Thanksgiving isn’t usually the first holiday that comes to mind when you think of horror, but maybe it should be. Beneath the cozy table settings and the scent of pumpkin pie, there’s always been something a little uneasy about gathering family, carving meat, and pretending everything’s fine. This season, swap the Hallmark glow for something darker with this handful of short Thanksgiving horror stories that explore the sinister side of gratitude, family, and feasting.

ThanksHaunting A Thanksgiving Horror Short Story by Sam Whittaker

When Mark’s cousin invites him to Thanksgiving at the old family home, he is looking forward to it.  It has been a long time since all the family got together, and he misses the joyful experiences he had with his cousins in happier times.  

Unfortunately, there is one extra guest at the party.  Someone nobody invited.  Someone who might ruin Mark’s reunion. (14 pages)

If you check out this short tale by Same Whittaker and enjoy it, he has another Thanksgiving offering as well.  “I Bought a Haunted Thanksgiving Table” is written in advent calendar style, in the same vein as Per Jacobson’s 25 Days and Ben Farthing’s “The 31st Trick or Treater.”  It is meant to be read, one chapter a day, leading up to the last chapter on the day in question.  If you read it in 2025, chapter 1 starts on November 1st and it ends on Thanksgiving day.

The Terrible Thanksgiving (Holiday Horrors Book 1) by Lennie Grace

This short story apparently exists because the author saw a meme that said, “Wine. Because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad” and took it as a challenge.  

This story does indeed start with its main character, Travis, eating a salad.  Then he is rudely interrupted by a co-worker who eventually invites him to come over for Thanksgiving dinner.  After some thought, Travis agrees.  Of course, this wouldn’t be a horror story if everything went to plan and it doesn’t take long for Travis to regret his decision.  (21 pages)

Craving a Carving: A Short Thanksgiving Horror Story (Holiday Horror Shorts) by Holley Rae Garcia

Riley’s family has a secret to die for, and it all revolves around Thanksgiving.  She finds out about this secret the year she turns 13, and a few years later she’s expected to fully participate.

This family secret follows her to college, where she begins to “experiment” and when Thanksgiving rolls around she’s ready to play her part in cooking the family meal.(40 pages)

Horror You Crave: The Thanksgiving Monster by Julio Miranda

Going to bed hungry, after a questionable Thanksgiving meal, our main character is watching the neighbors enjoy their feast and wishing the worst for them. That is when a monster shows up at his window.  Turns out the monster accidentally ended up in the wrong room, but was still going to teach someone a lesson.  Will this lesson be in the favor of our hungry MC or not?  You’ll have to read it to see. (14 pages)

Whether you prefer vengeful spirits, cursed family traditions, or monsters with a taste for stuffing, Thanksgiving horror has more to offer than you might think. Each of these bite-sized tales serves up a different flavor of dread.  Best of all they are quick to read, easy to digest, and easily enjoyed between helpings of mashed potatoes and pie. So before you pass the gravy, maybe add a little terror to your holiday menu.

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