There’s something strangely irresistible about curling up on a cold December night with a list of Christmas horror movies that twist the holiday spirit into something far more sinister. While most households opt for cozy classics and heartwarming tales this time of year, many viewers crave snow-dusted terror instead. And if you love letting your festive lights glow while something deeply unsettling unfolds on-screen, Christmas horror movies offer a delightfully chilling alternative to the usual seasonal comfort films.

As the subgenre grows in popularity, fans have discovered that the contrast between twinkling lights, winter storms, and yuletide cheer only amplifies fear. From malevolent Santas to cursed gifts and nightmarish folklore creatures, Christmas horror movies stretch the limits of traditional holiday storytelling. Whether you want gore, psychological tension, supernatural frights, or dark comedy, these films prove that December can be just as haunting as Halloween.

Here are 17 Christmas horror movies for a frightening holiday winter night…

#1. The Advent Calendar (2021)

In this eerie French horror film, a young paraplegic woman receives a mysterious advent calendar that seems harmless until each opened window delivers chilling consequences. Moreover, blending psychological tension with supernatural dread, it offers quieter scares wrapped in striking holiday atmosphere.

#2. All the Creatures Were Stirring (2018)

The anthology All the Creatures Were Stirring follows a couple whose awkward first date turns into a bizarre evening of holiday-themed horror tales. Clever, scrappy, and darkly funny, it’s a great pick for viewers who enjoy bite-sized frights tied together by an offbeat framing device.

#3. All Through the House (2015)

If you prefer full-tilt slasher energy, look no further than All Through the House. Here, a masked killer in a Santa suit terrorizes a neighborhood obsessed with holiday decorations. It’s violent, gleefully unhinged, and made for fans who want pure chaos in their seasonal horror lineup.

#4. The Apology (2022)

Tense and claustrophobic, this thriller unfolds on Christmas Eve as a grieving mother confronts her estranged former son-in-law during a brutal snowstorm. A twisted emotional reckoning follows, delivering grounded horror with moral complexity.

#5. Better Watch Out (2016)

At first glance, Better Watch Out seems like a familiar home-invasion thriller set during the holidays. But stick around—its clever twists and disturbing character dynamics make it one of the most memorable entries on this list. It’s wicked, witty, and perfect for viewers who appreciate sharp writing with their scares.

#6. Black Christmas (1974)

A foundational entry in both the slasher genre and holiday horror, Black Christmas follows a group of sorority sisters stalked by a mysterious killer. Its unsettling atmosphere and iconic phone calls remain chilling decades later.

#7. A Cadaver Christmas (2011)

A janitor, a priest, a security guard, and a bartender band together to fend off undead chaos inside a cadaver lab. Silly, gory, and unexpectedly charming, it brings campy horror-comedy energy.

#8. The Children (2008)

Holiday vacation turns nightmarish when a strange virus causes the children in two families to become violently dangerous. Unsettling and emotionally tense, this film lingers long after the credits roll.

#9. Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

For neon-soaked mayhem and nonstop carnage, Christmas Bloody Christmas sends a malfunctioning robotic Santa on a bloody rampage. Stylish and relentless, it’s perfect for viewers craving pure adrenaline.

#10. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)

Narrated by a radio DJ played by William Shatner, this anthology weaves tales of ghosts, zombie elves, and ancient Christmas creatures. Atmospheric, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining.

#11. Dead End (2003)

On Christmas Eve, a family takes a shortcut home and finds themselves trapped in a nightmarish loop on a deserted road. Minimalist, eerie, and perfect for fans of psychological tension.

#12. Gremlins (1984)

More mischievous than terrifying, Gremlins remains a beloved, unconventional holiday classic. Its chaotic little creatures wreak havoc on a small town, offering thrills without overwhelming darkness.

#13. Hosts (2020)

A family invites their seemingly pleasant neighbors over for Christmas Eve, only for the night to unravel into unimaginable horror. Intimate, intense, and deeply unnerving.

#14. I Trapped the Devil (2019)

Atmospheric and slow-burning, I Trapped the Devil follows a couple who discover the husband’s brother holding a man captive, claiming he is the devil. Set against a cozy holiday backdrop, the film turns domestic warmth into chilling suspense.

#15. It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)

Playing off a beloved holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Knife reimagines what happens when a young woman wishes she’d never been born, only to find her absence results in deadly consequences. Smart, emotional, and creative, it’s a standout modern entry.

#16. The Killing Tree (2022)

In this wildly bizarre tale, a vengeful husband is resurrected as a murderous Christmas tree. Campy, absurd, and perfect for fans of over-the-top holiday horror.

#17. Krampus (2015)

No list of Christmas horror movies would be complete without Krampus, inspired by the chilling Alpine folklore figure. When a boy loses his holiday spirit, the monstrous Krampus descends on his family with terrifying consequences. It’s creepy, clever, and visually unforgettable.

Featured image: Legendary Pictures

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