Christmas is typically the time of year for joy and good tidings, festive events, and fixings associated with the season. Seasonal films have been one of those holiday staples which date back over a century. The first Christmas movie is documented to have premiered in 1898, appropriately titled Santa Claus. Since that first Christmas film, the long tradition of heartwarming cinema has continued. However, things don’t always stay so nice, and as time passed, some fans seemed to prefer a little naughty or bloody entertainment to complement their festive celebrations.

In 1971, the first horror-themed Christmas film, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo, was released in the U.K. The United States would follow with its first Christmas-themed horror film Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972). But as noted in The Hollywood Reporter, it wasn’t until 1974 that viewers became more open to the idea of such content as an excellent addition to their holiday flick list. As further noted, “Black Christmas offered something audiences hadn’t seen before, including a shocking ending that still could haunt today.”

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Over the years, the interest in holiday horror has waxed and waned. Many fans of the less-than-cheerful alternatives have found such films here and there. But this year is shaping up to be a rather bloody Christmas. And with many nightmarish horror movies premiering this season, here is a bit of what fans can expect.

Curse of Jack Frost (Nov. 1)

     Jagged Edge Productions

One of the most recognized figures of holiday lore is Jack Frost. Those familiar with the legend of Frost know he’s never been a nice guy. This is no surprise. He has received this depiction in earnest. Frost is said to originate from Norse mythology, deriving from the Norse figure Jokul Frosti. However, his wickedness has only sometimes been translated as so in U.S. films.

Related Link: Christmas Slasher Teaser Puts a Zombie Reindeer on a Bloody Rampage

In many movies, Frost is depicted as more of a trickster with impish designs. One need only look to examples such as Rise of the Guardians or The Santa Clause. However, viewers will get something much more wicked this year with Curse of Jack Frost. Frost is a bit of a demon in this holiday offering, and he’s on a mission. As noted in the film synopsis, Jack will stop at nothing this Christmas to exact his vengeance on those left in the bloodline. So, for those eager to see exactly how this plays out, this film was an early holiday offering and began streaming on VOD on November 1.

Violent Night (Dec. 2)

     Universal Pictures

If a murderous robotic Santa doesn’t have quite the appeal, then perhaps a kick-butt vengeful Ji-Jitsu-loving Santa starring David Harbour will. And Violent Night will be the perfect holiday treat. In Violent Night Santa has an ax to grind. He aims to deliver more than coal to some thieves who pose a threat to one family’s Christmas. So it will be far from a silent night. And moviegoers will see just how ticked Santa can get when people are too naughty.

However, unlike Christmas Bloody Christmas, Violent Night will premiere in theaters. So if you don’t want to miss the blood fest, December 2 is the date to remember.

Christmas Bloody Christmas (Dec. 9)

     RLJE Films

Santa, Papa Noel, or Kris Kringle as some like to call him, is the central figure of Christmas. There aren’t many holiday tales that don’t feature his caricature in some form. Some fan favorites over the years have been The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen, Miracle on 34th Street, or Bad Santa (Billy Bob Thornton) for the bawdy crowd. But this year, viewers will see Santa as an animatronic killing machine, as he’s rarely been captured on film reels.

In Christmas Bloody Christmas, things go quite wrong. This Santa has much more on his mind than posing as decoration for mallgoers. And he doesn’t come alive with Christmas magic to deliver presents. Instead, he’s a naughty Claus that slashes his way through his victims. For those craving a not so Jolly Kringle, this film is set to premiere on December 9, 2022, on Shudder.

The Mean One (Dec. 15)

     XYZ Films

Another holiday favorite is the Grinch. Dr. Seuss made the character famous in his iconic book How the Grinch Stole Christmas published on October 12, 1957. In 1966 Seuss’s character got the Hollywood treatment with the re-envisioning of his work in a cartoon. The cartoon version of Seuss’s work was released on December 18, 1966, and remains a seasonal favorite. In 2000 the favorite was reworked, but this time as a major motion picture starring Jim Carey as the Grinch.

Despite the Grinch having a bit of an edge, the depth of his meanness has never been fully explored. That is about to change with the upcoming adaptation entitled The Mean One. This will be the fourth reworking of the piece. According to Collider, this one is unlike the others in more ways than one. This film will differ primarily because it’s an “unauthorized parody of the work.” Because of the lack of appropriate permissions, like in Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey, the creative team has made it their mission to tread carefully.

One way in which the film will veer is with the primary character. While audiences will recognize him as the Grinch in the movie, he is not so named. He is instead “The Mean One,” a real nasty figure turned slasher. Here is another interesting factoid: David Howard Thornton made “Art the Clown” of the Terrifier so monstrous is no other than “The Mean One” in this holiday flick.

Related Link: The Mean One Grinch Parody: Plot, Cast, Release Date, and Everything Else We Know

The reported premiere date is December 15. However, news has yet to be released about what platform it will be found streaming. But that’s even more reason to watch out.

Mistletoe Massacre (Dec. 23)

     Starpond Films

Not only figures are Christmas staples. Christmas trees, chestnuts, holly, silver bells, and mistletoe also serve as season fixtures. And this holiday season, Director Shawn C. Phillips and Lauren Francesca will bring a bit of festive horror with the film Mistletoe Massacre.

Mistletoe Massacre is a bit different from the other offerings. This feature has a bit more than darkness to offer its viewers. This horror-comedy focuses on a less-than-merry outcome at an office Christmas party. And if things turn out as horrifying as the synopsis reads, “struggling staff has been invited to the party, but no one will be returning home for the holidays.” it’s going to be quite the watch. And If this sounds like something to get you in the spirit. Mistletoe Massacre is set to premiere on December 23, 2022.

2022 is shaping up to be a holiday season unlike no other. Of course, this is mainly for those who like a pinch of horrifying naughtiness with cinnamon-laced nog and roasted chestnuts.