The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and togetherness—yet, for many, it also stirs a deeper sense of unease, especially when it comes to horror stories that twist this cheerful period into something dark and unsettling. And here’s where it gets truly intriguing: a new horror anthology coming this Christmas promises to deliver spine-chilling tales that will redefine holiday entertainment.
Fans of the genre have something special to look forward to this year, as Emmy-nominated creators of the popular show 'Dragula,' The Boulet Brothers, are offering a unique gift—a holiday-themed horror anthology that will hit screens on December 16th via Shudder, a streaming platform known for its curated collection of horror content. Check out the trailer below to get a taste of what’s to come.
This upcoming collection features four original short films crafted by some of the most talented voices in horror and genre storytelling. These filmmakers include Swanthula & Dracmorda Boulet themselves, David Dastmalchian (known for his role in 'Late Night with the Devil'), Akela Cooper—who wrote for 'Malignant' and 'M3GAN'—and actress Kate Siegel, recognized for her performances in 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'Midnight Mass.'
One of the standout shorts, titled “Gaudete,” is written and directed by the Boulet Brothers. It stars Bonnie Aarons, Aaron Abrams, Briana Venskus, and Eloisa Huggins. The story centers on a family inheriting an old house from their grandmother just before Christmas. As they settle in, strange noises begin echoing through the house, and tensions escalate. An unseen presence makes itself known, forcing them to confront a horrifying secret hidden within the home—a classic setup that blends holiday cheer with chilling suspense.
Another intriguing piece, “Yeti or Not,” is directed by David Dastmalchian, who also plays the Yeti in the film. Co-written with Leah Kilpatrick and Jennifer Polania, this story follows three friends on a wilderness expedition to find their missing sister and friend. What they discover amidst the snow-covered wilderness is far more terrifying and inhuman than they could have ever imagined, turning their quest into a nightmare shaped by primal fears and unknown creatures.
The anthology also features “Old Acquaintance,” from writer-director Akela Cooper. It stars Tracie Thoms, Tiffany Smith, Charles Murray, and Abhora. Set during New Year’s Eve, the story follows a woman returning home after her father's sudden death, only to find that the demonic entity haunting her father has now turned its focus on her. This tale explores themes of grief, inheritance of evil, and the dark shadows we carry from our past.
Completing the lineup is “Down the Chimney,” crafted and directed by Kate Siegel, who also lends her voice to the film alongside Dominic Hure, Theodora Flanagan, and Cody Flanagan. This story takes the classic “bad children” scenario and turns it into a nightmarish reality—reminding us that sometimes the worst-case scenarios for good little boys and girls do come true during the most wonderful time of the year.
Commenting on the project, the Boulet Brothers shared their excitement: “Working alongside David and a talented team of filmmakers has been such a joy. Our short within this anthology allowed us to explore our favorite kind of storytelling—moody, vicious, and hauntingly beautiful. We can't wait for audiences to experience these four distinct visions of holiday horror, especially our dark little nightmare.”
David Dastmalchian added, “There’s an inherent haunting quality to the holiday season—Dickens understood it, and now I get to team up with my favorite creative friends to twist and terrorize this festive time into something dark and fun. Move over, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ because a new holiday tradition of fear is on its way!”
Produced by The Boulet Brothers in collaboration with Good Fiend Films, the project is led by the brothers and Dastmalchian, who serve as executive producers. It promises a blend of traditional holiday cheer with a menacing twist, offering horror fans a fresh way to celebrate the season—one that’s darker, spookier, and more unpredictable than ever.
But here’s where it might stir debate: Is turning the holiday spirit into horror just playful, or could it undermine the very meaning of what these celebrations stand for? Do you think the thrill of holiday scares enhances or detracts from the season’s warmth? Share your thoughts in the comments—after all, horror and holiday cheer are both about confronting our deepest fears, just in very different ways.
