Our 2025 Christmas Horror Short Story Contest is now open, and we’re inviting you to put a dark (or delightfully eerie) twist on the festive season. Here’s what you need to know: The contest closes on 26th January, so there’s plenty of time to write after the Christmas rush. We accept stories of any length up to 3,000 words. All styles and intensities of horror are welcome — including cosy horror. The winning story will receive a £1,000 prize. We’re looking for Christmas-themed horror, and we encourage you to have fun with it. Think reindeer with a taste for human flesh, a snowy village hiding a brutal Christmas tradition, sinister carolers who come in uninvited, or something unsettling lurking just beyond the glow of the fairy lights. For those who want feedback, you can also book an in-depth critique of your entry (spaces are limited). And if you’d rather not think about horror during the Christmas period, please feel free to ignore this contest, and instead enjoy a truly wonderful Christmas. Thank you so much for all your support throughout the year! | 