The holidays are here, and while many are preparing for cozy family gatherings and classic Christmas movies, there’s a group of us who like to have something different (like an exciting mood). Christmas horror movies are a thing, and they bring the perfect mix of holiday cheer and terrifying thrills. So, snuggle up in your comfiest blanket, and prepare for a list of best Christmas horror movies that’ll give you all the chills. Let’s find the spooky side of Christmas!
Why Do You Want Something Different (the Thrill)?
Look, there is only so rejoiceful one can be about watching the same time-honored tales of bountiful old Saint Nick, enchanted snowfalls, and festive family reunions before it all becomes a bit jumbled together. Of course, they are the classics we associate with comfort food and sweet childhood memories, but every once in a while you just need something… else. That is where Christmas horror films come in.
Combining the cozy glow of Christmas with sheer terror is a weirdly thrilling concept. It is as though you are shaking a particularly comfy blanket and shaking it up with a jolt of adrenaline. These movies tap into something primal – the thrill of fear, but in a way that feels safe and even fun. You’re not just watching a horror movie; you’re experiencing the contrast between holiday cheer and creeping dread. That’s a combination that keeps you glued to the screen.
Best Christmas Horror Movies
If you do not feel like to watch the best family Christmas movies this year, you can have some change, like watching the following:
1. Krampus (2015)
Krampus – a movie that perfectly combines Christmas traditions with a terrifying atmosphere. This film is both fun and frightening, the whole story is mainly based on the mythical creature Krampus, who punishes naughty children during the Christmas period.

There’s a creepy creature that looks like a devilish Santa Claus. He will cause pure chaos when a family loses their holiday spirit. If you’re sick of the same old holiday movies, this is one to watch.
2. Black Christmas (1974)
The story centers on a group of sorority sisters at Hawthorne College as they prepare to leave for the holiday break only to discover that, over Christmas vacation, they are being stalked by a stranger.

One of the earliest slasher films and due to its age, it feels possibly tame by today’s standards. On the contrary, the suspense, ominous ambiance, and mysterious phone calls make it look very disturbing. If that is your cup of tea, and you love old-school horror with a holiday twist then give this one a watch.
3. Gremlins (1984)
Not a typical horror movie, but to some extent, Gremlins certainly has spooky moments for its audiences. The movie begins with the Christmas gift, Mogwai.

It was small and adorable at first, however, suddenly it turns into a punch of mischievous, destructive monsters. It’s got that 80s charm with some warm yet strange feelings, and mixed with a sense of horror, it also balanced the humor and scary scenes very well.
4. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
This one is wilder than the rest of it. Silent Night, Deadly Night features a killer dressed as Santa Claus who goes on a murderous rampage. It’s gory, it’s twisted, and it’s exactly what you need if you’re craving a holiday horror film that’s completely off the rails. Though it got a lot of criticism back in the day for its portrayal of Santa, it’s since become a cult classic.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
While not technically a horror flick, Tim Burton’s animated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas is still so creepy and strange. It follows the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King from Halloween Town who discovers Christmas Town and decides to celebrate it instead.

It has some cheeky evil twin antics but it’s definitely among the spookier of choices, and so much haunting imagery with a gothic flair to make it an excellent option for those seeking something slightly less traditional in this time of year.
6. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
The main character of this film is like a twisted version of Santa Claus. That’s what Rare Exports wants to deliver – a Finnish horror film where an expedition in the mountains uncovers a terrifying version of Santa. A group of people who must protect themselves from an ancient evil being that’s far from jolly. It’s more than just a Christmas horror movie, it brings something new to the table from a different part of the world.
7. The Lodge (2019)
That said, The Lodge isn’t a Christmas horror in the traditional sense of that phrase – but it sure as hell takes advantage of having the holiday season occur around its characters to up both creepy and unease factors. The movie centers on a woman who ends up snowed in at her fiancé’s remote cabin with his two children, only for events to take an increasingly sinister turn during their Christmas stay. This all creates a sense of slow-burn suspense, not to mention the chilling performances making this an excellent choice for fans of psychological horror.
8. Jack Frost (1997)
Well, not that one with Michael Keaton being all heartwarming and such, but this Jack Frost. It’s from a serial killer who goes into a snowman and returns during Christmas to create mess and chaos. Cheesy, bloody, and darkly humorous. This is totally ridiculous yet hilarious and if that’s what you’re in the mood for, this show will definitely fill your need.
9. Better Watch Out (2016)
This one may look like a typical Christmas movie at first glance, but it’s got a serious dark twist. Better Watch Out starts as a home-invasion thriller, but then it goes full-on horror when the plot takes a shocking turn. It’s got the festive cheer mixed with some seriously disturbing moments. If you still do not know which one to choose and you like movies that keep you thinking, you can give it a shot.
10. The Children (2008)
A group of kids seem to have become sick during a snowy Christmas getaway, and their behavior becomes more and more violent. The Children is a terrifying psychological thriller about a holiday gone wrong. The creepy kids and tense atmosphere add a lot of weird and unsettling moments that you could not easily forget, even into the bed.
11. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
It is an anthology movie of a different horror story, all under the shadow lights of Christmas. It is much more interesting than that, folks; killer Krampus here, you know, zombie elves there… a way of taking possession through the world beyond or something.

A Christmas Horror Story separates itself with various storylines and characters that present a roller coaster for all of the yuletide genre. Great if you want a mix with your Christmas horror films.
12. The Santa Clause (1994)
The Santa Clause isn’t a traditional horror film but hear me out – it’s got some pretty creepy moments. From the concept of a man becoming Santa Claus to the strange elves and the whole “becoming immortal” thing, there’s something a little unsettling about the whole thing. It’s not scary in the typical sense, but it’s got a sense that could creep you out if you’re thinking too hard about it.
13. P2 (2007)
With another unabashed Christmas flick, P2 may not seem too holiday at first glance but remember folks – its bang smack in the middle of that snow-covered time of year. It is all about this woman who finds herself trapped in a parking garage with some psychopath. Samara Weaving and “Andie MacDowell” in this Yuletide body horror from Chris Peckover interweave typical holiday imagery with doomsday-level conceit, giving a fresh spin to a familiar tradition.
14. Tales of Halloween (2015)
Another anthology movie that pairs horror with holiday cheer, Tales of Halloween includes a segment about a Halloween-Christmas crossover. It’s packed with creepy characters, gory deaths, and a solid dose of humor.
15. Christmas Evil (1980)
Christmas Evil is a classic of the “killer Santa” subgenre. The movie mainly tells a man who’s obsessed with Christmas and decides to take things a bit too far by becoming his own version of Santa Claus. It’s got all the right ingredients for a cult horror movie – campy, low-budget, and pretty weird. That sounds like it is not a typical good movie; however, people have different flavors.
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Final Thoughts
Here are fifteen Christmas horror movies to give your holiday season a frightful twist. They almost fit everyone’s needs, a killer Santa, or just some creepy children.
Movies that strike just the right balance between jingle bells and jump scares, they are perfect for those who prefer a chilling holiday season. Go pop some corns, lower the lights, and have fun in this celebration of scare!