‘UNHOLY NIGHT’ Trailer Unleashes a Bloody Christmas Nightmare Ahead of December 4 Shudder Premiere
Shudder Unveils Trailer and Poster for Holiday Horror-Comedy ‘UNHOLY NIGHT,’ Arriving December 4
Shudder has released the official trailer and poster for UNHOLY NIGHT, a holiday horror-comedy from filmmaker Michael Gabriele that will premiere exclusively on the streaming service December 4, 2026. The film arrives following its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where it received the Gold Audience Award for Best Canadian Feature.
The feature directorial debut of Gabriele, UNHOLY NIGHT stars Marc Bendavid (DARK MATTER, REACHER) and Shailene Garnett (FIRE COUNTRY, DIGGSTOWN) in a supernatural Christmas nightmare that transforms a traditional family gathering into a violent confrontation with the undead.
The story follows Gino, whose plans for a conventional Christmas Eve celebration take an unexpected turn when his long-deceased grandmother returns from the grave and begins a murderous rampage.
As the situation escalates, Gino reunites with his ex, forcing the estranged couple to work together as additional deceased members of his Italian family begin appearing throughout the neighborhood.
With their holiday celebrations descending into chaos, the pair must navigate their complicated relationship while searching for a way to eliminate the supernatural threat and survive the night.
The film combines elements of supernatural horror, creature features and dysfunctional family comedy, using its Christmas setting as the backdrop for an increasingly violent series of encounters.
The newly released trailer introduces the film's central premise, offering audiences a look at its undead family members, practical horror imagery and holiday-themed violence ahead of its streaming debut.
Gabriele previously directed the short film GET AWAY, which received the Gold Audience Award for Best International Short at the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival. His return to Fantasia with UNHOLY NIGHT marked another audience award for the filmmaker, this time for his first feature-length production.
The film is produced by Gabriele, Jenna MacMillan, Marc Tetreault and Jason Levangie. Executive producers include Dave Anderson, Jason MacIssac, Richard Huggard, Tina Carbone and Jef Burnham.
UNHOLY NIGHT also continues Shudder's tradition of programming seasonal horror releases, offering a Christmas-themed alternative to conventional holiday entertainment.
The film's combination of undead relatives, dark comedy and supernatural violence draws from established horror-comedy traditions while incorporating its own family-centered holiday premise.
Horror Movies Uncut previously screened UNHOLY NIGHT during Fantasia 2026, where the film's combination of creature-feature horror and comedy was examined alongside its noticeable influences from the EVIL DEAD franchise.
With its theatrical festival run completed, the upcoming Shudder premiere will provide a wider audience with an opportunity to experience Gabriele's debut feature during the holiday season.
UNHOLY NIGHT premieres exclusively on Shudder Friday, December 4, 2026.
The official trailer and poster are available now.
Read Horror Movies Uncut's full Fantasia review.
Will UNHOLY NIGHT make your holiday horror watchlist? Let us know in the comments.
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