AUSTIN, TEXAS — The holidays are getting a whole lot darker. Horror for the Holidays Expo, one of Austin’s only horror specific conventions and the longest-running horror holiday market, returns this year with a new home at the Hilton Austin Downtown, bringing even more horror, entertainment and holiday mayhem to the heart of the city.

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The 12th annual Horror for the Holidays Expo brings together horror fans, celebrities, artists, small businesses, filmmakers, creators and performers for a weekend celebrating everything from classic scares to the strange and unexpected. The move to the Hilton Austin Downtown provides a new setting for the ever-growing event, with an expanded lineup of attractions and activities all under one roof.

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SPECIAL GUESTS, Q&AS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Fans can meet special guests and enjoy celebrity panels, Q&As, anniversary screenings and special presentations featuring familiar faces from some of their favorite horror films. The event will feature an exciting lineup of horror favorites, including Heather Langenkamp and Lisa Wilcox from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Jonathan Breck and Brian Penikas from Jeepers Creepers, Kelli Maroney of Night of the Comet and Chopping Mall, and Marc Price of Trick or Treat. 

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HUGE VENDOR MARKET

The attraction that started it all, the Vendor Market brings together independent artists, makers, creators and small businesses offering dark, unusual and horror-inspired art, collectibles, apparel, gifts and unique finds — perfect for fans looking to shop local and find something beyond the ordinary this holiday season.

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BLOOD OVER TEXAS FILM FEST

The 2nd annual Blood Over Texas Film Fest shines a spotlight on independent filmmakers with a lineup of horror shorts, special screenings, filmmaker panels, meetups, Q&As and an awards ceremony. Filmmakers can showcase their work, compete for awards and spend the weekend connecting with fellow creators and horror fans.

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HOLIDAY CREATURES AND COSPLAY

The holiday horrors continue with photos with Evil Santa, a new Horror Cosplay Contest, holiday creatures and the event's infamous Krampus Parade. The parade, led by a drum procession through the aisles of the market, features professional Krampus characters from local haunted houses and Nonprofessional Krampus performers competing for the title of Krampus King of 2026 and awarded with the Mum of Death. Sponsored by local haunt, House of Torment.

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CREEPY CRAFT CLASSES

Fans can also roll up their sleeves with hands-on craft classes, including horror-themed trading friendship bracelets and unusual specimen preservation workshops where participants can learn new skills and create macabre keepsakes to take home.

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THE HORROR INVADES DOWNTOWN

With its move to the Hilton Austin Downtown, Blood Over Texas is bringing its signature brand of horror entertainment to a new downtown setting and inviting Austin to celebrate the holidays from the darker side. From films and celebrity guests to cosplay, creatures, Krampus, shopping, crafting and holiday-themed horror, Horror for the Holidays Expo offers something for every kind of horror fan.

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ABOUT BLOOD OVER TEXAS

Blood Over Texas is Austin’s premier horror event company, known for creating immersive horror experiences for over 15 years. “Keeping Austin Bloody,” Blood Over Texas brings fans, filmmakers, artists, performers and creators together to celebrate the genre.