often regarded as one of the first slasher films, the original Black Christmas is a true holiday horror classic. Set in a sorority house, it’s filled with creepy phone calls, a sinister atmosphere, and a terrifying killer. It’s the perfect blend of mystery and holiday fear.
Amazon Link: Black Christmas (1974)
This horror classic about a killer stalking sorority girls on Xmas helped spawn the slasher genre.
14. Black Christmas (2019)
Why You Should Watch: This reimagining of Black Christmas gives the classic a modern update, with a focus on female empowerment and a fresh twist on the slasher formula. While some purists may prefer the original, it’s an entertaining addition to the holiday horror lineup.
Amazon Link: Black Christmas (2019)
With the hallowed halls of Hawthorne College quiet over Christmas break, a cloaked killer begins targeting the party-hearty youths — until the tough coeds of the Mu Kappa Epsilon sorority house fight back in this holiday slasher remake.
15. Silent Night, Deadly Night
Why You Should Watch: It wouldn’t be a holiday horror list without the infamous Silent Night, Deadly Night. A killer Santa Claus is on the loose, and the film’s controversial release only adds to its reputation. It’s a bloody, campy, and wholly entertaining watch for those who love a good Christmas massacre.
Amazon Link: Silent Night, Deadly Night
After his parents are murdered, a tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa. A controversial, cult-classic slasher and the perfect antidote to the holiday season.
A Bloody Holiday Season
Who says the holiday season has to be all about joy and cheer? With this list of scary Christmas movies, you can add a little terror to your tinsel. From Krampus to killer snowmen, these films provide a delightful contrast to all the holiday sweetness—just what you need when you’re tired of heartwarming Hallmark flicks.
So, turn off the lights, grab some popcorn, and dive into the darker side of the season. Whether you prefer slashers, psychological horror, or supernatural scares, there’s a holiday horror movie for every kind of fear-lover out there.
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