Christmas Crime Chronicles: Unveiling the Top 5 Shocking True Crimes

During the holidays, people often focus on love, giving, and... murder? For those who prefer something a little darker, we have compiled a list of five true crime documentaries to watch this Christmas.

Christmas plans and dinner menus may differ from home to home, but many households have a few cozy movies that are a staple during the festive season.

If you're looking for something a little more chilling to enjoy with your eggnog this Christmas, check out these five true crime documentaries. Warning: Some may find this content distressing, but for those seeking a darker viewing experience, these films offer a compelling alternative to the holiday classics like Home Alone or Love Actually.

Santa Claus: The Serial Killer

Titled Santa Claus: The Serial Killer and released in the previous year, this documentary series delves into the heinous crimes committed by shopping mall Santa Bruce McArthur. He is suspected to be the most prolific killer in Toronto's history, with his primary targets being the LGBTQ+ community and POC. Over the span of 2010 to 2017, McArthur murdered and dismembered eight men he had met in the Gay Village of the Canadian city. The series also examines the societal prejudice and the individuals impacted by McArthur's crimes, shedding light on the years it took for the police to apprehend him.

Where to stream: BBC iPlayer

Sins of our Mother

For a sobering reminder that your family is not the most dysfunctional this holiday season, Sins of our Mother is a must-watch. Directed by Skye Borgman, known for Abducted in Plain Sight and Girl in the Picture, this gripping documentary series delves into the story of "doomsday mom" Lori Vallow and her tragic plunge into extremist beliefs that resulted in multiple murders, including those of her own children. With each episode more shocking than the last, the series unravels a tale of betrayal and religious fanaticism. Available for streaming on Netflix.

Homicide for the Holidays

Since 2016, the Oxygen Channel has annually premiered a new season of Homicide for the Holidays, a true crime series that serves as a stark reminder that the festive season can take a dark turn with the occurrence of murder. Each episode delves into a case that transpired during the holidays, with the Season 5 finale focusing on the cold-blooded murder of a Texas police officer on Christmas Eve, leading to a nationwide manhunt. With firsthand testimonies from the victims’ family and friends, the series offers a chilling yet moving portrayal of how tragedy can strike at any time, even during the holidays.

Where to stream: Oxygen Channel

Body in the Snow: The Murder of Joanna Yeates

Discover the compelling murder case of Joanna Yeates that captivated the nation. Uncover the police investigation and the wrongful suspicion that fell on her landlord. Watch Body In The Snow: Joanna Yeates on #My5 now. Link: https://t.co/axqjCyvEWk #Channel5_tv #truecrime

Stream the compelling UK documentary "Body in the Snow" on Channel 5, which delves into the tragic and mysterious death of Joanna Yeates over Christmas 2010. The documentary stands out for its detailed exploration of the case, from Yeates' initial disappearance in Bristol to the intense police investigation and the arrest and conviction of her neighbor. Just in time for the holidays, "Body in the Snow" offers a gripping and thought-provoking viewing experience that provides a stark contrast to the festive season's cheer.

The Killing of JonBenet: The Truth Uncovered

Uncovering the Truth Behind JonBenet's Murder: This documentary delves into one of the most infamous and unresolved homicide cases in American history - the tragic death of six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey, a young beauty pageant contestant whose life was cut short on Christmas Day in 1996. The film stands out for its thorough examination and presentation of the extensive evidence gathered throughout the years, shedding light on previously undisclosed details and featuring interviews with key individuals linked to the case.

Where to stream: A&E on Amazon Prime

How to watch BBC iPlayer and Channel 5 outside UK

a VPN service such as Express VPN, then download and install the VPN software. Once installed, open the software and connect to a UK server. Now you can access BBC iPlayer and Channel 5’s on-demand service from anywhere in the world.

Connect to a UK location that allows Channel 4 and create a free account, or connect to an Australian or South Korean location and sign in to Netflix

Watch and enjoy

Check out our list of the top 25 Christmas movies, our favorite true crime documentaries of 2023, and more coverage of other documentaries below:

- Great Photo, Lovely Life explained

- Love Has Won’s “3D” hospital

- How did John Gotti die?

- Who Killed Jill Dando?

- Where is Gypsy Rose Blanchard now?

- Russell Brand's most shocking moments

- Scouts Honor

- The Lucie Blackman Case

- The Isabella Nardoni Case

- Who are the Duggars?

- Victim/Suspect explained

- Missing Dead or Alive explained

- The Playing Card Killer

- Take Care of Maya

- HBO’s Burden of Proof explained

- How to watch David Fuller: Monster in the Morgue

- How to watch the Hart family murders documentary

- The Deepest Breath

- True story of Last Call

Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Editor's P/S

As a true crime enthusiast, I find the "Christmas Crime Chronicles" article both intriguing and unsettling. It's fascinating to see how the holiday season, which is typically associated with joy and celebration, can also be a backdrop for dark and disturbing events. The documentaries mentioned in the article offer a chilling reminder that even during the most festive times, crime and tragedy can strike.

The cases highlighted in the article, such as the horrific crimes committed by shopping mall Santa Bruce McArthur and the tragic story of "doomsday mom" Lori Vallow, are particularly disturbing. It's both captivating and unsettling to delve into the minds of these criminals and understand the motivations behind their actions. The fact that these events occurred during the holiday season adds an extra layer of eeriness, making them even more unforgettable.