When December rolls around, most people cozy up with cheerful holiday classics… but for horror fans, there’s nothing better than mixing Christmas magic with chills, screams, and a little festive mayhem. Christmas-themed horror movies have grown into a unique subgenre—a blend of holiday cheer and nightmare fuel that adds a wicked twist to the season.
Whether you want killer Santas, supernatural winter terrors, or darkly comedic chaos, here are the top Christmas horror movies to add to your watchlist this year.
1. Krampus (2015)
A modern Christmas horror favorite, Krampus follows a fractured family whose lack of holiday spirit awakens the shadow of St. Nicholas himself—Krampus. What starts as a dysfunctional family Christmas turns into a terrifying winter nightmare filled with monsters, toys gone wrong, and eerie folk legend atmosphere.
2. Black Christmas (1974)
Considered one of the earliest slasher films, this Canadian classic follows a group of sorority sisters terrorized by a mysterious killer during the holidays. With creepy phone calls and chilling suspense, it’s a must-watch for slasher fans and a major influence on the genre.
3. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
What happens when a young boy witnesses a Santa-clad criminal? Trauma—lots of it. As an adult, he snaps and becomes a killer Santa himself. Controversial upon release, this cult classic is campy, bloody, and unapologetically wild.
4. Better Watch Out (2016)
A darkly comedic home-invasion twist, Better Watch Out starts like a typical babysitter horror movie—but quickly flips the script. It’s tense, clever, and full of unexpected turns, making it one of the best holiday thrillers in recent years.
5. Gremlins (1984)
Not pure horror, but undeniably chaotic and creepy. When a boy receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai for Christmas, disaster strikes. The gremlins wreak havoc in this horror-comedy classic that still holds up today.
6. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Told anthology-style, this film weaves multiple chilling holiday stories together—each with its own twist. Highlights include Krampus battles, ghost encounters, and a surprisingly brutal Santa-versus-zombies storyline.
7. Dead End (2003)
On Christmas Eve, a family takes a shortcut through a remote forest road and quickly discovers they aren’t alone. Stressful, eerie, and atmospheric, this underrated gem is a great slow-burn holiday nightmare.
8. The Advent Calendar (2021)
This French supernatural horror follows a woman who receives an antique advent calendar that grants horrifying wishes at a deadly cost. Stylish, haunting, and unique—perfect for fans of occult horror.
9. Inside (À l’intérieur) (2007)
A brutal and intense French horror film set on Christmas Eve, Inside is not for the faint of heart. When a pregnant woman is tormented by a mysterious intruder, things escalate into one of the most shocking home-invasion stories ever made.
10. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A Christmas zombie musical? Surprisingly yes—and it works. This genre mashup is fun, gory, and filled with catchy songs wrapped in holiday chaos.
🎅💀 Final Thoughts
From folklore creatures and killer Santas to supernatural threats and twisted home-invasion tales, Christmas-themed horror movies deliver a unique blend of festive cheer and spine-chilling fear. Whether you prefer dark comedy or full-on terror, there’s a holiday horror film for every kind of genre fan. So grab some hot cocoa, dim the lights, and enjoy a holiday season filled with screams and sleigh bells.