10 Classic Christmas Horror Stories (Excluding ‘A Christmas Carol’)
During the Victorian era, a unique Christmas Eve tradition emerged. Families gathered around the fireplace to share ghost stories. This intriguing practice is believed to have roots that extend beyond the 19th century, possibly linked to ancient pagan rituals. The winter solstice, occurring just before Christmas, was regarded as a time when the veil between the living and the dead thinned. Today, while ghost stories are not as prevalent during the holiday season, several classic tales remain popular.
10 Classic Christmas Horror Stories (Excluding ‘A Christmas Carol’)
If you’re seeking chilling narratives to warm your winter nights, here are ten lesser-known ghost stories that fit the festive season perfectly.
- The Ash Tree by M.R. James
- The Kit-Bag by Algernon Blackwood
- Between the Lights by E.F. Benson
- Smee by A.M. Burrage
- The Haunted Man by Charles Dickens
- A Strange Christmas Game by J.H. Riddell
- Number Ninety by B.M. Croker
- All Souls by Edith Wharton
- The Ghost’s Summons by Ada Buisson
- The Shadow by Edith Nesbit
The Ash Tree by M.R. James
M.R. James, a prominent English scholar, is well-known for his ghost stories. “The Ash Tree,” published in 1904, revolves around the witchcraft trial of Mrs. Mothersole. Her mysterious last words foreshadow ominous events that unfold in a rural English village.
The Kit-Bag by Algernon Blackwood
This 1908 tale features a barrister who uncovers a chilling truth while preparing for a Christmas holiday. Originally published in London’s Pall Mall magazine, it showcases the eerie nuances of Blackwood’s storytelling.
Between the Lights by E.F. Benson
E.F. Benson is celebrated for his comedic novels but also penned ghost stories. “Between the Lights,” released in 1912, takes place in an eerie mansion, where a guest shares a nightmarish vision during the holiday season.
Smee by A.M. Burrage
In “Smee,” published in 1931, a Christmas Eve party leads to a supernatural revelation. The story vividly captures the essence of festive joy intertwined with elements of horror.
The Haunted Man by Charles Dickens
Not only famous for “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens’s “The Haunted Man,” published in 1848, features an unworldly character that symbolizes the troubled past. The story compellingly illustrates the impact of memories on the human spirit.
A Strange Christmas Game by J.H. Riddell
Published in 1863, J.H. Riddell’s tale revolves around siblings who inherit a haunted mansion. The ghostly events stem from a fateful game played in the past, merging mystery with holiday themes.
Number Ninety by B.M. Croker
This unsettling story involves a haunted house in Charleston, South Carolina. The protagonist’s encounter with the spirits challenges his skepticism during a Christmas night stay.
All Souls by Edith Wharton
Set in a country house during chilly October, Wharton’s 1937 story features a woman alone and confronting inexplicable occurrences. Its wintry atmosphere makes it suitable for holiday storytelling.
The Ghost’s Summons by Ada Buisson
Buisson’s “The Ghost’s Summons,” published posthumously, tells of a doctor visited by a mysterious patient on Christmas Eve. The encounter hints at a supernatural event that unfolds in an unexpected manner.
The Shadow by Edith Nesbit
Nesbit, famed for her children’s literature, also wrote ghost stories. “The Shadow,” published in 1905, interlaces a chilling narrative with Christmas festivities, as tales told around a party unveil dark secrets from the past.
These stories offer a distinct twist to the traditional holiday narrative, ensuring frightful fun for modern readers who enjoy the horror genre during Christmas time.
