For many, Christmas is a season of joy and cheer, but for horror fans, it’s also the perfect time to dive into stories that mix holiday cheer with bone-chilling terror.

Whether you’re looking for a creepy twist on holiday traditions or spine-tingling mysteries set in wintry landscapes, these Christmas horror books are sure to fill your stockings with fright.  

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NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

What happens when Christmas is the stuff of nightmares? Joe Hill’s NOS4A2 introduces readers to a sinister villain, Charlie Manx, who kidnaps children and traps them in the eerie Christmasland. Full of suspense and dark holiday imagery, this novel will make you think twice about Christmas carols.  

Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom 

Meet Krampus, the dark shadow of Santa Claus. In this beautifully illustrated novel, Brom weaves a tale of revenge, folklore, and holiday horror. Krampus: The Yule Lord is a feast for fans of dark fantasy and macabre holiday stories.  

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman  

The holidays take a deadly turn in this psychological thriller. When Harriet attends her fiancé’s family Christmas, she finds herself caught in a dangerous game that might just cost her life.  

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson  

This chilling novella combines Peter Swanson’s knack for suspense with a Christmas setting. A murder mystery unfolds in the cozy atmosphere of a family Christmas gathering.

Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict  

Imagine a classic locked-room mystery on a snowbound train, but with a Christmas twist. This novel combines Agatha Christie vibes with holiday magic, making it an unmissable read for fans of seasonal whodunits.  

The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger and Terry Reed  

This book explores folklore, legends, and ghost stories associated with Christmas and wintertime from around the world. It challenges the warm, cheerful image of the holiday by spotlighting terrifying figures like Krampus, the Yule Lads, and other sinister spirits who were traditionally used to keep children in line during the winter months.

A Christmas Bestiary by John Kenn Mortensen  

This illustrated collection explores the monstrous side of Christmas folklore. From Krampus to other dark legends, Mortensen’s eerie drawings and tales provide a unique perspective on holiday traditions.  

Christmas and Other Horrors edited by Ellen Datlow

This dark anthology blends the holiday season with elements of horror and the macabre. The stories explore themes of fear, isolation, and the supernatural, with Christmas often acting as a backdrop for strange and terrifying events.

See more horror anthologies.

The Visitor by Sergio Gomez  

Set on Christmas Eve, this novella follows a group of strangers trapped in a diner during a snowstorm. When an uninvited visitor arrives, the night turns into a deadly fight for survival.

Christmas Morning Massacre by Butcher Queen  

Fans of slasher films will love this gory tale of holiday mayhem. Set in a snowy mountain lodge, Christmas Morning Massacre is a blood-soaked homage to classic horror tropes, making it ideal for those who like their Christmas stories with a heavy dose of carnage.  

More Christmas Horror Book Recommendations  

If you can’t get enough of creepy Christmas tales, check out Anda Kent’s YouTube channel and Goodreads. Anda shares in-depth reviews and recommendations for even more festive frights.  

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So light the fireplace, grab a cup of cocoa, and prepare for a holiday season filled with terror.

What’s your favorite Christmas horror book? Let me know in the comments.