For those not up to speed with their Germanic Alpine folklore, Krampus is a half-man, half-goat creature that goes around punishing all the naughty children usually by beating them with sticks, trussing them up in chains and dragging them off to hell after Saint Nicholas has rewarded the good kids. So, basically Santas satanic henchman. If the title didnt give it away already, Krampus is based on this old fable but this time the action is transferred to American suburbia as a family gathers to celebrate the holidays. But as with many family gatherings, they soon start to squabble and even more so when a blizzard knocks out their electricity and heat. Cue Krampus, who is about to teach this family a lesson about their decidedly naughty behaviour. Released just this month, its the newest offering from the festive horror genre and cant boast cult status like others on this list, but it is directed by Michael Dougherty (who also directed the brilliant, Halloween-themed horror anthology Trick r Treat) and the cast is great, so its bound to become a Christmas horror classic soon enough. Which other essential Christmas horror movies belong on this list? Share your own favourites below in the comments thread.
