Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Creepy And Unhinged Pics Of Santa That Might Scare You Into Switching Holiday Traditions
Each year during the festive season, kids around the world hurry to take a picture with Santa Claus and whisper their wishes into his ear. Who they anticipate meeting is a charming old fella with a long white beard and fun-sized spectacles squeezed into a bright red suit and black boots. Unfortunately, not all kids are lucky to meet the real deal and instead are stuck sitting on the lap of a creepy guy who looks like he stepped right out of the Nightmare Before Christmas movie.
Bored Panda gathered a whole list of these instances that prove even Santa can’t sometimes do it all. Scroll down to find them and be sure to upvote the ones that have a high chance of summoning Christmas nightmares.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Holiday Favorite
RELATED:
#2
Creepy Vintage Santa Claus
#3
Growing Up I Couldn’t Understand Why My Brother Was So Afraid Of Santa. After Looking Through Old Albums, I Get It Now Bro
Santa Claus has had quite a few look changes throughout history before he became the jolly, chubby guy with the red suit and white beard that we all are familiar with today. His name originated from a 4th-century saint, St. Nicholas, who was known for secret gift-giving.
#4
This Is A Picture Of The Day I Discovered Santa Was Not Real In 2004 (My Uncle Had To Take Off The Mask Off Or I Wouldn't Stop Crying). Give Me A Credit, Thas Mask Was Terrifying!
#5
Me And Creepy Santa, Communist Poland, Mid 80's
#6
Guess What Time Of Year It Is, Boys And Girls!
He would put coins in shoes and give dowries to poor girls so they could marry instead of having a miserable life. He was also imagined to ride above rooftops on a white horse and had helpers who would listen if children were bad or good.
#7
Scary Santa, Wales, 1947
#8
Santa Shaking Hands With Mickey And Minnie Mouse On Roller Skates
#9
It’s The Happiest Season Of All
Around the 15th century, the figure of Father Christmas emerged in England’s folklore. But he typically brought the spirit of good cheer to the festivities and wasn’t known to bring gifts to children.
#10
Creepy Vintage Santa Claus
#11
Great Vintage Santa
#12
Merry Christmas. Now Get Off My Lap And Go Fetch Santa His Bourbon
It was only in the 19th century when this idea reached America, where the guy became Santa Claus. However, he was still shown as a religious figure—thin, bald, barefoot, dressed with a robe and halo above his head.
#13
Santa Looks Like A Professional Wrestler... "Whatcha Gonna Dooo When Santa-Mania Runs Wild On Youuu?!?!
#14
My Mom's Uncle And Aunts With A Creepy Santa. Circa 1925
#15
Old Photo Of A Scary Encounter With Santa
As the years went by, more was added to the Santa Claus legend. In 1863, cartoonist Thomas Nast defined the current Santa Claus look in a Harper's Weekly issue. His illustrations became so popular that he is now credited as the person who created the modern image of Santa. Nast continued drawing him for the next 30 years, changing his coat colors from green, blue and tan to the classic red Santa sports today.
#17
Never Realized How Horrifying Our Family Santa Mask Was Until I Found This Picture Of Me As A Baby And Still Feel The Urge To Cry In Terror To This Day
#18
Creepy Vintage Santa Picture
From there on, Coca-Cola greatly contributed to the popularization of Santa Claus. “People loved the Coca-Cola Santa images and paid such close attention to them that when anything changed, they sent letters to The Coca-Cola Company. One year, Santa's large belt was backwards (perhaps because Sundblom was painting via a mirror). Another year, Santa Claus appeared without a wedding ring, causing fans to write asking what happened to Mrs. Claus,” the company writes on their official website.
#19
Creepy Vintage Santa Claus
#20
Looks Like Santa Just Got Released From The Penitentiary. Is Anyone Else Going To Have Nightmares Over Those Hands?
#21
Got A Pic With Santa... He Said I Was Too Big... We Compromised
Nowadays, Santa Clause brings joy and happiness to children during the festive season. Well, at least to 85% of those who believe in him. The children who think to be Santa Claus real experience magic and wonder and learn values of generosity, kindness, and selflessness.
#22
Scary Santa
At Hides Department store, Bexleyheath. What's the blue eyeshadow about?
I'm the one on the left with the wistful expression. Scared rigid most likely.
I uploaded this to share with someone from church who is organising some kind of 'baby photo' competition.
#23
My Mom With This Creepy Santa! 1946
#24
Hellish Holidays
kristina law 11 months ago
Why are there so many masks in these pics? I always thought it was mostly older gentlemen that resemble Santa to play that part which, in some instances, is creepy enough. But the masked ones are beyond creepy I'm sorry
“Believing in Santa offers children hope, and many stories about Santa teach positive messages about kindness, acceptance and giving. Believing can also motivate children to continue to improve behaviors,” says Dr. Bethany Cook, a licensed clinical psychologist.
