It’s Friday the 13th in December, so it’s perfect timing for spooky season to rise again in this week’s round up of theme park, immersive, and geek core holiday news.
Just in time for Jason Voorhees’ favorite day, there’s some happy horror holiday fun to be had this month, with Nosferatu inviting fans on a chilling immersive theater experience, Disney Cruise launching a Haunted Mansion parlor bar, and Gremlins and Batman Returns getting a feature on the “Holidays Made Here” Warner Bros. studio tour. Meanwhile, Universal Studios unleashes The Grinch for Grinchmas and some unexpected winter fun in Super Nintendo World. As for Disney Experiences, theme park festivities highlight Pixar’s Coco in a special cultural celebration.
Nosferatu: The Immersive Experience
Next week in anticipation for the release of Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, immersive theater juggernaut Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, whose immersive division is led by Delusion creator Jon Braver, will present a special-engagement experience to bring the film to life for fans December 16-18. The only bummer is that as of this week it’s sold out, unless they extend the run. More info here.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor
On the newly christened Treasure, the latest ship to join the Disney Cruise line, Haunted Mansion fans will be able to experience the spooky fun of the beloved Disney Parks attraction with a boo-zy spin in its very own interactive lounge with spirited themed drinks. To book a trip on the Treasure and view destinations visit here.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Holidays Made Here
In Burbank, CA you can take behind-the-scenes glimpses of all your fave Warner Bros. movies, including the festively curated exhibits on the “Holidays Made Here” studio tour. Included are darkly horror tinged favorites like Batman Returns, Gremlins, and of course Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. There’s also a gift shop at the end of the tour that will take you back to the Warner Bros. mall store days; some of the special merch can also be found online. Tour tickets here.
The Horror Boo-dega in Burbank, CA
Halloween is alive and well year-round in Burbank, CA—home of the WB and Disney—with a lane on Magnolia Street full of kitschy shops that have become their own destination for horror fans, including local faves Mystic Museum and Halloweentown. New to the bunch is the Horror Boodega, which features spooky tricks and treats all year long. This week it’s celebrating Friday the 13th, of course!
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
At Grinchmas, you can get in the Grinchy spirit with a live re-telling of the Seuss classic with Cindy-Lou Who, the iconic Martha May, and the Grinch himself (their chemistry is always heart-growing off the charts). Our favorite part? Meeting Max the dog of course! Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood takes place from now until January 6, 2025. For tickets visit here.
Did You Know It Snows in the Mushroom Kingdom?
That’s right: at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood you can find some adorable holiday decor including these Mario and Luigi snowmen. We want more of this of course, maybe some “snoap” fall —though that might make things slippery enough that visitors will need a 1-Up for help. There’s also very cute Nintendo themed decor around, with merch inspired by it. We love the Snowman Mario Ugly Christmas sweater, which let’s be real isn’t really ugly.
Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland & Miguel from Pixar’s Coco
One of the best parts of the Festival of Holidays is the presence of Pixar favorite Coco, and having it represent the Mexican culture’s huge impact on Southern California. It helps transition from Dia De Los Muertos to the winter holidays with Coco‘s timeless and endearing themes of familia. This year, to keep the beloved film as part the holidays beyond November, Miguel is featured with his guitar alongside a live mariachi, performing songs about how we keep loved ones we’ve lost ever-present, and their memories alive. You can also try delicious foods featured in the film, like barbacoa tamales, as part of the holiday foods marketplace experience. For more info visit here.
Spooky and Holiday Geek Core Gift Trends
For the folks in your life who love to be haunted all year, here’s our trends guide for those last minute shopping trips!
- Nosferatu x Heretic Parfum – The official fragrance collaboration for the film smells earthy and moody, perfect for that friend who thinks they’re a vampire. Find it here.
- RSVLTS x Gremlins collection featuring zany creature fun prints. Buy here.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice kids dress-up collection from Taylor Joelle featuring looks inspired by Astrid, Lydia, and Beetlejuice. Take a look here.
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice stocking stuffers from Kid Robot featuring Baby Beetlejuice and cult fave Bob. Find them online and in select retail locations.
- Catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer has her own fragrance company—Henry Rose—including some scents that are inspired by her cinematic history. Dark Is Night, Menace, and Queens and Monsters evoke Batman Returns, Stardust, and Maleficent 2. Check them out here.
- Dr. Martens x Wednesday shoe collection for the Addams fan in your life: here
- These cozy Buffy the Vampire Slayer drops from Dumb Good are a slay. Buy online.
For the under the wire holiday festive finds:
- Elf cozy sleep collections for the kids and the whole family at Copper Pearl, find online.
- Dr. Squatch stocking stuffer soaps featuring Elf, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and Game of Thrones. Shop here.
- Star Wars pajamas for the whole family from Hanna Andersson online.
- Pixar collection from Petunia Picklebottom for traveling families with littles. Shop here!
- Looney Tunes matching family pajamas collection from PatPat online.
- Disney Princess dresses (with sleeves!) for theme park visits this holiday season from PatPat; shop the wide collection here.
- Don’t forget traveling pets with these cozy fur kid releases from Sassy Woof featuring Elf and warm coats from Free Country which you can personalize and match.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Trending Products
