18 Best Christmas Horror Movies to Put Some Scare in the Season

The classic Christmas movies such as Home Alone and Elf are a hallmark of the holiday season, but festive films certainly aren’t limited to the genres of romantic comedies and heartfelt dramas. Christmas horror movies put a spin on the typical happiness and cheer of the season, implementing the same tropes from typical horror movies that we all know and love (and fear), like sadistic killers, zombie apocalypses, and paranormal activities. But in these flicks, they play out along a backdrop of Christmas lights and holiday tunes — and on more than one occasion, the bad guy is Santa Clause himself.

If you’re a horror movie fanatic, or simply want something a bit more thrilling for your movie night, there’s a Christmas horror movie for everyone to enjoy. So grab your bowl of popcorn and a plate of homemade cookies, and see why some people didn’t end up on the nice list this year. Below, the 15 scariest Christmas horror movies to put a chill down your spine this holiday season.