#25
My Dad And Uncle, Their Cousins And An Absolutely Terrifying Santa Claus (Late 60's)
#26
Creepy Vintage Santa Claus
#27
Santa Is Coming To Town
#28
Creepy Santa Claus
#29
Duck Dinasty Santa!
#30
A Creepy Santa Claus Picture I Found In A Stack Of Old Family Photos
The festive season is full of magical moments with Santa, but not every encounter goes as planned. Some little ones find themselves unexpectedly frightened, which connects to the humorous theme of surprising moments with Santa.
If you're curious about these unusual encounters during mall visits, consider exploring some amusing and uncanny experiences captured over the years by visiting the quirkiest Santa visits that have been immortalized in photographs.
#31
Aunties With Santa, Kansas City 1984
#33
Chicago Santa Claus 1902
#34
Creepy Santa Claus
#35
Make-Up Horror Show
#37
On The 11th Day Of X-Mas, Creepy Santa Gave To Me... A Beard Without A Face. *shutter*
#38
Grandfather And His Brother With A Creepy Santa 1910's
#39
And My Parents Always Wondered Why I Was Terrified Of Santa
#40
31 Days Of Creepy Santa Day 14
#41
Vintage Santa Nightmare Fuel
#43
Creepy Santa Sneaks Up On Baby
ElfVibratorGlitter 11 months ago
That's either a Walmart or Sears background, I can't remember, but it was an option when I was getting my daughter's photos taken when she was a little one, and that was super creepy. I didn't think anyone would actually ever choose it!
#44
Alert The Authorities! Killer Santa On The Loose!
#45
Rrrrraawwrrrr!
#46
Thanks To Everyone Who Made This Holiday Season The Creepiest Yet! Please Remember That All The Creepy Mall Santas Will Be Roaming The Streets Tonight, Flasks In Hand. Drive Safe And Don't Let Any Of Your Friends Go Home With A Creep!
#48
My Father And Uncle With Creepy Santa 1960's
#49
My Mom And Her Sisters With Scary Santa Claus, Christmas 1969
#50
My Mom Around Christmas 1967 With A Santa Who Was Over The Holiday Season
#52
In The 80's, Our Parents Let Nothing Get In The Way Of The Santa Photo. Not My Self Imposed Hair Cut Or The Terrified Screams Of My Sister Deterred The Yearly Event
#53
I’ve Put Off Posting This Christmas Classic, But Now I Have People Asking Where It Is! #creepysanta
#54
Little Barky (Left) And Littler Brother Jim Once Braved This Rather Creepy Looking Santa In A Racine, Wi Department Store. Oh What Fun
#55
Polish Santa Commands You To Obey!
#58
19th Century "Mall Santas"
Panda McPandaface 11 months ago
19th century? I don't think kids dressed like that in the 1800s, 20th century post WW2 or later.
#59
My Terrified Mother And Unimpressed Uncle Meeting Santa 1955
#60
Photo Of My Father, His Brother And Cousin At Xmas - 1950ish
#61
I Think We Found Our Creepy Santa Of The Year, 2011!!!
#62
More Bad Santa
#63
On Hte 10th Day Of X-Mas, Creepy Santa Gave To Me... Terrifying Texture. From The Yak And Velvet Sleeves To The Horrible Hair Piece.... Bleh! Forget How He Looks, This Santa Feels Wrong!
#64
On The 12th Day Of X-Mas, Creepy Santa Gave To Me... No Escape, Ever!
#65
My Dad Is The Scary Santa, My Grandfather Is Sitting On His Lap. 1965 ( Give Or Take A Year)
#66
#tbt Things You Find At The Ivy! #scarysanta
#67
Picture Of My Dad And A Terrifying Santa - Christmas 1961
#68
My Brother Was Absolutely Terrified Of Santa
11/23/2014
#71
@theellenshow My Poor Baby's Bad Santa Pic… I Can Still Hear Her Pitiful "Mamaaaaa" Ringing In My Ears! 🎅👎 #12daysofgiveaways #sketchysanta
Add New Image
What do you think ?
STress (I/me) 11 months ago
And now, you can listen to him singing Christmas carols. Whether you like it, or not... R-3149188-...6569b1.jpg 
Michael Largey 11 months ago
My question as a kid was "If this guy really can get reindeer to fly, why aren't they touring the world as a circus act?" I could have put that more succintly, but I didn't know the word "monetize" when I was four.
STress (I/me) 11 months ago
And now, you can listen to him singing Christmas carols. Whether you like it, or not... R-3149188-...6569b1.jpg
Michael Largey 11 months ago
My question as a kid was "If this guy really can get reindeer to fly, why aren't they touring the world as a circus act?" I could have put that more succintly, but I didn't know the word "monetize" when I was four.
You May Like To Pass The Time, Here Are 80 Best Christmas Episodes You Can Watch 81 Traditional Christmas Foods To Feast On 135 Christmas Trivia Questions To Make The Wait A Bit More Festive
Larysa Perih
Justina Čiapaitė
Linas Simonaitis
Related on Bored Panda
