Summary

• Horror movies set during holidays add an extra bit of fun and suspense to the genre, making them perfect for fans of both horror films and the holiday season.
• From black comedy to intense suspense, these holiday-themed horror films offer a variety of experiences for different audiences.
• Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking comedy-drama/horror film or a terrifying tale set against the backdrop of Christmas, these movies will leave you entertained and filled with dread.

While Halloween is the holiday people immediately associate with the horror genre, there are plenty of horror movies set during other festive times of the year. Hollywood's certainly capitalized on that, with horror movies being set on Christmas, Valentine's Day, and other holidays. Horror is a successful genre year-round, but something about the holidays adds an extra bit of fun to the horror genre.

This transitional time of the year is the perfect time for fans of both horror films and of the holiday season to check out these movies, which cleverly mix yuletide glee with suspense and terror. Whether someone is looking for family-friendly horror, comedy-horror, or a more intense trek into suspense and horror, these are some of the best holiday-themed horror films to watch this season.

Silent Night (2021) is a Gleefully Dreadful Comedy-Horror

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and a few other streaming platforms

This film follows a group of friends and families who all come together to celebrate Christmas. What makes this night unique, however, is that everyone believes it is their last night on Earth. An apocalyptic storm containing poisonous gases of unknown origins is set to arrive and kill them all the following morning.

While more of a black comedy and a drama, this film transitions into horror as the hours and the characters each struggle to come to with their impending dooms. The night does not go according to plan, leading to conversations about morality and death which often oscillate between hilarity and terror.

Silent Night's twist ending is perhaps the most intriguing thing about the film. It leaves audiences with many big questions to ponder, including the nature of people's relationships with the planet, with the government, and with each other. This film is perfect for audiences looking for a comedy-drama/horror film that will make them laugh, think, and fill them with dread.

Black Christmas (2019)

Available on Netflix, Hulu, and a few other platforms

This remake of the 1974 original follows a group of sorority sisters who are staying on campus for winter break. As the women make preparations to celebrate Christmas, they start getting hunted one-by-one by a sinister stranger -- or strangers -- with a vendetta against them.

This film effectively packs on the terror by contrasting the joy, peace, and beauty of the holiday season with the fear that comes from stalking and deadly encounters. In this film, Christmas lights become weapons and snow angels become omens of death. The true horror of Black Christmas, however, is the real threat of violence that some women, unfortunately, face on college campuses and beyond. The way the movie addresses this issue with its feminist messaging makes Black Christmas a great remake that is both terrifying and relevant to the modern world.

Related: 15 Horror Movies That Are Perfect For The Christmas Holidays

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and more

This film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they assist the Hodges family, who are being terrorized by paranormal events in their home and whose daughter, Janet, appears to be possessed. The film effectively builds tension through mounting scares that boil over into thrilling action sequences against supernatural threats.

The dark, gray, and often cloudy setting adds to the terror by creating the perfect environment for dark entities to lurk in the shadows. The setting is made all the more eerie by the inclusion of red stockings that sit upon a dreary fireplace and a Christmas tree that looks strangely bleak in the Hodges' haunted home. Instead of enjoying the feelings of togetherness that come with the holidays, the Hodges must contend against Valak, the main antagonist of The Conjuring Universe. This demonic entity announces its presence in the film's soundtrack with a creepy rendition of the Christmas song, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

Although this film is part of the franchise based on the experiences of the real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren, it can be enjoyed and understood as its own, stand-alone film. Even director James Wan considers The Conjuring 2 to be a Christmas horror movie.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015)

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, and other platforms

This film follows the Fleege family, who have recently purchased and moved into a new home with their six-year-old daughter, Leila. As Christmas approaches, the family discovers creepy videotapes in the home which have documented rituals involving a demonic cult. This coincides with the discovery of a mysterious video camera in the home which can record otherworldly beings. Leila also begins acting strange, as she appears to communicate with a demonic entity.

The scares build throughout the film as the family learns more about the cult that is targeting their daughter and as Leila's behavior becomes increasingly alarming. The terror is only increased by the unnerving contrast of the havoc the demon wreaks on the home with the comforting mood created by the Christmas tree, lights, and other decorations throughout the home. Much like the previous entry, despite being part of the Paranormal Activity film franchise, this movie can also be enjoyed as its own horror film which brings fear and chaos to what is supposed to be a warm and joyous time of the year.

Related: 10 Excellent (But Obscure) Holiday Horror Movies You Can Stream Right Now

Krampus (2015)

Available on Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other platforms

This film follows the dysfunctional Engel family who come together to celebrate Christmas. The arguing among the family causes them to lose their Christmas spirit and causes the young boy, Max, to lose his belief in Santa Claus. This summons Krampus, a demonic entity from European folklore, who the family must contend with, along with the threat posed by the arrival of a severe snowstorm.

The film effectively twists the warmth and joy of the holiday season into terror and chaos, as the family is attacked by Krampus' horrifying gingerbread and toy minions. The tension stays high as the family battles for survival in their home that is overrun with demonic threats and which has turned dark and freezing due to a power outage caused by the snowstorm. The ending of Krampus, however, is the best part of the film, which cleverly delivers surprises that drive home the horror and which may leave audiences with their jaws on the ground as the credits roll.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, and other platforms

This beloved film follows Jack Skellington -- the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town -- who finds himself in a new world when he stumbles into Christmas Town. Confused, yet entranced, he hopes to bring Christmas to his town with his own, unique, Halloween twist. He also intends on taking over Santa Claus' role in Christmas Town.

A fun, stop-motion, musical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas is not nearly as terrifying as the previous entries. However, it still has much to offer as a horror film with its cast of creepy, yet endearing, characters and the terror they wreak by bringing an unnerving twist to Christmas. The Nightmare Before Christmas' catchy songs, stunning art style, and heart-warming ending make this a holiday-horror film that can be enjoyed any time of year by people of all ages.

Gremlins (1984)

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, and more

This classic, beloved film follows a family -- and eventually, a town -- which is attacked by aggressive creatures, called gremlins, on Christmas Eve. Although much less horrifying than the previous entries and much more family-friendly, Gremlins still has much to offer as a horror film, as the gremlins wreak havoc, kill innocent people, and attack their friendly counterparts, known as mogwai. The film even includes a playful twist on gore as the townspeople fight back against and kill gremlins, covering set pieces in their green blood. Ultimately, Gremlins is the perfect holiday-themed horror film for people of all ages. The Gremlins TV show is also a great way to enjoy family-friendly horror all year round.