10 Christmas Horror Films That’ll Ruin Your Festive Cheer

December usually means family gatherings, bright lights, and a bit of festive spirit. But for those who prefer their Christmas with a side of terror, there’s a whole world of films ready to turn your silent night into a sleepless one. If you’re keen for a break from the usual holiday fare, here’s a line-up of ten Christmas horror flicks that’ll have you double-checking the locks and maybe skipping the eggnog.

Classic Nightmares and Twisted Traditions

First up, Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) has been unsettling punters for decades. Jonathan Best plays Billy, a bloke whose childhood is shattered when his parents are murdered by someone dressed as Santa. The trauma follows him into adulthood, making for a grim take on the season. Directed by Mike P. Nelson, it’s a staple for those who like their Christmas with a bit of menace.

Switching gears, Inside (2007) brings French horror to the table. This one’s not just about blood and gore—it’s a tense, disturbing story of a woman targeted for a truly horrifying abduction. The twist? The victim is pregnant, and the kidnapper wants the baby before it’s even born. Directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo deliver a film that’s as unsettling as it is inventive.

Folklore, Comedy, and Slasher Mayhem

No Christmas horror list is complete without Krampus (2015). Michael Dougherty’s film revives the old legend of Krampus, the horned beast who punishes naughty kids. With a cast including Adam Scott and Toni Collette, it’s a wild ride that’s both funny and frightening. In Austria, they even have a Krampus parade—talk about taking tradition seriously.

For something a bit different, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) from Finland mixes horror and comedy. The story follows a group of locals who discover the real Santa isn’t quite the jolly old bloke we all know. With missing kids and dead reindeer, it’s a darkly funny take on festive myths, led by director Jalmari Helander.

Then there’s Terrifier 3 (2024), where Art the Clown returns for another round of slasher chaos. Damien Leone’s latest entry in the franchise is all about the gore, with Art celebrating the season in his own twisted way. If you’re after plot, maybe look elsewhere—this one’s all about the shock factor.

Musical Zombies, Psychological Chills, and Survival Horror

Ever wondered what a mash-up of Zombieland and High School Musical would look like? Anna and the Apocalypse (2018) answers that question. This British film sees Anna and her mates singing and fighting their way through a zombie outbreak, all set against a Christmas backdrop. It’s a genre-bender that’s as much fun as it is gory.

On the psychological side, The Lodge (2019) is a slow-burner set in a remote winter cabin. A woman spends time with her fiancé’s kids, but things quickly spiral into a fever dream of paranoia and dread. Directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala keep the tension high, with Jaeden Martell and Alicia Silverstone in the cast.

If you’re after a more grounded threat, P2 (2007) delivers. 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. It’s claustrophobic, tense, and a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters aren’t supernatural at all.

Gothic Legends and Iconic Chillers

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999) is a gothic horror classic, with Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane investigating a series of decapitations. The headless horseman is the stuff of legend, and the film’s moody visuals make it a perfect watch for a dark December night.

Finally, there’s The Shining (1980), Stanley Kubrick’s psychological masterpiece. Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd star in this chilling tale of isolation and madness.

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” (via Rotten Tomatoes).

Even if you’re not usually into horror, this one’s hard to forget.

So, if you’re after something a bit different this December, these films are sure to deliver more frights than festive cheer. Let us know which ones are your favourites, and keep an eye out for more lists to come.