Unconventional Holiday Horror: Short Films to Watch This Season

Published December 1, 2024 · Updated November 7, 2024

In an unconventional holiday scene, a woman in a red dress pours eggnog into another's mouth using a funnel. The room, perfect for a short film with its festive string lights, small tree, stockings, and snowman poster, exudes a quirky charm that blurs the line between cheer and mystery.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, horror fans! As we dive into the holiday season, we recognize that it’s not just about Christmas; it’s a time for various celebrations. While we eagerly await a good Hanukkah or Kwanzaa-themed horror film, we’ve decided to explore a unique niche this year—Christmas horror shorts!

Why Short Films?

With the rise of the internet and platforms like YouTube, there’s an abundance of short films available, each offering a quick dose of creativity and thrills. These films are perfect for those who want to enjoy a bit of holiday horror without committing to a full-length feature. Here are some reasons we love short films:

Quick Entertainment: Most of these shorts are under 20 minutes.
Diverse Themes: A variety of concepts and stories beyond the typical “killer Santa” trope.
Easy to Access: You can find and watch them online with just a few clicks.

We’ve scoured the internet to find six of the most interesting Christmas horror shorts that showcase creativity and production value. Let’s dive into our recommendations!

By the way, these recommendations are based off our 2018 podcast episode, Christmas Shorts. If you wanna hear our in-depth reviews of these, go check it out now!

A person holds a large, weathered axe beside their leg, embodying the essence of an unconventional holiday horror. Standing in a snowy landscape with evergreen trees behind them, they wear dark pants and a plaid shirt, set against the season's cool, bluish tint.

1. TreeVenge (2008)

Directed by Jason Eisner, TreeVenge is a hilarious take on the horrors of Christmas tree harvesting. The film captures the plight of Christmas trees as they are cut down and transported for holiday celebrations.

Key Highlights:

70s Horror Vibe: The film has a retro feel with grainy footage and a nostalgic score reminiscent of classic horror.
Dark Humor: The trees communicate with each other through subtitles, expressing their fear and despair as they face their fate.
Gory Comedy: Expect over-the-top gore as the trees seek revenge on their captors in hilarious and grotesque ways.

This short is a clever commentary on the Christmas season, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy a mix of horror and humor.

A woman with long dark hair, partially covering her face, poses against a sparkling, bokeh background. With a white flower in her hair and red lipstick, she exudes an unconventional allure, reminiscent of an enigmatic character from short films.

2. The Winter Stalker

This brief visual poem presents a dark twist on the classic Santa Claus mythos. What if Santa was a stalker?

Key Highlights:

Creepy Undertones: The film plays on the idea that Santa watches you while you sleep, adding a sinister layer to the beloved character.
Artistic Shots: Despite its short runtime, it’s visually engaging and well-crafted.
Humorous Elements: The dark humor shines through in unexpected moments, making it both funny and unsettling.

3. Humbug (2016)

Written and directed by a female team, Humbug is a unique take on the holiday spirit, featuring a goth girl who despises Christmas.

Key Highlights:

Creative Storytelling: The film explores the transformation of a Christmas hater into a holiday lover through a bizarre ritual.
Unexpected Humor: From tasing to force-feeding eggnog, the comedic elements keep the audience engaged.
Visual Effects: The short features impressive effects, particularly when revealing the titular “humbug.”

This film is a testament to the creativity of independent filmmakers, showcasing how humor can be found in the most unexpected places.

In this holiday horror short film, an evil-looking figure dressed as Santa Claus menacingly grips a terrified woman by the neck amid a snowy scene. Her expression of extreme fear underscores the unconventional twist on seasonal cheer.

4. All Through the House

A remake of a sequence from the classic 1972 Tales from the Crypt anthology film (which we covered in this episode), All Through the House is the pilot episode of the Tales from the Crypt TV series, and it combines dark humor with holiday horror.

Key Highlights:

Star-Studded Cast: Featuring recognizable faces from the 80s, the film captures the essence of classic horror storytelling.
Wacky Premise: The plot revolves around a woman murdering her husband for money, all while maintaining a festive atmosphere.
Tales from the Crypt Vibe: True to the anthology’s spirit, the film blends horror with humor in a delightfully absurd way.

Inside Jokes and Easter Eggs

In All Through the House, the film is filled with clever nods to the horror genre, thanks to writer Fred Decker. Fans of horror comics will appreciate the references to William Gaines and Harvey Feldstein, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for genre enthusiasts. And it’s directed by Robert Zemeckis, so what’s not to love?

A person wearing a reindeer sweater and black beanie stands in a room with a green-glass door, exuding an unconventional surprise. A blurred figure in the foreground appears to wield a long object. In the background, decorated walls and a plant suggest an eerie holiday horror setting.

5. Do You See What I See?

This short opens with a Christmas party in a suburban neighborhood and quickly descends into chaos. The film features a cynical character named Sloane, who is reluctantly attending her sister’s holiday gathering.

Key Highlights:

Character Dynamics: The film explores family tensions and the clash between Sloane’s cynicism and her sister’s perfectionism.
Unexpected Twists: As the party unfolds, a killer dressed as Santa wreaks havoc, leading to a thrilling and bloody climax.
Clever Commentary: The film cleverly critiques holiday traditions while incorporating slasher elements.

The twist at the end reveals a deeper narrative about perception and reality, making it a standout in the holiday horror genre.

6. Slay Bells

This odd yet ambitious short tells the story of a woman hosting Christmas for her family, only to descend into madness.

Key Highlights:

Absurd Humor: The film features wacky scenarios, including the protagonist wrapping her sister’s body in Christmas paper after a heated argument.
Bizarre Plot Twists: The story takes unexpected turns as the protagonist serves her family a dinner made from her sister, all while insisting it’s the best Christmas ever.
Thought-Provoking Themes: Amidst the absurdity, the film comments on familial relationships and societal pressures.

While it may not be as polished as others, its commitment to its bizarre premise makes it a memorable watch.

Conclusion

This holiday season, we encourage you to explore these unconventional horror shorts. They offer a fresh perspective on holiday traditions, blending humor and horror in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you’re looking for a quick scare or a good laugh, these films are sure to deliver.

Watch and Enjoy!

Be sure to check out our original episode post for links to these shorts, and let us know which ones you enjoyed the most. Happy holidays, and may your season be filled with festive frights!